A mother’s anguish of losing a child is the theme for ‘Painful Birth (A Mother’s Cry’), the latest song from Aaron Silk. Released on September 8, it is written and produced by Michael Orrett.
According to a release highlighting the poignant track, it is “an anthem of grief, resilience and hope.” The song is complemented by a graphic video, filmed in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. It features Audrey Reid of ‘Dancehall Queen’ fame as a mother who loses her teenaged son to gunfire shortly after leaving home for an innocent stroll.
Toronto-based Orrett says ‘Painful Birth (A Mother’s Cry’) has a similar tone to a famous reggae song — ‘Johnny Was’ by Bob Marley.
“Inspired by the lived realities within our communities, ‘Painful Birth’ captures the profound grief of a mother holding on to her child’s shirt, breathing in his scent, and grappling with the unbearable question: ‘Oh Jah, why dem tek him so young’?,” he explained.
Aaron Silk is the younger brother of Garnet Silk, the celebrated singer who died in December 1994 at age 28. He started his recording career shortly after his sibling’s death in a fire at his mother’s house in rural Manchester parish, central Jamaica.
Aaron Silk has released many singles including ‘Fighting Brave’ and ‘Give it Up’. ‘Bless I Oh Jah’, his only album, came out in 1999.
