Totally embarrassing, but this is my version from 2010 when I first began singing again. I’m sharing it to show my progress and to tell the story:

TOGETHER – 10/25/10 Copyright 2010 by Judy Unger

I have finally recorded my wedding song.

I think it’s important to know that I had perimeters when writing my wedding song. My mother was very upset about “the bride playing her guitar at her own wedding.” In order to satisfy her, and especially because of the religious ceremony involved, I needed to base my lyrics upon the biblical, seven wedding blessings.

In order to record this song I needed to rewrite my song to be more “generic.” I decided to keep the song’s religious feeling and even the lyrics “the streets of Jerusalem.” I couldn’t find a way to replace that anyway. Somehow the “streets of Los Angeles” didn’t sound very beautiful!

It took me several months to commit to the lyrics; it changed the song considerably. In addition to rewriting the lyrics, I had to consider song structure, phrasing, and melody!

It was interesting for me that as I closed in on completing the recordings of “the songbook of my youth” – this last song was my last musical composition for thirty years. I do still plan to record two other songs that were written earlier.

I’m aware that my songs and writing convey my sensitive and emotional nature. My wedding song is very emotional for me.

I have written about the trauma I experienced when I got married. That chapter in my life was painful, despite the outward appearance of a beautiful wedding.

My new song has a new title. I assumed it would be called “Song of Joy,” and named it as such up until today. However, as I was singing it a more poignant title came to me – “Together.”

Change isn’t easy, but in this case I’ve decided to welcome it on my song. Recording it felt like a new beginning for me, too. George and I worked for six hours on this song, and the time was well worth it. I’m not certain that it’s completely finished either.

This has definitely been a week of intense writing for me! Sometimes I view my blog as “a close friend.”

It is there for me to share when my need arises. Writing has been very therapeutic for me. There is so much comfort to have such a perfect place as my blog to express my feelings. The rest of the time, I am enjoying my music, and fulfilling my obligations.

I enjoyed scanning the pictures to go along with my wedding music. I’ll give my writing a rest and share pictures today instead.

For the anecdote on how I played this song at my wedding with a bandage on my finger, this is link: FINDING MY VOICE.

My journey of insight continues as I perform, record and compose music, and write.

I did the calligraphy for this.

A page in my diary about my wedding. Clicking on it brings it up larger.

My aunt had a custom cake made, which copied my invitation. It was simply amazing!

I forced Michael to perform an Israeli dance. It wasn’t a hard one!

Michael was very nervous.

He was nice, I was not – wow did I squish it in there!

TOGETHER

Original Song by Judy Unger, Copyright 2010

Together they are

partners and best friends

they create perfect joy

like first lovers in Eden

Together they will

create life in god’s image

and so with the blessings above

They begin their new life today

CHORUS:

Oh lord above, may this song of joy for them

Play through the streets of Jerusalem

Oh Lord above, on this sacred day they’re wed

We celebrate their future ahead

Together they see

love as everlasting

This moment when they share vows

United by love

CHORUS

Oh Lord above, on this sacred day they’re wed

We celebrate their future ahead

Oh lord above, may this song impart

wishes for their beautiful start

for their beautiful start

© Judy Unger and http://www.myjourneysinsight.com 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Judy Unger with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.