Singer-songwriter Will Keating was asked to write a song to perform at the UK Food Poverty Forum Conference held in Truro during October 2022. Will decided to adapt a song called Ordinary Man, written by Peter Hames, a songwriter from Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

When talking about why he chose this song, Will said: "I have always loved Irish folk singer Christy Moore's passionate version of Ordinary Man. Christie really portrays the emotion of a man struggling after losing his job in the factory during the 1980s Thatcher era, I felt I could use this emotion to highlight Cornwall's food poverty crisis". 

Will is no stranger to throwing his art form at local issues, having set up a concert in Redruth in 2021 to highlight the growing numbers of children in food poverty which was covered on the BBC World Service, and appearing live on CNN with the Oggymen when floating past on a barge, during the G7 summit in Falmouth, raising the same issue. 

During the process of adapting some of the lyrics, Will had some tragic news from his 14yr old daughter who had received a message from her friend, telling her that her Father had just taken his own life, Will explained the impact the news had, he said: "This really hit a raw nerve with me and my family, as we sadly lost our foster son, Dewi, due to suicide, at the age of 19. 

"When suicide happens to your inner circle, it is hard to talk about to people. You are trying to grieve for your loss, whilst also dealing with a huge mix of emotions and unanswered questions, whilst trying to get on with everyday life. Because of this, I feel suicide really is a taboo subject and is brushed under the carpet, making the wider community unaware of the regularity of men taking their own lives". 

Will added lyrics to the song to reflect men's mental health illness and male suicide, hoping to open dialog, and raise awareness of charities such as Man Down Cornwall and UK Charity Shout 85258 which is a 24/7 free confidential support text service, for anyone feeling anxious, depressed or struggling -Text SHOUT to 85258.

The single was released on the 13th of December with a video featuring some professional rugby players and coaching staff from the Cornish Pirates, who do a lot to raise awareness of men's mental health themselves. The recording took place at Cube recording studios, thanks to local charity The Chaos Group, who supported the single at the outset.

The Cornish Pirates, Seasalt Cornwall, Warrens Bakery, and Roseworthy Farms also lent their support to spread awareness. Local musicians John Dowling, Bec Applebee, Seth Bye, and Dan Woodfield helped Will in his project, he also gained support from folk music star Phil Beer who plays acoustic slide guitar.

You can find the single and the music video here: https://fb.watch/hqE0771F3q/ Will said he would really appreciate the song being shared to spread the message, so if you can get listening and sharing.

You can listen to the song and all of Will's other music here:

• Will Keating - YouTube
• Stream Will Keating music
• Will Keating