My Songs are Telling Me a Story! -

Perhaps it was my eldest daughter's involvement in local theatre productions, or witnessing the talent and passion of a fellow Christian mother utilizing her gifts in our community, that led me to think of writing my second musical. Anyhow, I was out walking and talking with the Lord, and reminiscing about songs I had written, when it seemed as though the songs themselves were hinting they were part of someone's story—a story already taking shape, one song at a time.

As I sang "Country Kid"—a song about my own childhood-yearning for country life—it began to tell me of a single parent living in a large city. This mother longs to let her children play outside while she gets on with things in her apartment sized kitchen, but the urban setting isn't safe for them to do so unsupervised. Frustration prompts Carol to ponder her childhood dream of rural living, and by the song's end, she is resolved to make a move to the countryside.

it seemed as though the songs themselves were hinting that they were part of someone's story—a story already taking shape, one song at a time.

Enterin' woods over the stile

Pickin' fruits where they grow wild

Gatherin' by the bucketful

For wild berry pie

Carol's song "Country Kid" not only revealed to me her personal story and set the stage for the musical, it also became integral to the musical's title and main theme. What seemed peripheral, a line in the third stanza actually unveiled the musical's central motif. The phrase "wild berry pie" became a metaphor for the eclectic mix of characters that populate "Sally's Bar" in a 'cowboy country' region of the States. As Carol's idyllic vision of a simple, wholesome country life among amiable folks falls short, her optimistic demeanor and her signature "Wild Berry Pie" dish serve as a beacon for change. The dish even inspires bar owner, Sally, to realign her business aspirations with her own developing Christian faith.

Ride reveals some of Sally's backstory

Sally's character claimed ownership of two songs I had already written: "Ride" and "To Live This Way." I had already envisioned "Ride" as advice from a female bar manager or owner, drawing on her challenging past. Ride, sung by Sally's character in "Wild Berry Pie" offers a seamless transition to a spotlighted dance sequence complete with smoky grey ambiance to highlight it's gritty lyrics. Beyond the "cool factor", Ride ingeniously reveals some of Sally's backstory and character growth to date.

"To Live This Way" exposes the stark reality of the lifestyle Sally has left behind but remains connected to through her marriage and business. While Sally has diligently worked her way up from waitress to owner of the bar, the manner in which the business earns its profits now feels like a shackle to her past. Adding to this burden is the fact that her husband is struggling with unhealthy alcohol dependence. The small ladies' prayer group Sally attends is a source of encouragement and support for Sally's growth of character as she leans in to God's leading and provision for her going forward.

Not every character had a pre-written song, and neither does every character undergo transformation. The antagonist, Lance has only a singular penchent for change. His ambition that waitress Rebecca, would alter her sentiments towards him. Lance's character is somewhat reminiscent of (Disney) Beauty and the Beast's Gaston, which lends a comedic element to the show, and provides opportunity for some dynamic rollicks. He also serves as a catalyst for the soliciting of Sally's precautionary counsel, and the aforementioned "Ride" number.

Serious cowgirl black and white heavy crop

More songs have presented yet more stories interwoven with central characters. "You've Kissed Me a Thousand Times" and "Whispered Prayers" informed me about Rebecca and Johnathan, the romantic leads and their love story. Two songs I wrote with a negro spiritual influence told me about Grace's character and input to the story with "Amazing Grace - Constant Love" and "The Way". And I feel sure that at least one more of my songs is waiting in the wings ready to show me who it belongs to. "If She's Too Much for You" might be the voice of Rebecca's waitress chum with a delightful Southern accent (I think it is) or could it belong to Sally?

While the musical, "Wild Berry Pie!" is (as I write this) yet to be finished, one thing is for sure, it's my songs that are telling the story!

one thing is for sure, it's my songs that are telling the story!

My Songs are Telling Me a Story!

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