"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places."
That's an Ernest Hemingway quote from "A Farewell to Arms" and it was this insightful and intriguing line that inspired Track #10, Stronger In Broken Places. It was co-written with my wife Mary Ellen - who's pretty inspiring herself! Growing stronger in the broken places seems to me like an inescapable part of living, whether it's navigating the crumbling music business or confronting the illusions of ego. It's a song about struggle and hope.
Some of you may remember, I recorded a version of this tune on my "Tightrope of Dreams" record in 2004. Not long after that recording, we re-wrote a couple of lines in verse 2 and since then I've always wanted to re-capture the song. "The Clarke Hall Sessions" seemed like the right time and place to do it. This week has me flanked by the wonderful side players Justin Abedin and Sean O'Connor. Check out the video below. ARE YOU LIVING IN AN iTUNES WORLD?
For those of you who live in an iTunes world, you can now download your digital copy of "The Clarke Hall Sessions" from the Itunes store by following this link.
Thanks again for following the music. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you at shows throughout the summer so don't forget to check the live dates on the website in case I'm "musicking" in your neighbourhood!
Meet you in the music,
David
Flower Photograph by Fuzzy Gerdes
LYRICS
Growing stronger in broken places
Growing wise where we were blind
Finding love where amazing grace is
We're growing stronger in broken places
This crazy world breaks everyone
From the highest priest to the prodigal son
But when we face what we’ve become
The healing has begun
Growing stronger in broken places
Growing wise where we were blind
Finding love where amazing grace is
We're growing stronger in broken places
I believe in a promised land
Beyond the greed and the hate of man
We all can get there hand in hand
Slowly marching on
Growing stronger in broken places
Growing wise where we were blind
Finding love where amazing grace is
We're growing stronger in broken places
In the darkest hour, I'm like a frightened kid
But I won’t be scared to fight to live
Growing stronger in broken places
Growing wise where we were blind
Finding love where amazing grace is
We're growing stronger, we're growing wiser
We're growing stronger in broken places
© 2002 David Leask/Power Of Song & M.E. Beatty/Power Of Song