A podcast featuring songs I wrote for people I know...and for people I don't know. It's hard to say why certain people or situations inspire a song, but I've learned to be receptive and listen for it. The desire to write a song for someone feels totally spontaneous to me. I guess that's what inspiration is - I'm just inspired to write songs for people.
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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...
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.
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.com Sign 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.
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)
Episode 7
Thursday, June 16, 2022 • Duration 29:22
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.
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, 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.
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
Episode 6 - Second Chance (for Elizabeth Johnson Rice)
Episode 6
Thursday, April 28, 2022 • Duration 26:03
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.
Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
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.
Episode 5 - Ready to be Loved (for Topher)
Episode 5
Sunday, October 17, 2021 • Duration 26:20
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.
I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.
Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. 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.
Bonus Q&A with Sophie
Thursday, September 30, 2021 • Duration 29:17
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).
I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
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.
Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. 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)
Episode 4
Friday, August 27, 2021 • Duration 26:07
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.
I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are woven into every episode.
Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Gordon Winn, Sharon Wyse, William Zybach. 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.
Episode 3 - I'm Building a Boat (for Tanara)
Episode 3
Thursday, July 22, 2021 • Duration 25:31
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 Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
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.
Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Sharon Wyse 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
Episode 2 - In the Garden (for Drexel)
Episode 2
Monday, June 21, 2021 • Duration 27:25
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.
I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
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.
Paula Atwood, Moira Danis, Thomasina LaGuardia, Molly Perkinson, Linda Wells, Sharon Wyse. 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.
Episode 1 - Indian Summer (for Sophie)
Episode 1
Saturday, May 8, 2021 • Duration 27:07
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.
I Wrote this Song for You playlists are here! You can now find all of the songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
Thank you to family and friends for your support in the long journey that created this podcast. Your hearts are weaved into every episode.
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Join the Mailing List at iwrotethissongforyou.com Sign 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 Bonus episode!
Patreon Gold
(Passionate):
Patreon Silver
(Inspired):
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!
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.
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!
(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
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!
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.
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.
