Friday, “You Let the Light In” became available on all streaming platforms. Up until that point it had only been available in physical form on my website. Its release was a long time coming and I am so very grateful for the many people who helped make it possible. Back in 2018 I had the notion to record and release two albums in one calendar year. Last Friday the dream came true and I crossed the finish line. I can’t tell you how proud I am of this journey and all that I’ve learned along the way.

You may already know that “You Let the Light In” is a collection of songs I wrote for other people. I thought I’d just take this post to tell you about the songs.

“Still the Birds” written for my friend, Darryl, who had a record out by the same name. He and I did a brief tour together in Texas once. It was awesome. We did vacate a bad motel very early in the morning on one of the days.
“Some Days You’re Up, Some Days You’re Down” written for my friend Jami. She and I, along with lots of other friends, have spent many mornings discussing the challenge of parenting and never really knowing if you’re doing it right or not. Back in school we had grades and scores that told us if we were on track. In real life? Harder.
“The House Across the Street” written for my friend, Heather. She knows how hard life can be. She’s someone who shows up for others even when she’s struggling herself. She’s amazing.
“My Darling Dear” for Brad and Luanne. Luanne was called home to heaven and Brad is still here loving her, missing her and hoping for the day when they’re together again.
“Don’t Give Up” for Mia and Nils. Perhaps some of my youngest and coolest fans. I used to live in the town where they live. We both know the huge hill between the train stop and home and what it’s like to dream big.
“So is my love for you” a song for the folk trio, “Just ‘Cause.” I was imagining them rocking a three part harmony on this one with folky goodness. I love that I was able to gift them a song they can interpret as they please and I can try it out solo on my own.
“You Let the Light In” for Leigh. She’s a lifetime friend but I didn’t know that when we first parted ways. Over and over again we keep meeting up and sharing milestones with one another. She really does let the light in.
“Iowa Wedding Song” true story for Mia and her family lore. How much fun was this to write and record? One million times fun. So fun.
“How Beautiful the Tall Oak Tree” for Karyn. She gave me something she had written to use as inspiration and it was very inspiring and so is Karyn.
“That’s What Love Does” for Angela. I played a very tiny role in her current love story with her husband. I. remember when they were not a couple and now that they are a couple it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when they were anything other than together.
“The Story of Us” for Amy and our 1006 Homer Ct. crew from college. I met Amy on the very first day and without her I don’t know who I would’ve become. Isn’t that like college? Amy and all those girls changed my life forever.
One song still unwritten for my brother, Matt. I remember asking him and Kristen what they wanted me to write about and they asked for a song about our family. Once I stop crying whenever I sit down to write it, it will be done. I know they have love and grace and patience knowing the day will arrive. How do you put a lifetime of heart and history into a song? How to capture a person? How do you say what you want to say in a way that makes sense for whoever hears the 3:30 long story? This group of songs had me asking questions I had never asked before. They had me broadening my palette and redefining who I am as a songwriter. I am eternally grateful.
To listen and purchase on Bandcamp: https://hopedunbar1.bandcamp.com/