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I Have Faith
The Story behind the song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKMNRxl0L_E
I tell this story almost every time I perform this song. It all started at a Music Symposium produced by the Austin Songwriters Group. I met another songwriter an hour before my scheduled showcase, and we shared our stories and memories. After my performance, he came up to chastise me for something I said earlier. It didn’t make any sense to me at the time, but somehow it became the focus of this song.
Creating and performing music has remained a part of my life since the mid to late 50’s. Yes, I am that old. It all started with my dad having an incredible taste for all types of music. Those early influences are still with me today. The music of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s covered a wide range of styles that I use for reference every day. Those of you who listened to my songs know that I am all over the map. I don’t even know how to answer people when they ask, “what kind of music do you write.”
You see, I am a dreamer. And my dream is simple, to write songs that touch people in some small way. Take this song for example. First, let me say that when I release a song, I feel my job is done. I believe that its up to the song to find a place for itself in the world. Sure, I will help it along by posting it different places but that’s really all I am able to do. It’s like sending your child out into the world. I am proud of whatever happens and thankful for whomever hears it.
This song drew the attention of one person. She called me early on a Saturday morning saying that her grandson was seriously injured in an accident the night before. She played this song repeatedly throughout the night because it provided some comfort to her. She called to thank me. Knowing that this song helped her in her time of need is one of the highlights of my career as a songwriter. It doesn’t get any better than this.
You might think that there is a religious conviction behind this song. I guess that could be one interpretation. However, when I wrote it and, now each time when I sing it, it reinforces the fact that I believe in myself regardless of the worldly impact of my work. If the truth be known, I write songs to stay alive because I Have Faith.
In case you missed the earlier newsletters, here is a link to the ones we have completed so far this year.
https://richardpaulthomas.com/newsletters
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