6. The Wedding Song (For Helen and Glenn)
Audio Version: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=12340364
Video version: https://youtu.be/YYDtgIkqyb4
'Live' at the Wedding https://youtu.be/eLXuhyHsbCs
Sometimes songs are just good tunes or ideas, not particularly related to your life. Other times they are intensely personal! Valentine’s Day approaches, so in line with seasonal sensibility, a love song from a delightful moment of celebration.
Back in 2013, I walked my daughter Helen down the aisle to marry Glenn Walker. Being the guy who was also conducting the service, deciding to write a song for the day ... and figuring out how to sneak it in there without the happy couple knowing it was going to happen, was something of a logistical challenge. Thankfully there was already a guitar at hand, and all went well.
The song itself is self-explanatory. Reminiscing about growing up, the engagement and a whole host of great memories provided a lot of material to draw upon. It is for sure one of those 'one off' productions, that came from the heart and hopefully, when listened to now, brings back happy memories of a great day.
The hardest part of preparing was getting through the song without becoming emotional! In the weeks leading up, I had to sing it to wife Yvonne on numerous occasions before she could listen without becoming tearful. Hard enough to be the mother of the bride, without all that added pressure. lol.
The tune was partly borrowed from a song that Helen had sung as part of a Christmas production. Seemed appropriate to throw in a musical memory among all the others.
On the day that DJ included it in the songs played at the reception, so we even got to have a dance to it.
Since that day Helen and Glenn have blessed us with two wonderful grandchildren, Rose and Max. The circle of love just keeps growing. (And of course I wrote a song about them as well… https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=13864413)
Whatever you may be up to this Valentine’s Day, take time to reflect on the fruits of love that continue to nurture and bless your life!
The Wedding Song (For Helen and Glenn)
How should a Father feel on his daughter’s wedding day?
'Who gives this woman to this man?', Oh Lord, what do I say?
That woman is my little girl, that little girls my child,
Yesterday I sang you nursery rhymes,
Today I walked you down the aisle.
Ferry rides across the Mersey, swims at Newborough shore,
Pantomines and mountain climbs, playing games round castle walls,
Dancing, singing, smiling, cheering, crowning you homecoming queen,
What a kaleidoscope of happy times, the passing years have been.
I always knew the day would come when I had to let you go,
I just prayed you'd find someone who saw the light that's in your soul
Now I rejoice you've found someone whose love for you is clear,
And I pray the precious love you've found,
Grows deeper year by year.
We'd just sat down to watch a movie, Glenn called on the phone,
Said 'I'm in love with your daughter and want to make her all my own.'
I heard diamonds dancing in his eyes
Brighter than the stones on that ring,
Not losing a daughter, but gaining a son, now ain't that a crazy thing!
How should a Father feel on his daughter’s wedding day?
'Who gives this woman to this man?' , 'I do', you heard me say,
My little girl, she's all grown up, and I say with a Father's pride,
Yesterday I sang you nursery rhymes,
Today I walked you down the aisle.