With all of us in lockdown and more than half the population bunkering down with their partners, housemates and family around the clock, COVID-19 and it’s isolation has certainly presented some households with a unique set of challenges.
It’s no different for Aussie band Sheppard, and it’s back some memories from a time when loneliness and isolation was an issue well before we all went into lockdown.
On the band’s previous single ‘Somebody Like You’, from their current year-long-project, Sheppard frontman George Sheppard recounted failed relationships, personal changes and finding the love of his life. On ‘Come Back’, the bands 5th single from the project, Sheppard examine isolation and the effect that a lack of human contact can have on a relationship.
Written by George Sheppard in late 2019 – well before the industry was placed into lockdown mode – ‘Come Back’ is the result of a solo writing trip to the opposite of the world; three weeks isolated in a hotel room in Sweden without contact to anyone in the same time zone.
“It’s kind of ironic how closely the time I spent alone in Sweden last year mirrors the current situation” Continued George Sheppard. “There’s definitely a strong parallel between being in a band, isolated in a hotel room somewhere without contact to the people you care about, and being locked in your home, unable to spend time with family and friends.
In addition to being a love song for his long-term partner Kathleen, ‘Come Back’ also serves as a perfect reminder of the importance of human connection during times of isolation.
“It doesn’t really matter how many Skype calls, Zoom meetings or sessions of House Party you set up. There’s no substitute for physically being with the people you love. I found that out pretty quickly in Sweden and it’s very apparent now, too.
“Ultimately, Come Back is a song of support, unconditional love, and serves as a reminder to us all that although times are tough right now and clouds are darkening your skies, as long as we’re there for one another we’ll break through to the sunlight again.”
