This song is one I've written and talked about and performed quite a few times this past year, and it's amazing where it has taken me since March 2015 when it was released.
This song was inspired by the 2014 Carlton Complex Wildfires in Washington state, my own experience, and the stories of others. Writing this song, I never imagined that we would have another horrible summer of fires just a year later. In 2014, the Carlton Complex was named the state's largest recorded wildfire. In 2015, that record was broken. I'm praying this summer will be different.
One Line:
"I'll hear the wind chimes sing all night..."
Before moving to Washington, we had wind chimes just outside the back patio door of our house in Illinois (same ones pictured up above). I loved the sound. After moving, the familiar ringing of those chimes felt like home.
When the fires came the closest to us during that week in July, the wind would pick up out of nowhere--wildfires create weather of their own, and going to sleep on those nights (wondering if I really should have been going to sleep or if I should have stayed awake), I noticed the wind chimes. I was very aware of that little piece of home amidst my fear and the danger.
This was not an easy song to write. The subject matter affected the people and towns all around this area, my friends, my favorite places... But I had to write it. The strength of the people fighting those fires every day, the unbelievable destruction that could tear down one house then skirt around the house next door leaving it completely untouched, the perseverance of those who lost so much... But most of all, the beauty that rose up from within those ashes. People helping each other (neighbors and volunteers from all across the country). Towns coming together.
These things were too powerful for this songwriter to ignore.
-Brittany
P.S. Happy Leap Day!