That's a lovely song because it captures the Derroll I knew in Lost Angeles.
We were buddies then and when he left with Jack, well, I missed him. Fortunately, Patrick Ferryn is able to bring him back.

To know Derroll was to love him. He was the real deal.

Derroll with the blue earring
And the Van Heflin smile
Never ever fearing
As he walked the Second Mile.

I followed him in his trench coat
And was comforted by his laugh.
And when you needed a gentle ear,
He'd give you more than half.

I lead him home from parties,
He was higher than a kite,
But everything he had to say
Would still come out all right.

Derroll was a gentleman
And passionate in life.
He held his banjo like a torch
'Gainst ingnorance and strife.

And if he were around today,
You'd hear him raise his voice
And know that War, no matter where
Is never the best choice.

We miss you Derroll, rest in peace,
The peace, you always crave,
Zen-master of the Banjo,
And your song beyond the grave.

Frank Hamilton