We wrote this song just before the beginning of the 2011 retreat in Tuscany, about the layering of many personalities and histories together into one event. The diversity adds a special magic to the gathering.

We likened it to looking out over the Tuscan hills and valleys, where we could see the different colored layers of mountains, fields, flowers, etc., all superimposed one on the other. We decided to make it the title song and create a copy for each of the retreat participants.

Music

Lyrics

Underneath it all
Where no one can see
My life is made up of layers
Each one built upon the other

Hidden far from view
Barely out of reach
Memories of graceful, simple moments
Concealed, covered over

Happenings and incidents
Haphazardly arranged
Occasion upon circumstance
Ordered by each subtle change

All align and press together
Until they are countless layers deep

Gathered, stacked upon each other
Scarcely separate layers

Unbeknownst to you
Unrecognized by me
Sometimes I find that I am
Unaware of all the layers

Color everything I do
My life is made up of layers
Each one as it’s meant to be

Credits

From Layers, track released  June 17, 2011
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics, vocals and production
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar, vocals and production
Mr Toad’s San Francisco – Mastering
Inspiration – In Touch In Tuscany Retreat