Purple Shades is one of those songs you wish you never had to write. It’s the deepest, darkest fear and anguish a person can feel, in my experience. It’s one thing to have a friend for over 20 years. But it’s another to have a parental figure just as long without sharing a single drop of blood. Life is fleeting. It’s crass and miserable. This tune is the most heartfelt, tear inducing, “cry in the car” song I think I could ever write. Sitting in the hot tub after the funeral, sharing stories, swapping jokes and pouring drinks; I saw the most beautiful violet sky I had ever seen. Purple was Felicia’s favorite color and I knew just then, I had been gifted one final visit.