These lyrics have a special place in my heart. In early October 2014, my mother-in-law passed away after a 10 month battle with breast cancer. My father-in-law Antonio was justifiably devastated. They had been married for over 40 years and together as a couple for 45 years. A few months ago, he came to me and asked me to write a song about his wife Alice. He asked me to write the song from his point of view. He had tried many times and couldn't find the right words to say what he truly felt. So, I took it as a challenge and tried to write a song from his perspective. Here is the result. I called it Heart of Gold.
HEART OF GOLD
by
Raymond Tyler
Dedicated to Antonio and Alice Leite — May your love be forever.
Explosions from our first kiss still ring in my head. Hearing you say, “I do” was the greatest joy of my life. Our first time, imprinted in back of my mind, there to recall when I close my eyes. Whispered words of I love you. Tender mercies that only we knew. The touch of your skin. I miss everything.
We were children that met, fell in love, and we grew old holding hands.
Our hearts entwined, and then combined to turn into a heart of gold.
Cold sheets when I turn on my side. Nothing but memories that burn inside. Incomplete, I’d trade my world to have you here. Memories like fingerprints on a window pane. The stars fell and left my world draped in black, dressed in a world of grey. Your presence tattooed in all that I am, all that I’ll ever be.
We were children that met, fell in love, and we grew old holding hands.
Our hearts entwined, and then combined to turn into a heart of gold.
Through the storms of life, you always cheered me on like a candle in the night. You became my rock, my trusted anchor of support. You helped me reach for the stars, made me feel like a king. You built me up, helped me see the greater light, taught me to love, and see the world through better eyes. All I am is because of you.
We were children that met, fell in love, and we grew old holding hands.
Our hearts entwined, and then combined to turn into a heart of gold.
11 June 2015
