I started writing this song all the way back in September 2022. I can’t really remember how it happened. Usually I pick up my acoustic guitar and along comes a “rumour of worship”. In this case, I sensed it was a kind of “song” or perhaps a “piece” of music. I recorded my Guild acoustic and then felt there was another part to play. I played around a little and, if my memory serves, I mostly improvised a “melody” on my Yamaha silent nylon string.
The melody echoes that sad start to the song. The first part of the song is in a minor key, and then later it moves to a major key – hence the “hope in the midst” title. For a long time it was titled “C#m acoustic”. My dearly beloved encouraged me to see what the song might be about. As I listened to the ending, which moves to the key of E, I felt hope. The harmonics at the end reflect that “Dear Heart” call from a loving Father to us, or perhaps “Yes, hope” to someone who has lost their way or … have a listen and see what you hear. I have every confidence that we are being spoken to often, and with love, we just need to listen better.
Technical Notes:
Special thanks to our son, Andrew, who is practising his Mastering skills. It has improved the recordings substantially. Also, I did “tune” some of the nylon string melody. I love Yamaha’s guitars, but this particular one was bought on special in Japan and sadly it was poorly made; the bridge was in the wrong place. I have since had it moved, but the intonation was out for the original recording – hence the use of pitch correction.
The pitch correction did not distract at all. Very relaxing song well done