Story Behind The Song

We began a major remodel on our house around the same time as Katrina struck the gulf coast. The roof was taken off of our haouse leaving us open to the elements. We originally planned on living through the construction but had to move out. My wife, three daughters and I spent the winter on a friend's farm in a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment on their property. Having to move out of a demolished house into a small basic space for a long wet winter, I felt I could relate to what many of the victims were going through. In the process, I learned how little I need.

Song Description

The song begins with a family that loses their home in the midst of a storm. They move onto a neighbor's farm for the many months it takes to rebuild. Living with only the basic necessities, the narrator learns what is really important and how little he needs to survive.

Lyrics

How Little I Need
Lyrics and Music by Doug Faigel
Copyright 2006

When the wind came howling
The roof blew away
The rain fell down in sheets
And they fled in the night
A frightful sight
The water rose up to the eaves
Now I think of my life
Of my daughters and wife
It?s amazing how little I need

All that winter we spent
On our neighbor?s farm
In the few rooms the old man had free
But we each had a bed
And were never unfed
We always had clothing and heat
And though we were crowded
Sometimes we shouted
It?s amazing how little I need

I know it?s not much
But when you shrink from my touch
And our bed grows as wide as the sea
But what cannot be cured
Must be endured
It?s amazing how little I need


Now a year has passed
And we?re back in our home
But nothings the same you?ll agree
What we cannot rebuild
We be left unfulfilled
Long after the waters recede
Though I?m ebbing and flowing
I know where I?m going
It?s amazing how little I need

It?s a truth I can?t hide
Though sometimes I?ve tried
It?s amazing how little I need

Now I think of my life
Of my daughters and wife
It?s amazing how little I need