Robert Baitinger, a songwriter from Germany
For songwriters who dont sing or perform it is extremely hard to make ones mark in the music business because they dont have a platform to present and promote their work. This is more or less the situation that I, Robert Baitinger, a songwriter from Germany, have been confronted with since I started writing songs in 1978.
My idea is to complement my songwriting capabilities with the "helping hands" of excellent artists, musicians and innovative producers. In the age of the internet it has become easier to communicate and collaborate with musicians and producers all over the world. I am utilizing the internet and pursuing the idea of a conceptual studio band with a frequently changing lineup of artists. I call this project the "Rob B. Project" since I supply the melodies and/or lyrics of a song and other musicians/producers/songwriters contribute their talents and skills to make it come to life.
Story behind the song
Everything comes to an end. That's what gives existence its value, its impermanence. To have life you must have death. We don't know how we will go, when it actually happens. Sometimes it happens very suddenly and we don't have a chance to say goodbye and say thank you to our loved ones. These thoughts kind of set the stage for this song "Sing Me Home".
I decided to write a universal farewell anthem, just in case I don't get a chance to say farewell when my time is up. A song that celebrates a life well-lived, gives thanks, offers love and support and becomes a kind of time capsule for everybody I've touched. I think the more universal the lyrics are, the more personal it can feel for everybody who hears it even people who don't even know me. So, I tried to keep things simple and wrote singable lyrics with themes of gratitude, love, legacy, and acceptance of mortality. Since I wanted it to be universal, I didn't use names, but just references to family roles. The chorus is something everyone can sing together at a memorial, a party or alone, but I made things even easier by adding "whoa"s that stick in your head when the song is over. The music is not overly sad. It's more uplifting, reflective and full of heart. I really hope this song will not be needed for a long, long time, but when the time comes, it's there for anybody who wants to "Sing Me Home".
Lyrics
Sing Me Home
[Verse 1]
I walked this road with open eyes
Through stormy days and clear blue skies
I laughed, I learned, I took my time
And tried to leave some light behind
[Pre-Chorus]
I didnt always get things right
But I gave my all, and that's alright
[Chorus]
So sing me home when I am gone
With every note, I still live on
A thank you whispered in the breeze
To everyone who carried me
Don't cry too long, just raise a toast
To love, to life, to what meant most
When you hear this, I'll be gone
So sing me home, sing my song
[Verse 3]
To the one who stood through thick and thin
My truest love, my closest friend
To little hands I held so tight
And tiny hearts that lit my life
[Pre-Chorus]
It all flew by, but oh, so sweet
These little things made life complete
[Chorus]
So sing me home when I am gone
With every note, I still live on
A thank you whispered in the breeze
To everyone who lifted me
Don't cry too long, just raise a toast
To love, to life, to what meant most
When you hear this, I'll be gone
So sing me home, sing my song
[Bridge]
I knew the end would come someday
Man, what a life, I loved each day
No need for tears, no need for fear
I'm everywhere, I'm always near
[Final Chorus]
So sing me home when I am gone
With every note, I still live on
A thank you whispered in the breeze
To everyone who carried me
Don't cry too long, just raise a toast
To love, to life, to what meant most
When you hear this, I'll be gone
So sing me home, sing my song
