Sometimes you run into a person who only cares about you when they think they have something to gain from it. I hope you don't know anyone like that, but, if you do, this one's for THEM.
Not much explanation needed on this one, but it came about during a time when my wife was traveling out of the country every couple weeks for work, and, even though we'd hooked up the latest videophone technology (yes, videophones existed for a brief minute in history), it still wasn't enough to pretend we were in the same room.
My son was the most gentle and forgiving kid in all of pre-school. He was also fairly bashful, to the point where he hid under a huge policeman's hat that he particularly liked whenever the spotlight was on him. Growing up a bit timid in the limelight myself, I just wished I could help him feel stronger when he needed to. That feeling inspired the chorus of this song, but, I took some poetic license with the verses to apply the same feelings to any relationship where you love someone so much, you'll do anything to help them feel stronger and more like they belong in this often challenging world. (In case you're wondering, my son soon found the strength to take his hat off, and continues to surprise and make me proud every day with his brave and independent outlook on life).
At one point I lived in an amazing former monastary in the Hollywood hills that was populated by people with all sorts of heart-wrenching stories. Since I was also at a particularly low crossroads in my life, I suppose we all shared a hope of experiencing some sort of magical transformation by living in this one-time sacred place. I can't really say whether I was transformed, but I know the experience inspired one of the songs I'm proudest to have written.
The ONE thing we seem to have perfected in the modern world is how to sell stuff that either doesn't live up to its promise, or that no one really needs. We're bombarded with hype, guilt, fear, and unjustified bravado everywhere our five senses will allow, and this song represents one of my "I can't take it anymore" moments about this state we find ourselves in. But I won't hype it any more than that....
When the producers of the Denzel Washington movie, Fallen, asked if I had anything appropriate to play on the psycho killer's car radio, I recorded this in a couple hours and gave it to them. I don't think it's lyrically relevant to the creepy character, but they liked it and put it in the movie. It continues to be one of my most downloaded tracks, which I hope says nothing about the mental states of those listening to my music.....
Written for the movie, City of Angels, but unfortunately lost out to Sarah McLachlan's "Angel"... tough to argue with that. I put it on my CD, "Dear Significant Other", as a quiet moment after "Superman".
Started my career in the film business