During this unusual time of isolation, God is downloading some new songs upon my heart. I don’t know if it’s because things are quieter—well, kind of, I mean the kids are still loud, but the slower pace, the swirl of emotions of a global pandemic, and a keen awareness of our need for Jesus, is fertile soil for things to push to the surface.
Last week, I shared a rough cut on the song, “Saturday, Still.” Today, I wrapped up the following song, “Until Tomorrow.” My sister-in-law, Martha, helped with some of the concept and words for this song, so grateful! If you want to listen to rough cut of it, you can do so, over here.
It’s my hope that this song will validate the disappointment that many are feeling right now, those with birthdays, graduations, and weddings…and other major milestones, while gently pointing to the silver lining present if we pivot to see an alternative possibility.
In my wildest dreams, I picture this song sung as a ballad, in a Broadway musical, about this unique time in history.
This song is dedicated to my daughter, Brooke, who is about to turn Sweet 16 next week, Lydia, who is a high school senior, and Kenzie who got married during this time.
Until Tomorrow
Your birthday came and went without a party,
when you turned sweet 16
Your wallet is empty of a license,
All this feels a little mean
Blowing out the candles was a let down
As wishes went up in smoke
April used to be your favorite
But this year it’s like a bad joke
Doubts and disappointment are present
As you wonder when this will end
Unanswered questions plague the darkness
And oh how you miss your friends.
How do you cross an imaginary line when the world feels upside down? How do you find your footing as you're idling right now? #untiltomorrow Share on X
How do you cross an imaginary line when the world feels upside down?
How do you find your footing when you’re idling right now?
I’m not making light of the fogginess
All alone, with your stalled-out dreams
But might I suggest, as you speed to what’s next
Brake in order to yield.
What if you lay this down?
Your forecasted expectations?
What if you hit the ground?
Release a lamentation
It’s okay to cry today, Darling,
Take your time and feel this
I’m sorry it went this way
But don’t give up, don’t give up, on tomorrow.
You didn’t say goodbye like you wanted to
So much left unsaid
Prom and graduation are canceled
Yearbooks left unpenned
Empty halls fill your memories
As steel doors shut your plans
You’re growing up faster than you’d like to
Not sure how and where you’ll land
Your milestones seem like they’ve deflated,
Or at least have been dulled from their shine
Who knew a mailed diploma would feel heavy
Stamping out applause at this time
How do you pass an imaginary test when the world feels upside down?
How do you find your footing when you’re standing on shifting ground?
I’m not minimizing the sadness
Missing out, on your rite-of-passage dreams
But might I suggest, as you ponder what’s next
Pivot in order to see.
What if you turn the page?
On what you’re studying for?
What if there’s another path?
You’ve never thought of before?
It’s okay to cry today, Darling,
Take your time and grieve this
I’m sorry that it went this way
But don’t give up, don’t give up, on tomorrow.
You looked forward to the date of your union
Since pig tails at age three
But this day will be marked with an asterisk
To have and hold, no RSVP
The terms of your engagement quickly shifting
Overnighting the gown of your dreams
Dad should be walking you down the aisle
Instead of watching on a screen
I’ll be wearing pearls of anticipation
Witnessing your vows to your groom
Your Dad and I will show up like always
A silver lining found as we zoom
Your Dad and I will show up like always, a silver lining found as we zoom. #untiltomorrow Share on X
How do you cross over this threshold when the world feels upside down?
How do you find your footing on those heels you’re standing in right now?
I’m not making light of the ache that you feel
In the arms of the one that you love
Let him hold you tight as you dance tonight
With all your heart say, “I do.”
What if you unclench your fist,
And open your quivering hand?
What if there’s more than this,
A bright future beyond altered plans?
It’s okay to cry anyway, Darling,
Take some time to see this
Even though we’re far away
We’ll keep showing up, keep showing up, like always
Darling, don’t forgot to celebrate
And don’t you wait to graduate
Please don’t postpone your wedding date
Don’t wait to live, darling, don’t wait to live,
Don’t wait to live, until tomorrow.
“Until Tomorrow” © 2020. Lyrics: Katie Reid with Martha Reid, Music: Katie Reid
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A Letter to Every High School Senior by Lydia Lee
Welcome to Thirteen (A Mixed Bag of Crazy and Confetti)