8. “Be Safe (Outro)”

WILLIE MAC JR. • KEEP THE CHANGE

Last time I talked to Willie on WSH | RADIO, I actually mentioned how much I appreciate his outros, not knowing this one was still to come, probably the crown jewel of his young career. Over a bleating saxophone loop, Willie gracefully explores the gravity behind what we often take for granted as a clichéd farewell, considering our safety is far too often in the control of forces beyond our own. Willie and I both lost one of our best friends in this world when we were 15, and so every goodbye since has undoubtedly held extra weight, whether or not we’ve openly acknowledged it. You expect to see your loved ones again in this lifetime, but it’s ultimately out of our hands. So control what you can. Be safe. That’s all we can ask, until we meet again.

Read William Garner’s excellent review of Keep the Change.