Jim Waneka recently released his powerful new single “A Different Man” honoring service members and to celebrate we asked him to share the inspiration behind the track. Here is the story:
A Different Man came in an early Sunday morning dream on July 19th, 2020. It was a very powerful dream with a melody and words all flowing through me in a matter of a few minutes. Without picking up my guitar I knew what the song sounded like and how it would be arranged. I believe it was brought to me through the spirit of my uncle, Claude Starkey, who served as a Marine paratrooper during World War II. He had been shot seven times prior to losing his hand while on patrol on the island of Bougainville. The song is also about my cousin Dick, who came back from Vietnam a different man.
What was interesting is that the word Afghanistan came in the dream. At first, I was wondering why Afghanistan was mentioned, but I realized this is what the spirit that delivered the song wanted. I don’t like changing what the ethereal spirit delivers to me. The song is about all soldiers who have seen battle and travesties and have been changed for the rest of their lives. As the song states, “he gave it all for this country with no complaints,” which I’ve found is a common thread among veterans.
It should humble us all that we have these patriots among us willing to sacrifice so much to keep us free and safe. Most veterans rejoin our society when they return from service, but it’s upsetting to see those who cannot. Part of my message is that it’s okay to ask for help. I see many of our vets try to tough it out on their own when help may be only a phone call away. It’s a very emotional song so some may try to read more into it, but the only statement I choose to make with A Different Man is one of support for our veterans.