“The Heart of This City (song for Boston)” by Emily Lynch
I’m sure you all have been watching the news this week. Unbelievably sad. After processing all that has happened in the past week or so, I felt compelled to write a song for the people of Boston. They are loyal, proud, and STRONG people. Every time I turn on the TV there is another story of strength or heroism, and so many cheerful outlooks on life. I can’t say that I would be able to stay so positive after losing a limb because of another person’s senseless act.
They inspire me.
I ran a 2.6 mile run today in honor of them, and all of the proceeds will go to the victims. I have to say, although a 2.6 mile run isn’t all that long (especially compared to a marathon!), there were moments during the race when I physically drew strength from the people of Boston. After remembering those beautiful faces I had seen on the news who had lost their legs or feet, the ones whose lives were forever changed, and those that lost their lives, I pushed through.
I feel more blessed than ever to have my health, my family, and the opportunity to serve and use my gifts for good. I am thankful to be an American and live in a country that yes, seems incredibly messed up sometimes, but is free and strong.
I wrote this song today, “The Heart of This City”. I wanted to reflect on Boston’s strength and the heart they have shown through all of this tragedy. It is a simple home recording I threw together with a picture slideshow, but I hope you enjoy. And remember to count your blessings everyday! Life is but a vapor.
Love to you all,
em
Hey friends,
I’ve been working on recording some live guitar/vocal tracks of new songs to share with you. I’ve got tons of new material I’m dying to release, but this is one way you can at least hear what I’m working on. Love to you all on this rainy Tuesday!! I’ll be sharing more soon! xo, em
I don’t want another chance
Don’t throw me another rope
I’m tired of hangin’ on
And holdin’ on tight to hope
I don’t want another day
Of thinkin’ that you have changed
So don’t tell me you love me
Don’t tell me you do
Gettin’ my set together for tonight…new songs and old songs! Wonder how long they’re gonna let me play…. 8pm Moe Joes in Clemson
Just toured the Gibson acoustic guitar factory…only one of it’s kind, which means my guitar was born there! And now I want another one. :) (at Gibson Guitar Factory)
I thought this was worthy of sharing…
Billy Graham’s Prayer For Our Nation
“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from sin and Set us free. Amen!”
Hey y’all. Check this out. This is a venue in Clemson, SC that I love. They started having live music a couple of years ago and it has grown into an amazing weekend tradition. They are all about supporting the artist, doing it right, and helping them get to the next level. They are opening another store in Greenville, SC and are raising money to build a solid stage and sound system so they can continue to grow and host artists from all over the US. I was happy to be a small part of it.
Thanks, Moe Joe’s for always supporting me and artists everywhere!
xo
em
Happy Monday, friends!
I had an awesome time in Nashville last week. Here is a picture from the Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday night where I played alongside all of these wonderful people. Thank you to LeAnn Phelan and everyone at ASCAP for hosting the event, and the GPS program. It was a blast, and an honor to be a part of.
Wednesday night was also a great way for me to get warmed up for my Thursday night show at the Bluebird Cafe with Rob Crosby, Jake Etheridge and Billy Falcon. The audience was A-MAZING! My first time playing a full round at the Bluebird (getting baptized by the bluebird, as Rob put it) and we got a standing ovation! Couldn’t have asked for better people to be playing with, in the round, or to, in the audience!! It was a blast, and the highlight of my week.
I remember when I went to the Bluebird for the first time and heard some amazing writers, including one of my favorites, Natalie Hemby. I was in awe sitting in the audience listening to her talk about her songs and blown away by her unforgettable performance.
Now, here we are, not even a year later, and I’m the one on stage. Hard to believe I was the performer the audience on Thursday night got to hear on their first trip to the Bluebird Cafe.
You never know who is listening. I just pray I was an inspiration to someone, much like Natalie was to me.
It’s Tube Tuesday!
Here is a raw version of me playing my original song, “Tears Like Diamonds”, in my living room.
After playing it at a wedding this past weekend, I was asked by many to upload it somewhere online. So here ya go. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for all of your continued support.
I will try to keep these “Tube Tuesday” posts happening, too! Y’all can thank my hubby for the theme name. :)
Happy Tuesday!
xo
em
To all of my artist friends and music lovers, this is a must read.
This book was a gift to me and I’ll be honest, I didn’t make the time to read it when I first got it. But recently, I haven’t been able to put it down. Maybe it’s because I’m connecting with it more now, or maybe I just have more time.
Nonetheless, I wanted to share a little more about it (more than a simple instagram photo), because I think it is a worthwhile read for artists. The author basically takes you through time in chronological order, but includes details and stories that are never talked about regarding these timeless artists and their lives. It’s amazing to read about how James Taylor first met the Beatles and they signed him to their label. How Carol King ended up playing in Taylor’s band and the failures they all endured before finding success. All of these legendary musicians have stories of their own, but also stories that are interwoven together.
I’m not even all the way through the book yet, but I felt the need to promote it in this week’s #MONDAYMUMBLE. For many reasons, really.
To all of my artist friends: it’s hard. We all know it is. It’s difficult being a solo artist and trying your best to be compelling enough to get someone to pay attention to your music. It’s difficult booking gigs and traveling and spending all your money on what some might call a dying dream. It’s difficult not knowing how much you’ll get paid this month, or if all your hard work will ever pay off in the eyes of your friends and family. It’s hard being a band. Sometimes people don’t get along and they disagree. Sometimes their differences get in the way of the music and sometime life drags you down. Dealing with managers and labels and money can make you want to quit. Or send you off the deep end. Being an artist isn’t easy.
Of course, today’s world of music is seemingly very different than it was in 1970. But after reading this book, I’m recognizing more similarities. The Beatles were an amazing band and an amazing group of talented guys, but they didn’t like each other all the time. They had individual goals and ideas that they pursued behind each others’ backs. They were selfish and broken at times. James Taylor could hardly handle success because he was so caught up in drugs and addiction. There were relationships, friendships and romances, some that brought joy and some that cause pain and heartache. But those relationships shaped them. Just like they shape us. Believe it or not, these iconic artists that we admire and look up to endured hardship, coming from both the music industry as well as their personal lives. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
There are plenty more examples of stories like this is in the book. But I think the one thing that we all know came from these people in 1970 was music that changed people’s lives, and changed the world. They got through all the junk and their greatness rose to the top. Their GIFT was music, and it conquers all hardship.
In this day and age we give up so easily. We quit because we feel silly for even pursuing such a distant dream. We get pressured into doing things the “right” way…..college, job, bills, family, kids, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I went to college, got my degree and now I’m married. Nothing against any of that. All I’m saying is, don’t let your dreams pass you by because you’re playing it safe. Be smart and use your judgement, but you only live once….so go for it. And keep going for it. A career that leaves people talking for generations to come doesn’t evolve over night. Or even in five years. It might take ten. It might take fifteen. Who knows. But look at the bright side, you’re an artist! And you’re creating and doing what you were made to do.
Nobody who has a career that lasts was an overnight success. It may seem like it happened overnight, but they have been working for years. The true overnight successes usually don’t last long and we won’t be able to remember their name in five years.
It’s wasn’t easy for these guys, but the cream eventually rose. We don’t hear much about the stories of all the dark days and times when they were ready to quit, but in this book you’ll understand. And hopefully you’ll find inspiration and motivation to stick with it because you can connect with these people on a real life kinda level. Being an artist isn’t easy, no matter who you are.
Anyway, enough rambling. Y’all go read this book. Be inspired and have a fabulous week! Love to you ALL!
xo
em
