This is my latest original song, although it has been a long time coming. This song started as a piano part over 5 years ago, for which I fully intended to add lyrics, so I wrote it with a verse/chorus structure. I then wrote lyrics and a melody, but didn’t have anyone perform the vocal track for me.

So it sat for a few years until I presented it at a Songwriter’s Cafe meetup, with the melody played on a synth and me reading the lyrics to the group. The group feedback was fairly unanimous in that the reflective, introspective lyrics and the poppy, up-beat music didn’t really jive well together. Upon some reflection, I decided to tear the two apart, and write new lyrics for the music and new music for the lyrics.

I tackled the new lyrics first, and wrote a more straight-forward, positive lyric. The new lyrics made me want to include a new introduction that was darker, both lyrically and musically. I also wrote a new bridge.

I had a couple of people try to sing it with limited success. Finally my friend, singer-songwriter Sunny Zaman, took a crack at the vocals and did a fantastic job! So here is the final version. Enjoy and thanks Sunny!

I had wandered in the darkness
Drifted from the shores of self-assurance
Been beat into submission of my soul
But climbed my way back

I’ve hung up my hang ups
My shell’s been cracked
Re-imagined my image
And got my back back

I’ve scared off my fears
Showed off my show
Voiced my inner voice
Owned up to all I owe

It’s a new life
Like I had before
But this new life
Opens up a brand new door

Seen eleven fingers
from the front row
Looks like the pieces fit
Baby it’s a whole new show

I’m singin’ my new song
With some help from friends
Seeing my world get bigger
Got me a brand new lens

Looking back now
It’s all so clear
Listen to your heart
Even when your brain won’t hear

It’s a new life
Like I had before
But this new life
Opens up a brand new door