Patrick -  Aton O’Cat

Release information about “Patrick”

• Artist: Aton O’Cat

• Release date: December 3, 2021

• Genre: Blues Rock

• Theme: Loss, justice, conscience, unresolved grief

• Lyrics & Music: Joseph J. Nota

• Written: February 2021

• Dedicated to: Patrick van der Bolt

• Inspired by: A real unsolved murder case (often referred to as “the Christmas murder”)

About “Patrick”

“Patrick” is one of Aton O’Cat’s most emotional and personal songs. It was written in memory of his friend Patrick van der Bolt, who was murdered 19 years earlier. The killer has never been caught and is still free.

The song was written around the artist’s birthday in February 2021, a moment of reflection on growing older, something Patrick was never given the chance to do. 

The lyrics are addressed directly to the murderer. Rather than expressing hatred, the song calls on the killer’s conscience and asks him to turn himself in so that real mourning can finally begin.

Patrick was not a criminal. He was described as a normal, kind man, a good tennis player, and a fan of Stef Bos.

Writing the song helped the artist process grief, even if it remains painful that justice has not yet been served.

Song meaning / interpretation “Patrick”

“Patrick” is about unfinished mourning. he song explores:

• The frustration of an unresolved murder

• The psychological burden of a killer walking free

• The emotional damage to family and friends

• The moral appeal to conscience

The repeated plea “Please turn yourself in” is central. It reflects both desperation and hope, perhaps naïve, but sincere, that the murderer might still feel remorse and choose accountability.

The line “Let our real mourning begin” captures the core of the song: closure is impossible without truth.

Musical DNA “Patrick”

Musically, “Patrick” is built around a blues-rock framework that enhances its emotional weight:

• Blues-based chord progression, creating gravity

• Measured tempo, allowing the lyrics to breathe

• Direct vocal delivery, almost confrontational in tone

• Minimalistic arrangement, keeping the focus on the message

• Repetitive refrain, reinforcing the unresolved nature of the case

The music does not dramatize; it underscores the seriousness of the story.

Full lyrics “Patrick”

(Lyrics and Music  -  © Joseph J Nota)

This year again I had my birthday

Getting older enriches my life

Patrick didn’t have it that way

You took his life when I was 35

After 19 years you still walk free around

You were never busted busted or found

Don’t you have a conscience? Don’t you have a conscience?

You are letting us suffer with your absence

Please turn yourself in turn yourself in

Let our real mourning begin

Don’t you know what you did to his brothers?

Your revenge resulted in hurting others

Patrick also had parents and friends

They want unanswered questions too to end

After 19 years you still walk free around

You were never busted busted or found

Don’t you have a conscience? Don’t you have a conscience?

You are letting us suffer with your absence

Please turn yourself in turn yourself in

Let our real mourning begin

How would you feel if your child was killed?

Surely it cannot be your wish to be fulfilled

Admit that what you did was horrible

It’s time you no longer are invisible

After 19 years you still walk free around

You were never busted busted or found

Don’t you have a conscience? Don’t you have a conscience?

You are letting us suffer with your absence

Please turn yourself in turn yourself in

Let our real mourning begin

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