Al Pal

Al pal is a song about fatherhood, and particularly becoming a father for the first time. It is dedicated to Alex, Phil's son, who was born in 2001.

Surrounding the obvious joy, pride and happiness your first child brings, there is also the overwhelming sense of responsibility for how they will turn out and how they will respond to your parenting.

Then there are outside influences that you have no control over, such as schooling, peer pressure, political brainwashing and social manipulation. You can't protect them forever or wrap them in cotton wool for the rest of their lives, but you can prepare the ground, lay the foundations and set them on their way.

Time is the ultimate measure of success, but there are signs along the way that tell you how well you're doing, when to change tack, adjust, or even back off completely. It's bout knowing the signs, watching out for them and acting in a way that you hope is in their best interests.

As it happens, he's turned out alright. A fantastic drummer and musician in his own right, a great collaborator companion and friend. Little Al Pal. Well, perhaps not so little.