Monday 5 July 2010

Hayling in Afghanistan.

A few years ago I co wrote a song with a band called FC Kahuna. The song is called Hayling and it is still a song I am very proud of. Since writing the song I have occasionally heard from people telling me how the song has been a part of their life which is always lovely to read about.
Last week I received a message that was very touching, and different from any other I have gotten in the past. It was a thank you from an english writer who just completed a book about the war, and spent a year in Afghanistan.


"I hope this reaches you. It's really just a thank you for you wonderful voice, which on Hayling kept me alive during long months in Afghanistan. That, and ducking at the right time.. I am an English writer who has just completed a book about the war there and spent about about a year in total embedded with different armies while researching. I wish I had a krona for every time I played that track, I'd probably be able to afford a Carribean cruise now "

He talks about playing the song in helicopters, bunk beds, in deserts and on mountains. Reading his descriptions felt more like watching a scene from a film, rather than someone talking about their own experiences. Here he talks about a memorable moment where he listened to Hayling.

" On one occasion as I and a platoon of US troops were surrounded on a hilltop by the border with Pakistan, took a brutal barrage of fire and then waited the whole night for the dawn, when we fully expected to be stormed by hundreds of Taliban and slaughtered "

I find it very touching that my song and voice gave someone comfort in a situation like that. Living in my little house here in Iceland this situation couldn´t be further from my reality.

Thank you Nick for sharing your story with me.

3 comments:

  1. Just thought you might like to know that Nick Allen's book is called 'Embed - With The World's Armies in Afghanistan'and it'll be published in October by History Press.

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  2. That is kind of funny, because I had a similar experience. Hayling was one of about 5 songs that were their own playlist while I was in Iraq, both times I have been there. I have listened to it hundreds of times from Iraq and America and back again. I have loved the song since I heard it in Layer Cake, which is how I found your music! Thank you Hafdis!

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  3. Will you ever be performing in Los Angeles?
    "Hayling" might very well be the most beautiful song I've ever heard. I do electronic music as well... and wish so bad I'd have written that!!!!

    Mike

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