Reflecting on that time of my life, I realize how this experience was a secret I had to carry. A burden that I never allowed myself to share with others, dwell on, or express emotionally either outwardly or in private. Throughout all that pain, Music was the person I could trust. Music was the friend who brought me comfort and healing when nothing else could. 

“For Those We’ve Lost” is a song of lament for the bullied children who didn’t make it to adulthood. For those we lost to suicide—those who felt that their only escape from the torment they faced everyday was to leave this world behind far too soon. 

“Golden Shores” is a song of hope. The line “one day we’ll join you on golden shores” expresses hope that we will one day be reunited with the loved ones we’ve lost.

“Sanctuary” is a song of gratitude. Music has been my most trusted life-long friend, a confidant. Music has been both a therapist and a doctor, helping to heal the invisible wounds and the scars of the soul. Whenever I wanted to run away from the world around me, the world that didn’t accept me and made me feel inferior, I could always turn to music for solace, the place I undoubtedly belonged. Music would always be waiting, ready to wrap me up in its cocoon and shield me from the pain that felt impossible to express and made me feel utterly alone. 

Thank you, Music, for the sanctuary you provide.