Like the previously released “To Get Next To You,” this song, “I’ll Be There With You,” was written, recorded, and produced after I regained my ability to play guitar (acoustic and electric), write music, write lyrics, and sing after my dementia diagnosis. And, like “To Get,” it came out of my thoughts about the uncertainty of how long I had to live, and/or, how long I would continue to “be myself.”
My wife, Gina, would often talk about her beloved grandfather, Bob, who passed in 1996, “visiting her” through a particular bird that would call to her in our backyard. She intuited that her grandfather’s spirit had inhabited this beautiful creature, and was trying to communicate something to her, or at least to her know that he was still “present in her world.”
That’s where the idea for this song came from – letting her know that even if I wasn’t on this physical plane anymore, I would still be there with her, visiting her as the day begins, in the afternoon when a gentle breeze blows, or in the evening as the day is winding down. It was my way of giving her a “code” that would let her know that I was still around.
This was one of the earliest recordings I did with my Dolphin Gray Stratocaster. The part is a little rough, but both Gina, and my producer, Fett, thought it was important to leave it as it was – so we did. Thankfully, the guitar’s distortion is accompanied by Ron de la Vega’s gorgeous and haunting cello part, and later, by Dave Hoffner’s inspired organ track.
I hope this resonates with you. Maybe it will even offer you some solace to consider that a loved one who has passed from your life may actually still be close by.
The lyrics are printed below in case you want to read or sing along. Perhaps you’ll listen, read these words, and maybe share your thoughts about what this song means to you, or how it makes you feel.
Gratefully,
Ned Andrew
I’ll Be There With You
Music & Lyrics copyright 2023, Ned Andrew Solomon
Recorded at: Azalea Studio, Nashville, TN
Recording, Engineering, & Production: Fett
Vocals & Electric Guitar: Ned Andrew Solomon
Cello: Ron de la Vega
Organ: Dave Hoffner
Videography: Bernie Lynette
Executive & Video Production: Gina Lynette
Verse 1:
Sometimes, in the morning
When light’s transforming
And without warning
Chorus 1:
I’ll be there
I’ll be there with you
Verse 2:
Sometimes, when the wind blows
Right through your clothes
That’s when you’ll know
Chorus 2:
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there with you
Bridge:
I will wait for the day
When I can show you the way
Verse 3:
Sometimes, in the evening
Light is fleeting
Day’s retreating
Chorus 3:
I’ll be there
I’ll be there with you
Instrumental break
Bridge repeats:
I will wait for the day
When I can show you the way
Verse 3 repeats:
Sometimes, in the evening
Light is fleeting
Day’s retreating
Chorus 4:
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
I’ll be there with you
I’ll be there
I’ll be there with you
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