WE DO RECOVER- Voices of Hope is a collection of songs that trace the journey of a person in active substance use disorder from living on the street (Be There) to asking for help (Surrender). The middle songs (Tracks 3 - 12) reflect the insight and hope gained in rehab. Completing treatment, the person is ready to go home (Coming Home) and establish a new life in recovery (Unshakeable). The closing song (Spirit Bird) explores the possibility of a spiritual awakening as the person grows in recovery.The lyrics were written in collaboration with people in treatment or early recovery.
The book contains lyrics and stories of how the songs were written, and includes music streaming of all songs on major platforms.
I have the privilege of visiting several substance use disorder treatment centers on a regular basis to perform concerts and facilitate Creative Writing for Recovery workshops. In addition to specific writing exercises designed to deepen recovery, we spend a portion of the time creating lyrics for a future recovery song. We choose a topic. The participants write on the topic, and I photograph the writings of those who voluntarily wish to contribute to the song. [Due to privacy regulations, the rehab patients/clients remain anonymous.]
When I return to my home studio, I transcribe the writings into my word processor. I don't use automation, as I want the writers' intent to wash over me as I manually type every word. I look for patterns, rhymes and imagery. Then I begin moving words and phrases around (and adding some of my own) until I have verses, choruses, and sometimes a bridge. Once I have a lyric structure, I pick up the guitar and write music. I perform the new song for the participants on my next visit.
Since I began these workshops 3 years prior to the release of this project, I have written over 75 songs with this collaborative process. It is truly an honor to work with people in very early recovery and reflect their words back to them in the form of a song. Whether it's their first time in treatment or the tenth, there's a raw wisdom in the words of someone coming out of a very dark period of their life and beginning to seek the light. I can honestly say that this process has taken my songwriting (and my recovery) in directions I could not have imagined on my own.
I encourage you to set aside an hour, sit down with this book, and listen to the songs as you read the lyrics and the stories behind them. Whether just exploring or in sustained recovery, it is my hope that these words and melodies will inspire you on your journey.
John Dillon, CARC
