I have been called an "unbelievable optimist." Well, I suppose I'm guilty as charged. In a world in which pessimism is so often justified, I have decided to choose optimism whenever possible. There are probably three reasons for this. First, pessimism just feels bad. Second, my interactions with others seem to be enhanced by optimism more often than with pessimism. And third, there are reasons for optimism, if you know where to look. That is what this song, one that Kevin and I simply nickname "Hope," is all about.
I was surprised to discover recently that I had not recorded a full arrangement version of this song, after having written it a few years ago. I have ended a few concerts with "Where My Hope Comes From," wanting to send people away with something positive to think about and hum. I hope that you can feel the same way.
Lyrics
There's a tree outside my window, blooms every spring
It comes out in spite of it all, and here’s the thing
Through all our worry and doubt
Those blossoms always come out
And that is where my hope comes from
Rings like a bell
Yeah, that is where my hope comes from
Makes me think all could be well
And there's a child walking beside us, he takes my hand
He’s got a hundred questions, yet he seems to understand
Through my commotion and strife
He finds the joy in this life
And that is where my hope comes from
Rings like a bell
Yeah, that is where my hope comes from
Makes me think all could be well
And oh, we've got problems, we can't deny
Yeah we've got problems, and that's exactly why
We need hope more than ever
To get us through each day
They can take so much from us
But they can't take our hope away
Cause there's a love growing inside us
In your heart and mine
When we let that feeling guide us
Things tend to turn out fine
Through all our anger and pain
We’ll come back stronger again
And that is where my hope comes from
Rings like a bell
Yeah, that is where my hope comes from
Makes me think all could be well
© Gary Poole 2017