Behind the Music: “Beautiful Life”
Throughout my life, there have been moments that became more significant than the rest--memories that, when I look at them in retrospect, have profoundly shaped my outlook on life. Not all of these memories are joyful, but each nevertheless taught me that life is a beautiful gift.
While contemplating some of these memories in the shower several months ago (as one does), a song began to take shape, a song that captured some of the most significant transition moments in my life: the funerals of each of my grandparents, the day I had my Blind Audition for The Voice, my first sunrise, the dark early days of the pandemic when I was living on my own, the last time my whole family was together, and many others.
While sitting at my desk post-shower, I thought of one of my favorite Bible verses, Psalm 30:5, which reads: “His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” This verse fits perfectly with the contemplation of my memories, because it speaks to the fact that life isn’t always a cake walk. Some days are difficult, more filled with sorrow than joy. But through it all, we keep moving and we keep trying because sorrow and joy are both gifts, and bad days help us appreciate the good ones. Life is a gift--all of it, even the bad, messy moments, because these moments can transform us in beautiful ways, despite their sorrow and pain.
The lyrics began to pour out of me as I thought of that verse in the context of my own memories, and most of the song was written an hour later. Only a few small changes have been made to the lyrics since then. Now, nine months later, I am so excited to share it with you, and my hope is that it can lead you to contemplate the beauty of your own life as well!
“Beautiful Life” comes out on Thursday, August 12. You can presave it here.
Lyrics:
I have hope when I wake up
I’m crying by the night
Something bout the light
Being drained from the sky
Yet the darkest night yields to
The loveliest sunrise
And both joy and sorrow make this a beautiful life
Like yesterday I remember
When he left this earth
The tears on my sweater
The stained glass lining the church
He smiled through the rain
Laid himself down for his wife
Through my sorrow it’s clear
That his joy hasn’t died
And his new home’s even better
Than this beautiful life
Everybody sits in the shower from time to time
Regret, like a broken record, plays in the back of a wistful mind
But a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
Ever feel a little lost on the road to being found?
It’s in choosing to stay standing through the trials and the strife
Cause joy and sorrow make this a beautiful life
*instrumental*
No season lasts forever
The sun will set and it’ll rise
Like a puddle in the desert
The teardrops always dry
Though it’s all they could ask for
Mom and dad are sad to see their child grown
That they find the yellow brick road
Is all a parent hopes to know
Bitter and sweet, they always teach
We’re blessed to be alive
And joy and sorrow make this
A beautiful life
Oh how I love this beautiful life
Keep scrolling for some pictures about/that inspired the project!
Here’s the cover art, designed by the talented Joanna Seul after she listened to the track! I can’t imagine anything more fitting for this project! Check out more of her work here.
Here is young Kat (circa 2008:) with my late grandpa who inspired the second verse of the song.
Finally, my incredible family. I wouldn’t be making music without their encouragement.
Thank you for reading this far! If you would like to help support this project financially, please consider purchasing some merch here. Hope you like the song!
*Special shoutout to Daniel Oldham for the amazing production and Joanna Seul for the cover art!*
