Mean Old World explores the path of Gordie Tentrees from foster child to foster parent in songs like Rosetta, Every Child and the title track Mean Old World. Gordie spent time in the social service system before growing up to be a school teacher and youth worker, then coming back full circle as a foster parent to an indigenous child. Wind Walker is inspired by close friends who found each other while leading reconciliation by example. Gordie’s days as a five-time Golden Glove boxer are recounted in Ring Speed. His gratitude rises in Far Away Friends, a tribute recognizing all those special off-the-stage hosts who supported him in his 2,500-plus concerts around the world. Further experiences in foreign countries pursuing record deals roll tongue-in-cheek throughout Danke. The learning gained from supporting a childhood friend through the last stages of cancer is presented in Train is Gone. Two best friends who break the mold once a year by adventuring together, leaving their domestic partners to muddle through, are featured in Lefties. Twice as Nice lets us know that the grass is never greener.