Happy Wedding Debra and Shawn
Posted December 14, 2007
Sometimes you have to take the inspiration where you can. Lately it seems it's been coming to me via other people's lives, which is ok, because one can only write about their broken heart for so long.
In direct and deep contrast to my broken heart, my two dear friends Debra and Shawn are about to begin their life together. They are getting married next weekend. I can't take complete credit for them getting together, but I was their biggest cheer leader in the begining so I'm somewhat invested in their happieness together.
For the past few months, Debra has been trying to come up with a great wedding song. Every song I'd heard that I thought MIGHT work, were actually quite depressing when you really got to the lyrics. Sure they were great songs with great messages, but one was about dying - which admittedly isn't a thought you want to have when you are about to say I do. I'm not even sure they want "'til death do us part" as part of their ceremony.
We had discussed my playing at the wedding, but frankly, the thought terrified me. First of all she'd never heard my stuff. And I don't play other people's stuff. That's why I write my own stuff. Too much trouble to learn other people's songs. I write and play my own music for my walls and my dog and cat. They've learned to put up with me. I've never inflicted my music on others intentionally until last year when a dear friend convinced me to share my music with her. My songs are so personal, I'd never reallly thought anyone else would really like them. The response has been a great affirmation that if nothing else, no matter if I like my voice or not, people can relate to some of these songs. Still, the thought of playing in front of people was terrifying.
The person Debra had arranged to sing at their wedding backed out last week. And the alternative bagpipe player (Shawn's wearing a Scottish kilt - it fit with the "theme") wasn't aware his services might be needed and he sent his bagpipes off for cleaning. Where do they do that anyway?
Debra and Shawn have had to compromise on a lot of their wedding plans for reasons I won't go into. This was just one more disappointing turn of events. Once again, the subject of my playing at the wedding came up. How could I say no? Debra said I could even play a Heart song, a clear sign of a desperate woman. We talked about me possibly just playing my guitar - I said I wouldn't sing. I hate my voice. I reminded her again, that she hadn't even heard me play before.
When she visited this site yesterday, her response was wonderful. I committed to playing at the wedding.
As the hours passed, and the reality set in, that I would be playing in front of 80 people, many of them people I work with who do not know this side of me, I considered backing out. What the hell am I going to play? I'm not ready for this. Unfortunately, other people knew I'd committed to do it and they would never let me live it down if I didn't come through for Shawn and Debra.
I decided to try once again to come up with a song. I felt inspired but really had nothing in mind. I thought about writing a song using their wedding ceremony which Debra had shared with me when my invitation was handed (not mailed) to me. As I sat down tonight to try and catch the muse, I realized the ceremony is on my computer at work. So much for that idea.
But as I sat just playing instrumental stuff, I started to really feel like I wanted to come through for them in a big way. They need a song! A song with lyrics. A song that fits their personalities. And out of nowhere, in one of those rare moments that happen when music flows THROUGH you as if from someplace beyond, a song came. "I Will Still Love You."
I worried it would be too peppy to play as they walk down the aisle. But when I sent the lyrics to Debra, before I'd actually recorded it, she loved the lyrics. A few hours later, I got a take I was happy with and uploaded it. Voilla! She and Shawn both loved it and said it was perfect for them. They'd rather have peppy than some slow sappy love song. And if you knew them, you'd understand.
I still have to get through it at the rehersal and the actual wedding. But Debra and Shawn's response was so amazing that I have to find a way to get over myself and just do it for them.
Debra and Shawn, I love you guys. Thanks for the inspiration.
Take Heart,
Andrea
