When the song "Evergreen” came to me - I was feeling old. As we age it’s easy to feel like we’re past our prime - that our most creative years are behind us. As a female musician, especially, you can start to feel that people think you should just give it up and leave music to young beauties who can dance. (I’m pretty sure a leotard isn’t my best look…)
In a rare moment of vulnerability, I expressed this to a sweet friend of mine who is a professional writer. She told me when she worked in journalism there were certain stories that were deemed “Evergreen” - meaning there was no timeline on them…they would always work and be fresh. She looked at me and said “Some people, like you are just “Evergreen”.
In that regard the word evergreen is defined as “retaining freshness or interest : perennial - universally and continually relevant”. This sentiment touched me deeply and reminded me no matter our age, we can always be relevant. It made me feel my best might still be out there and that I still have things to say. Later that night the chorus for “I Am Evergreen" landed in my head.
“I am evergreen. Are you gonna tell me that you won’t hear what I sing? Because I don’t look like you… well I used to. And these times your living in - I’ve already been through them, my friend - And came out evergreen”
As the song developed it became and anthem of sorts - for those of us who need to be reminded that our voice will always be important. In fact, what we’ve lived through and experienced gives us wisdom and makes us more interesting and relevant to those with open ears. As long as we fight to remain who we were made to be…we are evergreen. I hope you see yourself somewhere in this song.
(Now, if I can just get Reba McIntire or Joan Jett to buy it and record it we’ll be all set.)
EVERGREEN LYRICS:
They say the eyes, are the window to the soul
So look in mine, there’s some things you oughta know about me
I’ve been around, a time or two in this crazy place
Enough to say I was more than just a pretty face
Yeah, I’m more than just a pretty face
I am Evergreen.
Are you gonna tell me that you won’t hear what I sing?
Because I don’t look like you - well, I used to
And these times you’re living in - I’ve already lived through them, my friend
And came out Evergreen. Evergreen….Evergreen.
These deep lines, may tell you that I’m way past my prime.
But they’ve been earned, and they show that I have learned the way.
When I look back, I’m thankful for the times good and bad
And when I dream, I know there’s good times left to have.
So many good times yet to have.
I am Evergreen.
Are you gonna tell me that you won’t hear what I sing?
Because I don’t look like you - well, I used to
And these times you’re living in - I’ve already lived through them, my friend
And came out Evergreen. Evergreen….Evergreen.
My lines and scars - stories they do tell.
Don’t be afraid to dig deeper in the well.
There’s more to me - more than meets the eye.
So listen up. Let me shed a little light. - Shed a little light.
I am Evergreen.
Are you gonna tell me that you won’t hear what I sing?
Because I don’t look like you - well, I used to
And these times you’re living in - I’ve already lived through them, my friend
And came out Evergreen. Evergreen….Evergreen.