Robert's Place

The song "Robert's Place" by Simon Robert French is a poignant reflection on loss, memory, and the enduring connection to a loved one who has passed away. The lyrics describe a person's journey to visit the resting place of someone named Robert, who we can infer was a significant figure in the narrator's life, likely a father or close family member. The act of bringing flowers, spending extra hours, and playing songs on a guitar suggests a deep sense of longing and an attempt to maintain a bond with Robert, despite his absence.

The recurring theme of visiting Robert's place beneath a tree symbolizes a sacred and personal space where the narrator can feel close to Robert. The mention of Robert's 'pretty eyes' and the desire to make the place 'look real nice' with flowers and grass seeds indicates a cherished and intimate relationship. The acknowledgment that Robert is 'just bones' and 'six feet under' is a stark acceptance of death's finality, yet the narrator finds solace in speaking to him as if he might still care and be present in some form.

The song's emotional weight is carried by the hope that Robert can somehow sense the narrator's presence and the life updates shared during these visits. The bittersweet realization that Robert cannot physically respond or 'sing along' does not deter the narrator from seeking comfort in this ritual. The song ends with a forward-looking perspective, as the narrator plans future visits, showing an ongoing commitment to honoring Robert's memory and the impact he had on the narrator's life.