More than Ever

Over the last few weeks, I was given the opportunity to work on a music project for an event that my church was doing. It evolved into more of a rap song... conversation went as follows:

Michelle: "I've secretly always wanted to rap. Ya know, like Lauryn Hill. They used to call me 'Chelleboogie' in college." Daniel: [chuckles under his breath, yet being modest] "Yeah that's cool." Michelle: "Would you ever be open to doing a rap together?" Daniel: "haha... sure."

(1 day later...) 

Sue: "We need some acts for the BreakOut Community Event. Michelle, wanna do a song?" Michelle: [thinking to previous conversation] "Maybe. Hmmm. Well. Ok? How about a rap?" Sue: "YES!!! I'm signing you up." Michelle: "Uh, ok." 

Michelle: "So about that rap we talked about... wanna do it?" Daniel: "For real? Uh... sure." [clearly hesitant] Michelle: "Cool! Let's do it." [thinking: Oh my gosh! What did I just get myself into?]

We eventually roped in Alex Carpenter, master vocalist to do main vocals, and our group is complete. After a few practices this is what we came up with. It captures me and Daniel's testimony of growing up without a father and how God redeemed our stories. We felt like this was incredibly relevant given how many children grow up without a dad in the city. So we thought we'd share our story through an original song which could be a blessing to the community.

Instrumentals written by Michelle Santis. 

Vocals written by Alex Carpenter. 

Lyrics written by Daniel Castillo and Michelle Santis.

CHORUS 1

Where have you been?

And where have you gone?

I need you now more than ever

I need someone to care

Someone to be there

Cause I always feel like I’m alone

VERSE 1: Michelle

Daddy, where were you on my first day of Kindergarten?

Thank you for the cards

To remind me I was not forgotten.

Your money, your lies, your alcohol. Addicted.

Your love and affection was all I ever really wanted.

Tell me I am beautiful, smart, strong, loved

Hoping for relationship, all I was dreaming of

But you don’t even know me, the pain and prayers

Cause you weren’t there.

Daddy, did you even care?

CHORUS 1

Where have you been?

And where have you gone?

I need you now more than ever

I need someone to care

Someone to be there

Cause I always feel like I’m alone

VERSE 2: Daniel

I had a hard time growing up

Man of the house, still wasn’t old enough

No father, no love, anger just filling up

Six kids, no food, had to get my dough up,

So I took it to the streets, got to be sho nuff

Big homie, gun in hand, this is how you man up,

Feeling nervous, praying, just as we rolled up,

Got to slow it down, my father just showed up.

CHORUS 1

Where have you been?

And where have you gone?

I need you now more than ever

I need someone to care

Someone to be there

Cause I always feel like I’m alone

BRIDGE: Alex

I’ve been walking in the dark

I have strayed so very far

From what I know is true

Now I see your hand, so clear

You’ve seen each and every tear

Father, help me believe

VERSE 3: Michelle & Daniel

Thank you Lord for bringing down the Spirit

You protected us, Your love, I can really feel it

You called us Your own, gave us a home

Adopted in Your family, now I never have to be alone

Healed us from our brokenness, helped us to forgive

You are the example, taught us how to live

This is my testimony for all you to hear

Thank you Lord for always being there

CHORUS 2

Where have you been?

And where have you gone?

I need you now more than ever

But now I know you care

And you’ll always be there

I never need to be alone

ENDING

I never need to be alone

Cuz you’ll always be there