©Andy May, Lauren LeCroy May, James Heffernan (Swift River Music/BMI)
Behind the Song
Andy: Many folks ask me if this song is about my mom. As I started to write it, I surely was inspired by her example. Then, Lauren LeCroy May added her wise touch to the lyric, and Jim Heffernan brought some good insight, as well. When the song was complete, I felt like we had created something that not only honored my mom but also made a statement about all people who encourage good things in the lives of those around them. Their encouragement lives on long after it is given.
We were writing songs for a lot of different artists that I was producing when we moved to the Nashville area in 1996. The great American songwriter, Tom Paxton, had advised us to, “keep writing for the family,” when we got to Music City. We always try to follow that advice.
Listen
Credits:
Andy May: Vocal and Guitar
-
- Dan Dugmore – Pedal Steel Guitar
- Kirk “Jelly Roll” Johnson – Harmonica
- Rodger Morris – Piano
- Jeremy Shearer – Bass
- Nathan Smith – Drums
- Odessa Settles – Backup Vocals
- Produced by Andy May
- Recorded and mixed at Mainframe Recording Studio, Nashville, TN
Engineer: Nathan Smith
Lyrics
The Woman in the Wings
©1999 Andy May, Lauren LeCroy May, Jim Heffernan
He was such a quiet kid, shy as anything
When he was all by himself, he sure loved to sing
She was amazed he signed up for the third grade talent show
But when the big day finally came, he was afraid to go
She whispered, “You can do it,” as she knelt backstage by his side
“Your gift is like a candle, Son, it’s time to let it shine”
Something in her words and the way that they were said
Caused a shy boy’s fear to disappear, and made him brave instead
He walked out on the stage and it was such a simple thing
To throw his head back and just sing for The Woman in the Wings
The Woman in the Wings
Even after he was grown, she’d come to hear him sing
He was reaching for his dream while she watched him from the wings
She saw him through thick and thin, praying he’d succeed
But when the world came to his door, she wasn’t there to see
It was all within his grasp , but his courage seemed to fade
The applause could never warm him like the smile upon her face
Then one night in the spotlight, he saw an angel by his side
She said, “Your gift is like a candle, Son, don’t forget to let it shine”
Something in her words and the way that they were said
Gave a broken man the strength to stand, and live his life instead
Though you may never see her, to him she’s not a dream
She stands beside him and he sings for The Woman in the Wings
The Woman in the Wings
The Woman in the Wings
For The Woman in the Wings
Discography
- Track 3 on Room for Roots, SRM CD-118
