The Strength Of Sharing

The power of music is undeniable. Sharing music with others gives it even greater power, and using it to create an emotional connection between returning service members and civilians is critical to what we do. At every retreat, participants leave with their own unique song and two group songs. These songs are not just a collection of lyrics and melodies; they are a reflection of the deep emotions and experiences that participants have endured.

Former participants, and peer support, Teresa and Floyd Howes beautifully captured the essence of sharing the songs when they said, “The SVV:S community shares the language of music that opens our hearts to the reality of how much we need to express our pain, joy, and profound longing to connect with each other” It is through this shared language that participants are able to express themselves in a way that words alone cannot convey. These life-giving experiences not only provide a sense of hope and healing but also help to build bridges between military and civilian communities.

For those who are unable to attend a retreat, our online song library is an invaluable resource. With thousands of downloads each year, the library offers a diverse collection of songs that can be sorted and searched by various categories and keywords. Whether it’s by military branch, conflict, or even by subjects such as pain, connection, and family, there is a song for everyone.

We have also worked to extend our music’s reach through live concerts, bringing the power of these songs to even more people. The recent concerts in New York, Boston, and Luckenbach TX have touched the lives of many, bringing together veterans, active military, families, and civilians through the universal language of music.

As veteran Cliff Richardson and songwriter Will Kimbrough’s collaboration demonstrates, the program also serves as a source of peace and strength. Cliff’s words, “I think we can all use a little bit of peace in our lives,” ring true, and Will’s performance of “Pillar of Peace” in Luckenbach is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift. Together, through the songwriting sessions, concerts and sharing the songs we can all find strength, hope and a sense of community.

Pillar Of Peace

Cliff Richardson / Will Kimbrough

I’ve been all over this great big world
I’ve done what I’ve done the best that I can
And I’ve seen men be cruel and unkind
To each other and this beautiful land
We spend a whole lot of time just fooling ourselves
Can’t see the forest for the trees
If we really look deep, most everyone knows
That you got to be a pillar of peace

I’ve seen the world from 20,000 feet
And I’ve seen it from the bottom of the sea
I’ve thought a whole lot about what it means to be free
And I want to be a pillar of peace

If we look past our differences I know we will see
A whole lot of good all around
Nothing is forever except for the earth
So I keep both my feet on the ground

I’ve seen the world from 20,000 feet
And I’ve seen if from the bottom of the sea
I’ve thought a whole lot about what it means to be free
And I want to be a pillar of peace

A good man he don’t have to be rich
And a poor man don’t have to be bad
A wise man’s knowledge ain’t just in a degree
If he shares everything that he can
Things don’t always go my way
And life ain’t all about me
But you know if we all work together
We’d all be pillars of peace

I’ve seen the world from 20,000 feet
And I’ve seen if from the bottom of the sea
I’ve thought a whole lot about what it means to be free
And I want to be a pillar of peace

I want to be a pillar of peace

Life is meant to be loved
Life is meant to be lived
Life ain’t made for regret
You know good friends and family and lessons we learn
I don’t ever want to forget
No I ain’t ever gonna forget

I’ve seen the world from 20,000 feet
And I’ve seen if from the bottom of the sea
I’ve thought a whole lot about what it means to be free
And I want to be a pillar of peace

I’ve seen the world from 20,000 feet
And I’ve seen if from the bottom of the sea
Thought a whole lot about what it means to be free
And I want to be a pillar of peace
Yeah I want to be a pillar of peace
Oh want to be a pillar of peace
And I’m gonna be a pillar of peace

© 2017 Will Kimbrough Music BMI. Bluewater Music Inc. / SongwritingWith:Soldiers Music (ASCAP)