SONG RELEASE STORY
September 8, 2023
Some songs change. In the same way that life experiences can cause us to re-frame our very existence, a song's meaning can migrate. From the moment of inception to the day of release, I don't always know where my songs will end up. I start out with a subject, heading one particular way. But then something happens, and some songs change.
I initially thought of Warrior as "the bullying" song. I wrote it from the point of view of a protagonist - "Penny," a girl who was picked on but transcends her trauma to make something of herself. I shared a demo of the song with a friend who was undergoing breast cancer treatment at the time. She appreciated the gesture - to hear a song about resilience and faith. Little did I know then, but two years later, I would also be diagnosed with breast cancer.
On the day of my second diagnostic biopsy at the Breast Clinic, my friend serendipitously had her annual follow-up appointment. After checking in at reception, she saw me sitting in the waiting room. I was looking down at my lap when a soft voice greeted me, "Lorie?" My husband and I were astonished. We desperately needed reassurance, and she was suddenly standing before us. Our roles reversed, and now she was offering me compassion. My friend's pseudonym became "Warrior S," as I described her kindness that day in My Healing Journey blog. Since then, Warrior / Seven of Wands has become linked, in my mind, to the fight against breast cancer.
My recovery was difficult, and I could not find my way back to any sense of normalcy. In May 2023, I became disabled. I was severely traumatized and unable to work. As I underwent trauma treatment, I sought additional resources, and I found one - a Wisconsin-based breast cancer support group on Facebook. I posted about my struggle with breast cancer-triggered PTSD and replied to other women's posts to support them. On May 9th, I replied to one woman, "Tomorrow I will go to my piano and play my song 'Warrior / Seven of Wands' for you. I know you won't hear it, but I hope the energy reaches you."
The following day, I was thinking about which song to record next and decided to document the process in a TikTok video. I had 15 unreleased songs to choose from. My higher power said, "Lorie, use the cards," so I shuffled and drew from those 15 tarot cards. And I pulled Warrior / Seven of Wands! Later that same evening, I also made an Instagram Reel describing my belief that I had drawn that card due to my breast cancer support group.
I spent the summer at my computer, at my piano, and at my microphone. I connected with these women I had only met online and let their stories inspire and encourage me. I thought about our collective trauma. I thought about hope, faith, and the unpredictable challenges that we must face. I infused every note with those thoughts.
The second Friday in September is known as National Stand Up to Cancer Day. It is a holiday upon which people spread awareness concerning cancer. It is also a call-to-action day. On this year's SU2C Day, I release Warrior / Seven of Wands.
Cancer is an oppressive, low-vibration energy. But now, with the recording and release of my song, I have raised that vibration. "Look what cancer did TO me" has become "Look what cancer did FOR me." I am a warrior and I have found a way to make something meaningful out of my fight. I dedicate my performance on this sound recording to all breast cancer warriors and survivors, especially those in my home state of Wisconsin, USA.