An Exclusive Gift for Readers: Songs Inspired by the Memoir
Hi Friends! I'm so glad you've made it to this page. You're welcome to download the songs for your own personal enjoyment. Scroll down to learn more about each song.
*Please do not repost, sell, distribute, or use the files commercially. All songs are copyrighted and I own the commercial rights to each one.
The Story Behind the Songs
Before We Had the Words (Title Track)
I did not set out to write songs when I wrote this book, but as I was in the editing process, there was just something more that was missing from the story. Ideas for songs started to fill my brain and eventually the album was born. For the record, I wrote the lyrics, but I don't have a musical bone in my body, so vocals and music were created by amazing technology via Suno. Sometimes I despise technology and sometimes it gives us beautiful gifts. This is the latter.
The title track, named for the book, is simply our story in song. I hope you enjoy it.
I'd Still Choose You
This song is for my husband.
After 20 years, I'd still choose you, Honey. Every time.
The Boy We Love
This song is for our son.
You are truly a gift. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest joys of our lives, and we couldn't be prouder of the remarkable young man you're becoming.
You are so loved.
Turn Out Forever
Marriage isn't always what we thought it would be. Turns out forever looks exactly like our day to day lives. Here's to showing up again and again, even on the hard days - and celebrating the funny everyday moments that make a marriage uniquely yours.
Dumpster Fire Family
Yes, I actually wrote a song about my family being a dumpster fire. This is my family's favorite track on the album! It's basically become our theme song and celebrates all our love, all of our weirdness, and all of our messiness with humor and grace.
Because sometimes life is a dumpster fire... and sometimes that's okay!
Held Together
This is more than a song. It's a prayer. It's hope from my heart to yours.
It's a reminder that whatever you're walking through, you're not alone.
On Our Knees
This song is for my best friend. My soulmate. Thirty years of friendship! How has it possibly been that long?!?
This song is a tribute to our friendship - the kind that can only be forged by decades of life together and relentless faith.
I love you, Sarah.
Beautiful Becoming
This song is ultimately one about redemption. It's a reminder to myself - and hopefully to you - that the kind of soil we grew from, the people we once were, the dark days we've seen, and even the pain and the scars that still linger will never define who we are becoming.
The past doesn't define our future.
It's true for me.
And it's true for you.
You're the God Who Stays
In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, you probably noticed that I thanked Jesus. Not because it seemed like the right thing to do - but because gratitude was the only honest response.
This song flowed out of my heart. When I wrote the words, "When everything around me shook, your love remained," I wasn't looking for something poetic to say. Those words came from a place of deep conviction. The reason I am who I am today is because of the love and grace of Jesus.
I know faith can be a tender subject. Many people have been hurt by those who claim the title of Christian, but don't follow the teachings of Jesus. Many people feel they have been abandoned by God. I was one of those people and I walked away for many years. Though I never stopped believing in God, there were times when my faith was barely hanging on.
Even through all of that, He stayed.
Friend, if your faith has faltered like mine, or if you've never had faith to hold, I hope this song brings you hope and peace and reminds you that you are never alone.