The Story Behind "I Will Listen"
First of all, I need you to know that I have no musical ability and
that my singing falls in the category of making a joyful NOISE unto
the Lord. Additionally, I am not fond of poetry, and I am a hymnal
sort of Sunday singer – praise songs are pretty but I never seem to
get the right tune matched with the words and all those repeats just
lose me entirely! Now bear these comments in mind as you read the
story of “I Will Listen�:
It was a Monday, in fact it was the last Monday in April 2008 and I
was driving home after a tiring day at work. The weather was
exceptionally lovely and I had the top down on my car, allowing me
to bask in the sun and hear the birds singing as I drove along.
Because I was listening to the birds, I didn’t have the radio
blaring away, as was my habit.
I found myself musing about how songs are created. Which came
first, the words or the music? Was it possible to write lyrics without
a tune? I found myself pondering on some words that seemed to fit
with an odd blend of half-remembered praise songs, wondering if I
could write lyrics and if I could, who would write the music? I
continued down the freeway and, arriving at my destination, put the
words out of my mind, dismissing them as a passing fancy.
As I drove to work the next day, the words and their vague tune
returned. The words became well defined and purposeful and it was
clear to me that I needed to write them down. I sat at my computer
and the words flew onto the page. Re-working the phrases or
tweaking the images seemed unnecessary, so I left it as it first
emerged. The words were full of personal meaning for me, as I strive
to come to terms with life changes that face me as a person with
Parkinson’s Disease.
After work, unsure what to do next with this creation, I sent the
words to my friend and co-worker, Charlene. She often helps me
refine my work and I was sure she could help me with this
song/poem/thing. She quickly responded and I was amazed at what I
was reading – unknown to me, Charlene has the gift of musical
composition! She said she would pray about the lyrics and if she felt
led in that direction, she would take a stab at composing a tune to go
with my words. Less than an hour later, she sent me an email,
saying that she had turned to her piano after praying and, in a sure
and unhesitating manner, the tune had flowed from her heart to the
keys. Just as my words had seemingly arrived complete, just waiting
for me to bring them forth, so had the music been given to Charlene.
The next day, when I heard the melody, I was overwhelmed with joy
and awed at the entire experience. I, who croaks out songs like a
toad, had been part of the creation of a new song with which our
Lord will be praised. Amazing. But the story doesn’t end there.
Just three days later, one of our Lutheran school students sang “I
Will Listen� for a group of students and grandparents. It was the
first time I had ever heard it sung and the emotions I felt are beyond
description. The song has been performed by this angel-voiced
young woman several times now, but each time I hear it I am blessed
anew.
Charlene and I have been given a precious gift to be a part of such a
Spirit-led experience and as you listen to our song, I pray that you
will find joy in the music and inspiration in the words. To God be
the glory!
Elizabeth Williams
ewilliams@imallshookup.com
First of all, I need you to know that I have no musical ability and
that my singing falls in the category of making a joyful NOISE unto
the Lord. Additionally, I am not fond of poetry, and I am a hymnal
sort of Sunday singer – praise songs are pretty but I never seem to
get the right tune matched with the words and all those repeats just
lose me entirely! Now bear these comments in mind as you read the
story of “I Will Listen�:
It was a Monday, in fact it was the last Monday in April 2008 and I
was driving home after a tiring day at work. The weather was
exceptionally lovely and I had the top down on my car, allowing me
to bask in the sun and hear the birds singing as I drove along.
Because I was listening to the birds, I didn’t have the radio
blaring away, as was my habit.
I found myself musing about how songs are created. Which came
first, the words or the music? Was it possible to write lyrics without
a tune? I found myself pondering on some words that seemed to fit
with an odd blend of half-remembered praise songs, wondering if I
could write lyrics and if I could, who would write the music? I
continued down the freeway and, arriving at my destination, put the
words out of my mind, dismissing them as a passing fancy.
As I drove to work the next day, the words and their vague tune
returned. The words became well defined and purposeful and it was
clear to me that I needed to write them down. I sat at my computer
and the words flew onto the page. Re-working the phrases or
tweaking the images seemed unnecessary, so I left it as it first
emerged. The words were full of personal meaning for me, as I strive
to come to terms with life changes that face me as a person with
Parkinson’s Disease.
After work, unsure what to do next with this creation, I sent the
words to my friend and co-worker, Charlene. She often helps me
refine my work and I was sure she could help me with this
song/poem/thing. She quickly responded and I was amazed at what I
was reading – unknown to me, Charlene has the gift of musical
composition! She said she would pray about the lyrics and if she felt
led in that direction, she would take a stab at composing a tune to go
with my words. Less than an hour later, she sent me an email,
saying that she had turned to her piano after praying and, in a sure
and unhesitating manner, the tune had flowed from her heart to the
keys. Just as my words had seemingly arrived complete, just waiting
for me to bring them forth, so had the music been given to Charlene.
The next day, when I heard the melody, I was overwhelmed with joy
and awed at the entire experience. I, who croaks out songs like a
toad, had been part of the creation of a new song with which our
Lord will be praised. Amazing. But the story doesn’t end there.
Just three days later, one of our Lutheran school students sang “I
Will Listen� for a group of students and grandparents. It was the
first time I had ever heard it sung and the emotions I felt are beyond
description. The song has been performed by this angel-voiced
young woman several times now, but each time I hear it I am blessed
anew.
Charlene and I have been given a precious gift to be a part of such a
Spirit-led experience and as you listen to our song, I pray that you
will find joy in the music and inspiration in the words. To God be
the glory!
Elizabeth Williams
ewilliams@imallshookup.com
photo by E. Williams