Story Behind The Song
While waiting for a train, I heard an incredible performer playing an incredible song. This woman could outsing, outwrite, and outplay 95% of the musicians I know, myself obviously included.
Time slowed for me. All of the noise and people blurred and faded into the background. It was as though I was in a movie, and the lead character was about to be killed in slow motion. And here was the perfect song (in Spanish, which I don't know), performed by the perfect artist, soaring over the silence.
When she finished, I expected the world to be a brand new place. Or at least that station. But nobody stopped. Nobody listened. Nobody cared. It tore me apart.
Those of you in big cities see street performers all the time, and it becomes common. I've seen plenty in my day as well. But not this one.
I urge you to pay attention, wherever you are. Magical performances don't have to happen in sold-out arenas. In fact, they rarely do.
Please enjoy Who You Are.
Song Description
While waiting for a train, I heard an incredible performer playing an incredible song. This woman could outsing, outwrite, and outplay 95% of the musicians I know, myself obviously included.
Time slowed for me. All of the noise and people blurred and faded into the background. It was as though I was in a movie, and the lead character was about to be killed in slow motion. And here was the perfect song (in Spanish, which I don't know), performed by the perfect artist, soaring over the silence.
When she finished, I expected the world to be a brand new place. Or at least that station. But nobody stopped. Nobody listened. Nobody cared. It tore me apart.
Those of you in big cities see street performers all the time, and it becomes common. I've seen plenty in my day as well. But not this one.
I urge you to pay attention, wherever you are. Magical performances don't have to happen in sold-out arenas. In fact, they rarely do.
Please enjoy Who You Are.
Song Length |
4:10 |
Genre |
Rock - Alternative, Pop - Alternative |
Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Mood |
Moving, Heartbreaking |
Subject |
Poverty, Gratitude |
Similar Artists |
R.E.M., Toad The Wet Sprocket |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
Who You Are
Craig Lyons 2006
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Light-hearted woman
In a dark subway station
Singing a dark lullabye
I stop for a moment
To give her attention
While everyone else passes by
An ugly old box
Sitting open & empty
Begging for dollars and cents
A man with a briefcase
On his way down to Wall Street
Can?t justify the expense
I cry for you
I?d die for you
Only to know who you are
I?d lie for you
Make time for you
Only to know who you are
There?s a light shining brightly
At the end of the tunnel
The ground & the walls start to shake
The wind from the train
Blows the hair from their faces
Standing there barely awake
A crowd of the heartless,
The busy and nervous
Can?t wait to call it a day
Nobody noticed
The weary old woman
I see her and I start to say
I cry for you
I?d die for you
Only to know who you are
I?d lie for you
Make time for you
Only to know who you are