A few years ago, my dear friend and writing collaborator, Dan Yessian, asked if I’d consider writing a lyric to a song that meant a lot to him. He’d composed an orchestral trilogy to memorialize his beloved Armenia, and the tragedy of the genocide that took place there. As one who has many Armenian friends, I knew of the story. The song would complete the trilogy.
Time passed.
I was in Washington DC visiting my daughter, when Dan sent me the music. It was so theatrical, very rich in harmonic depth and melodic nuance. I was smitten. And inspired. Strangely enough, I knew immediately what I wanted to write…and in thirty minutes, I wrote all the lyrics without any rewrites. It was clear as day to me. I continue to trust that the completed song gives voice to not only the tragedy, but a fervent prayer for hope & reconciliation.
Dan wrote the music. I wrote the lyrics. Kenny Watson sang it and gave it wings…
