Like so many of my song ideas, this one came to me while I was in the kitchen washing the dishes. (I think my genie lives under the sink.)
I'd heard of the idea of writing a letter to your past self granting forgiveness, but I'd never heard of the idea of writing to your future self asking for forgiveness for a difficult choice you're about to make, the ultimate outcome of which is woefully unforeseeable.
So, as I was thinking about all that, a little voice from under the sink said, “Hey, I think there's a song in there.…”
And that little voice was right.
VERSE 1
Hello there, Dear My Future Self
I had to write to you
I need to make a tough choice
And I don't know what to do
I wish that I could phone you up
Or maybe send a text
Could you tell me how this all turns out?
‘Cause I am so perplexed
VERSE 2
I ask you to have mercy on me
If I get this wrong
I’ve racked my brains and ruminated
For so very long
But with the limited means of understanding
That I hold today
The best that I can do is
Cross my fingers, hope, and say:
CHORUS 1
Just please forgive me
I don't have all the facts
One day you'll look back on this time
With insight that I lack
And if I ruin your life
Then, oh, I do apologize
‘Cause what seems like the best way now
May someday seem unwise
VERSE 3
Please try not to beat me up
Or tell me I'm a fool
I don't have your wisdom
And they don't teach this in school
I'm counting on you to understand
I did all that I could
And though it was my best
I’m not sure if it's any good
CHORUS 2
So please forgive me
I don't have all the facts
One day you'll look back on this time
With insight that I lack
And if I ruin your life
Then, oh, I do apologize
‘Cause what seems like the best way now
Could surely prove unwise
INSTRUMENTAL
VERSE 4
Hello there, Dear My Younger Self
Please don't be afraid
You're gonna make mistakes
But it will all turn out okay
I wish that I could tell you
All the things that I know now
But stick it out — in time, dear Self
You'll learn them anyhow
CHORUS 3
Of course I forgive you
For the things you that can’t know
I didn’t know them either then
So many years ago
You'll mess up many times
But then you'll learn from every one
And you’ll be so much wiser then
When all is said and done
DUET (REPEAT CHORUS 2 & 3)
@elainedimasi Mar 2022
Great concept!
The folk-song inflected melody becomes prominent and very emotional for me, especially, as you wind up the first chorus.
Letting the two "I" 's duet together finally is such a nice touch!
The relentless instrumental rhythm with its ever-present hint of bells is very much like clocks and chimes of time passing, so quickly.
@kadmad202 Feb 2022
I wasn't sure of the rhythm at first, if it would work with the topic of the song, but by the chorus I realized that it completely works. The depth and thoughtfulness of the lyrics so drew me in, that by the last duet, I was wiping away tears. I love this song, the wisdom and grace it portrays; the hope that no matter how inadequate our knowledge is at any given time, things will work out, which they so often do. Beautiful.
@tukayandryan Feb 2022
Like the spin on this. The duet is great at the end. Lovely vocal. This has such a beautiful sentiment.
@karlsburg25 Feb 2022
Ahhn mylovely how beautiful. After all our chats you know i totally sync in with the lyrics but you put it over so well. and yes the forgiveness to our past selves is so important. And i love the unique guitar rhythm background. . I not sure what the instrument is but i love the solo . section . And how clever having the duet chat with yourself at the end. Wooohooo xx