Making of My Music: Witness

WitnessKelody Fey

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I wrote this song several years ago during a music therapy conference that was near the beach. I was walking along the shore and noticed the footprints going all different directions. I thought about the people that might have walked the same ground I did. What did they gain from the experience?

I began to reflect on that fact that I witnessed and observed these footprints and the sliver of shared experience even though I didn’t meet these people. Then I thought about other times this happens, like reading writing on a bathroom stall or a flyer in a coffee shop. Other shared experiences, such as overcoming obstacles became a focus of the song.

I thought about all the places one might go to find transformation. Places that encouraged me to open my heart and mind to the struggles and triumphs of people around me. Below are the lyrics:

I am a witness to your footprints in the sand

Though your path is unknown to me

I know we both traverse this land

To the end of the ocean,

I’ve returned a different person

On the edge of a purpose

With the waves in me set in motion

I am a witness to your words upon the wall

Though your voice is unknown to me

I received and clearly heard your call

To the banks of the river

I’ve become a strong believer

On the edge of a purpose

With an age-old message to deliver

Open your hands, Open your mind

Open your heart, open your eyes

To the distress, to the progress

I am witness when the last straw breaks your back

Though your strength is unknown to me

I know we all deserve some slack

From the bottom of the valley

I’ll be at your side as an ally

On the edge of a purpose

An army in me, enough to rally

Open your hands, Open your mind

Open your heart, open your eyes

To the distress, to the progress

I am a witness when the battle has been won

Though it seemed impossible

I can say to you a job well done

From the top of the mountain

I’ll be at your side there shouting

On the edge of a purpose

With all the blessings we’re accounting

Open your hands, Open your mind

Open your heart, open your eyes

To the distress, to the progress

Just say yes and be a witness