I Wrote this Song for You

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Latest Episodes:

Episode 8 - Before I Go (for Tookie) Sep 09, 2022

My Aunt Tookie has always been the black sheep of the family. Sharp as a tack, comically irreverent toward convention, and unafraid to speak her mind, she has forged her own unique path in life. She's recently been moved into hospice care, but before she dies she has one very unusual wish...

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Thank You to my current Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode!

Patreon Gold (Passionate): Paula Atwood, Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Moira Danis, Kristin Dimento, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Elizabeth Rice, Linda Wells, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. Patreon Silver (Inspired): Ariela Bonucci, Tanara Bowie, Alison Deadman, Mark Goodwin, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Randall Pharr, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson.

Someone once said

Don’t waste your time on the dead

There are things you can’t control

Just don’t let them weigh on your soul

It’s while we’re here, we can let it show

Say what we need to say before they go

Before I go,

What I want you to know

is that as awful as it may seem

there’s no need to cry and scream

Just take a chill - give up your straining

It could be worse, it could be raining

Better off, do something for someone still around

Lighten someone’s load, wouldn’t that be cool?

Help them to approach the unknown, the frightening and mysterious

with a joke or a laugh - it doesn’t have to be so serious.

So before I’m dead

Please get it into your head

that the sky is not falling down

and the king has got no clothes

And while there are those who'll try explaining,

it’s best to see it all as entertaining

So shed your worry, it was only draining

It could be worse, it could be raining

Before I go, I hope you’ll know that dying’s not so bad

Everyone must go - one day, even you

And while we hope for heaven and fret about hell, which is just such a pile,

you know the measure of a life well lived is if you made somebody smile.

The hellfire and damnation, it’s such an awful crock you know

I may never have been “saved”, but think of what I’ve saved:

At the cut rate crematorium for just 800 bucks

I’ll be relieved of all but seven pounds and I’ll remain with zero…

fear and regret

Before I go

What I want you to know

is that I love you in a place

where there’s no time or space

And I don’t know how, but I think it’s true

that when I’m there, I’m everywhere too

Which means that I’ll be here with you…

So don’t be sad, don’t start complaining

It could be worse, it could be raining

Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.comSign up for Wells' mailing list to be sure you never miss an episode! You'll also be notified of special collaborations, upcoming live streams, or events near you.

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Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

The deepest and most cathartic thank you to Elizabeth Smartt for partnering with me to birth this creative vision. For spending countless hours sculpting my idea into something clear and concise down to the logo, website, and even the format of each episode. You are a godsend of a creative collaborator and I am eternally grateful to you for bringing this podcast into the world with me.

Episode 7 - Sleepy Time (for Sasha) Jun 16, 2022

Father's Day Special Episode - When my son was born, I wrote a bunch of songs for him. He's in sixth grade now, and in this tangent-filled conversation, we discuss some of them. We also reminisce about "Dinosaur Crocodile", a song we wrote together when he was four.

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WATCH DINOSAUR CROCODILE HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFelNb6ChOQ

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode!

Sleepy time is in your eyes Sleepy time is in your eyes Sleepy time is in your eyes but you won't let go No you won't let go. Now the sun is nearly gone and we've sung so many songs it seems we've been awake so long now it's time to let go it's time to let go

The dinosaur eats the crocodile The crocodile eats the dinosaur Everybody's trying to eat each other Now does that make sense? Dinosaur tastes like crocodile Crocodile tastes like dinosaur Everybody tastes just like each other Now does that make sense? Dinosaur is fond of crocodile Crocodile is fond of dinosaur Now they're starting to eat each other Now does that make.......

Boy came down from the sky today He landed in my arms, now he's here to stay It's a happy happy day, it's a happy day It's a happy happy day, it's a happy day

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

Episode 6 - Second Chance (for Elizabeth Johnson Rice) Apr 28, 2022

Where do we go when we die? And what if we could go there and then come back to tell about it? For Elizabeth Johnson Rice, a prominent 1960's social activist, her brush with death left her forever changed and set her on a mission which she is still pursuing today at the age of 80.

Second Chance is written by Wells Hanley and is sung by René Marie. Wells Hanley, piano; Randall Pharr, bass; Billy Williams, drums. Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Curtis Fye.

Support I Wrote this Song for You A heartfelt thanks to those of you supporting this podcast on Patreon! It's because of you that I'm able to keep the songs coming. Help out for as little as $5 a month.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode!

Patreon Gold (Passionate): Paula Atwood, Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Moira Danis, Kristin Dimento, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Elizabeth Rice, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. Patreon Silver (Inspired): Ariela Bonucci, Tanara Bowie, Alison Deadman, Mark Goodwin, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Randall Pharr, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson.

Look who's got a second chance,

I'm back on the ground from the great expanse.

I took a dive, but I've got a second chance.

I just landed my lucky break,

got the band back together for another take.

I was "ciao", but now I'm wide awake.

I let my life go completely

receding to a far away shore.

Now I've returned so sweetly,

back in the flesh, and ready for more.

I can feel my feet, I can sing and dance,

I've returned to wearin' my shirt and pants,

I've got a second chance.

And I'm carrying a jewel,

and I don't wanna drop it,

I would be such a foo-el

if I should ever stop making the most of this second chance!

My days were numbered, I lumbered,

feeling so encumbered by fate,

but having dozed and slumbered,

I'm back in the race, and I'm feeling great...

There's a tear somewhere in the grand design

that I should have crossed that finish line

and kept on running, Lord how I feel so fine!

Now I have got another shot,

I've entered a bonus round, and I would never have thought

there could exist this delicious twist in the plot...

The curtain was closed, and the show was done,

but the producer introduced an extended run.

We made a pact, and now another act has begun.

The show keeps going and going,

I know it's gonna grow and thrive.

I'm overflowing just owing

to being alive!

I am gonna survive...

I'm living up my second chance,

I'm gonna work this perk in my circumstance.

I was revived, and I survived,

my day has arrived, I'm gonna thrive,

and I'm still alive cause I've got a second chance...

...and I know I never want to lose my second chance!

Episode 5 - Ready to be Loved (for Topher) Oct 17, 2021

We all seek to be loved, to be accepted, to belong. Straddling multiple subgroups within the culture, Topher describes himself as "Too white to be black, too black to be gay, and too gay to be Christian". He's suffered bullying and discrimination in silence... and now he's beginning to speak out.

Ready to be Loved is written and performed by Wells Hanley and is sung by Darius de Haas. The song was inspired by this video of Topher and Constance.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to you, Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together in pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to you, Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

The deepest and most cathartic thank you to you, Elizabeth Smartt for partnering with me to birth this creative vision. For spending countless hours sculpting my idea into something clear and concise down to the logo, website, and even the format of each episode. You are a godsend of a creative collaborator and I am eternally grateful to you for bringing this podcast into the world with me.

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode! Patreon Gold (Passionate): Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. Patreon Silver (Inspired): Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Ariela Bonucci, Tanara Bowie, Alison Deadman, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Randall Pharr, Elizabeth Rice, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson.

I became in a blaze of light

I landed here after a long, long flight

And now I'm ready to be loved

I am ready to be loved

I went the way of the American child

I played the game, when I was sad, I smiled

But now I'm ready to be loved

I am ready to be loved

When the rain goes,

there ought to be a rainbow somewhere

After the pain I've known,

I want to believe you could begin to care

And that's a heavy hope to bear.

I've felt so frightened that I've made myself small,

I've said I was sorry when I was not sorry at all,

And I am ready to be loved

I am ready to be loved

I've been bossed and double crossed, and I've been tossed around

I've been stood up, and I've been let down,

And now I'm ready to rise above,

I am ready to be loved.

I have pretended

that I was not offended by your jokes on me

When the laughter had ended,

I searched your eyes, but found no empathy

and that's a lonely way to be.

Here I stand before you now

I've been mistreated, I've been beaten down,

And now I'm ready to be loved

I am ready to be loved

Oh, I am ready to be loved,

I am ready to be loved.

Bonus Q&A with Sophie Sep 30, 2021

In this follow-up conversation, Sophie shares details of her love story not revealed in Episode 1 - Indian Summer. Prompted by questions from listeners, Wells and Sophie explore Dan's continued presence in her life, how her song has impacted her over time, and the approachable wisdom of dreams.

Hear Sophie's story and song in Episode 1 - Indian Summer (for Sophie).

Be a Patron A heartfelt thanks to those of you supporting this podcast on Patreon! It's because of you that I'm able to keep the songs coming. Help out for as little as $5 a month.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that has created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to you, Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together in pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to you, Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this Bonus episode! Patreon Gold (Passionate): Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. Patreon Silver (Inspired): Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Ariela Bonucci, Tanara Bowie, Alison Deadman, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Randall Pharr, Elizabeth Rice, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson.

Episode 4 - I See You with My Heart (for Moira) Aug 27, 2021

Some people exude kindness, acceptance, and love, and we feel deeply seen and appreciated in their company. As her vision is fading due to a degenerative eye disease, Moira continues her important work of seeing the beauty in every person who passes her way.

I See You with My Heart is written and performed by Wells Hanley. Wells is joined by Curtis Fye on bass. Lyrics appear below.

Moira's photo for this episode was taken by Bill Westmoreland.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to you, Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together in pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to you, Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode! Patreon Gold (Passionate): Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. Patreon Silver (Inspired): Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Tanara Bowie, Alison Deadman, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Randall Pharr, Elizabeth Rice, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson.

Don't be afraid that that I might not see you

nothing could be any more untrue

The beauty of light may have up and left me

but darling, I still see you.

Now I may not notice the clothes you wear

or the style of your hair, or your face so dear

Though you treasure the photos of the times we share

that's not important here.

These are the little things, but I see who you are

so don't be afraid, don't even start

I see you, I see you with my heart.

Lately you cry when little things confound me

and it lightens your load when I reach for you

Your eyes give a glow that I can feel surround me

and it tells me your love is true.

These are the things I see when you show me who you are

so don't be afraid, don't even start

I see you, I see you with my heart.

Every year there is a different style

a brand new coat that's gonna last just a while

a new kind of phone

that'll help you feel never all alone

I was told, and I did believe,

don't judge by the cover, that the eyes deceive,

and they do

now I know it's true

but no matter for me and you

'Cause we've found a different way

and I see you for who you are

so don't be afraid, don't even start

I see you, I see you with my heart.

I see you with my heart.

Episode 3 - I'm Building a Boat (for Tanara) Jul 22, 2021

The loss of a loved one is always difficult, but sometimes, while navigating our grief, we can find new horizons opening up before us that inspire our wildest dreams. Following a decade as her mother's caregiver, Tanara is celebrating her mom's life while embracing all that awaits her with joy and hope.

I'm Building a Boat is written and performed by Wells Hanley and sung by Jessica Fox. They are joined by DJ Harrison on drums, Andrew Randazzo on bass, and Makeda McCreary and Frankie James on backing vocals. Lyrics appear below.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to you, Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together in pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to you, Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode! Patreon Gold (Passionate): Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Sharon Wyse Patreon Silver (Inspired): Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Tanara Bowie, Diane Carter, Alison Deadman, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson, William Zybach

(She's building a boat, she's taking it far away from here...)

Here I sit staring out at a sea where I've longed to sail

I feel inside that it's finally time to begin

I felt safe beneath her shade, but now I'm not afraid

of the wild wind.

Standing on my own, I am learning to trust myself

and the wiser ones inside who help me to grow

(We're standing around you, you know...)

So I'll answer to the call, it's now or not at all

So here I go, it's time to go

So I'm building a boat, I'm taking it far away from here

I'm building a boat, I'll be heading so far beyond my fear

And I'll sail my way to a better world and a better life someday

Let the wind and sea come and carry me on my way

(She's building a boat, she's sailing away...)

I've seen a lot of love in my life, and I know that's true

And it wouldn't be so if she hadn't have helped me along

(You've waited so long for this...)

But my work here now is done, I've stepped into the sun

and I'm feeling strong. I know where I belong,

and it won't be long.

'Cause I'm building a boat, I'll be taking it far away from here

I'm building a boat, I'll be heading so far beyond my fear

And I'll sail my way to a better world and a better life someday

Let the wind and sea come and carry me, come what may.

I'll be on my way, I'm on my way...

(She's building a boat, it's going to carry her away,

she's building a boat, she's going to see a brighter day...)

And I'll sail my way to a better world and a better life someday

As I turn the page, let the storm clouds rage,

I won't stray, I'll be on my way,

I'm building a boat, I'm gonna sail away

(She's building a boat, she's sailing away)

I'm sailing away

Episode 2 - In the Garden (for Drexel) Jun 21, 2021

Even a global crisis such as the Coronavirus can have a silver lining. For Drexel, a chaplain on the front lines at UAB hospital in Alabama, the past year brought an opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath, and focus on what's really important.

In the Garden is written and performed by Wells Hanley. The song was inspired by Drexel's video, "A Coronavirus Gift". Lyrics appear below.

Be a Patron - Support this podcast on Patreon You can get involved to help keep the songs coming! Help out for as little as $5 a month and receive special, behind-the-scenes content and other rewards in return.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.

A special thanks to you, Jude Treder-Wolff for introducing me to the NYC storytelling community and for our many adventures together in pairing story and song.

A very special thanks to you, Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

Thank You Patreon supporters for helping me produce this episode! Patreon Gold (Passionate): Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Sharon Wyse. Patreon Silver (Inspired): Royce and Rosalie Blowe, Tanara Bowie, Diane Carter, Alison Deadman, Hayes Hanley, Karen Hanley, Joseph Lee, Linda DiPaolo Love, Stephanie Mastri, Sallie Thalhimer, Robert Williamson, William Zybach.

As I find myself here in the garden

I can feel the Sun on my skin

and of every place I have ever gone before

here is where I've always been

As I rest here into the silence

and the wind blows the trees so easy

I feel myself letting go

and getting free

Free from the lock-step of my bustling

and the thought that life was somehow somewhere out there

As I still myself and listen

and breathe in the air

There's a rule for being in the garden

it's a simple one that no one can enforce:

It's up to you.

Free from the lock-step of my bustling

and the thought that life was somehow somewhere out there

As I still myself and listen

and breathe in the air

There's a rule for being in the garden

it's a simple one that no one can enforce:

It's up to you.

Episode 1 - Indian Summer (for Sophie) May 08, 2021

Love can come when we least expect it, transforming our lives, even if that love is short lived. After her first husband died, Sophie didn't think she'd find love again. She followed the guidance of a dream and found Dan, the love of her life.

Indian Summer is written and performed by Wells Hanley and sung by Laura Ann Singh. Lyrics appear below.

Find I Wrote this Song for You on Social Media Twitter Instagram Facebook

I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Gratitude

Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are weaved into every episode.

A very special thanks to you, Courtney Page Ferrell for bolstering my confidence before I believed in this idea, for realizing "it's a podcast!", and for continuing to cheer me on tirelessly.

You were my Indian summer

and though I knew you would be my last

when the breeze came in warm, and the trees came to life,

I didn’t know it would go so fast.

Our love was such a late-comer

it put to shame every forecast there was

and though it has ended, you showed me, my Indian summer

love will show up when it does.

Now outside the mountain is covered

and the frost on the field came so cold

but here on my hearth is a place we discovered

that is golden and never grows old

Where the flowers are still in their season

and the fragrance is fresh as the dawn

You came and you went, but old Indian summer,

you showed me that life still goes on.

And, oh, look how alone we both were,

believing that’s how it always would be

for year upon year, until out of the clear

you found me,

and I found you.

So when daylight seems to be dying

and the leaves one by one letting go

and December creeps in like the cold kiss of death,

I am comforted now, for I know

that no matter how harsh is the bitter wind

and no matter how hard is the ground,

Sometimes, unexpectedly, a warm summer rain

can blow into Overall, removing the stain

of the time spent in longing, in grief, and in pain,

and all the flowers can bloom, and the fields fill with grain,

and the cup that was empty spills over again.

And the harvest can feel far away,

and so even though, Indian Summer, you had to go,

you stay.

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