A couple of years ago, I got a tattoo in tribute to my daughter. Ever since then, I’ve been thinking and planning for the equivalent for my son, who is a couple of years younger than she is.
My wife discovered a tattoo artist in Bend, OR (Kailah Bartolome at Black Opal Tattoo), whom she instantly fell in love with. After looking at her work, I too came to love her work and her style.
My wife also introduced me to a song which, as soon as I heard it, knew was a perfect for Jack. The song is Samuari Cop by Dave Matthews Band and it talks about the joy that his child being born brought into his world and the importance of appreciating the younger years with your children.
I thought that the combination of the Dave Matthews Band lyrics (in particular, Oh, Joy Begin) and the fun, wild look of Kailah’s watercolour tattoos would be a perfect representation of Jack.
So, I told Kailah my ideas and she did her magic and came up with this piece, which I absolutely love. It’s my favourite tattoo to date and I’d definitely go back to Kailah for my next tattoo.
The day you came
Naked, afraid
Young mother screams and pushes you
The day you cameOh joy begin
Weak little thing
More precious there’ll be nothing, no
Oh joy beginLet’s not forget these early days
Remember we begin the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy beginFirst just one step
One word and then
With laughter sing, oh life begin
First just one stepLet’s not forget these early days
Remembering we began the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy beginInnocent kiss
Black magic bliss
First broken bone
Sudden and swift
Oh innocenceLet’s not forget these early days
Samurai Cop, Dave Matthews Band
Remember we begin the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy begin
Oh joy begin