In ACT I, I shared the initial inspirational moment for writing, “I Want to Marry You.”
In ACT II, I stayed up all night writing. Anytime I felt stuck, I would look over at Simone, watch her head move up and down on the pillow as she breathed in and out…. and I'd start smiling and falling in love all over again.
(btw, here's a link for easy access on your favorite streaming platform:)
“I WANT TO MARRY YOU"
I was caught up in the rapture and energy of the song, soooooo wanting to burst out laughing in joy, but didn't want to wake her. When my face started to hurt from the intensity of the smiling, I channeled that feeling into the song.
That's how the bridge unfolded. You see, the verses are about how I feel. The
chorus is asking her to marry me. But bridges… well bridges are intended to take the song in a different direction, tone, sound, mood, perspective. The song needed a declaration of everlasting commitment and these lyrics came forward:
And the song was done. Right on cue, birds began to chirp outside and Simone opened her eyes. With a confused look on her face, seeing me on the floor at the crack of dawn, holding my guitar, she asked, “Whatchya doin', honey?” So I played the song.
Took 7 minutes to get through the 3-minute song because we couldn't stop laughing and crying together. It was so intense. Just listened to the recording (yup, I recorded it.) It was INTENSE!
Honestly, I have no idea what happened next. I'm guessing that we spent the next million years together — attached at the hip in love and life and work and play. For now, it's enough to say that the song was born.
I hope you enjoy “I WANT TO MARRY YOU!"
END of ACT II