Good morning…
My husband Steve and I have been watching American Idol together this season, since one of his students from The Lovett School was just chosen by the judges as one of the top twenty-four contestants. These diversely talented singers will now begin vying for votes from viewers, seeking to become the next American Idol.
In his audition, Slater Nalley shared an emotional performance dedicated to the son of beloved Lovett teacher, Michele Davis. Slater wrote a song for Mrs. Davis’s son, Carter Davis, who died tragically eight years ago, at age seventeen. Davis wrote a poem and she gave it to Slater, asking him to turn it into a song.
“I hope this song puts a little joy in a dark place,” explains Nalley, sharing the lyrics to Traces of You.
[Verse 1]
Your laugh was like a river running home
That crooked smile made people talk, you know?
By the boy who’s eyes flickered like the light before it goes
Your laugh was like a river running home
[Pre-Chorus]
In the dark at night, you always found the sun
One look at you and I just come undone
Now you visit me in shadows
I can’t reach and I can’t run
In the dark night you always found the sun
[Chorus]
A moment breaks and you appear
And for a second I swear you’re standing right here
I’d give anything for love to be enough to makе it true
As the memoriеs come racing into view
These traces of you
[Verse 2]
Somewhere past the sky
I can feel you dancing in the air
Every single time I see a bird fly by
I’m reminded that you’re answering my prayers
[Chorus]
A moment breaks, and you appear
And fore a second, I swear you’re standing right here
I’d give anything for love to be enough to make it true
As memories come wresting into view
These traces of you
[Outro]
Traces of you
Your life was like a river running home
That crooked smile made people talk, you know?
Jesus replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight… Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening” (Matthew 13:11-13, MSG).
Enjoy the American Idol audition for Slater Nalley, with supportive Michele Davis standing beside.
Tracing our tears, might singing this story nudge all of us toward a welcome awakening?
…Sue…
