We were living in a friend’s cottage south of Florence, a different side of the city for us, providing many new experiences, including a delightful walk into the center of town from the apartment.

Trying to distract ourselves from the studio’s much-delayed completion, we were struggling with seemingly constant waiting. It was a challenging time, but our attitudes were strong and so was the partnership. We were very appreciative of what we had as well as all of our unrealized possibilities. We wanted to write a song that would commemorate that time as if we were getting married again—our own little private ceremony in our borrowed home.

Friends Patrizia and Virginio dropped by for a visit on a cold rainy evening. We had just finished the song, and decided to sing it two or three times for them. It meant the world to us, because, we were doing exactly what our hearts desired—making an Uncommon Promise to one another!

Lyrics

When you promised you’d be there
You were there
To see I made it through

When I panicked and feared
I was running scared, you were there
Unwavering and true, just you

As the years pass we have come to know
When we are together days hold uncommon promise

I swear a solitary
Solemn vow to you, I’ll be there
Unfaltering yet free, just me

On my life’s journey
There have been many moments
When I felt alone, searching for meaning

When I went to discover my way
I returned to find you there
Waiting for me
Patiently waiting
Anticipating, we’d be
Friends and lovers forever and a day

Sharing plenty
And times of longing, we’ll be
Lovers and friends for always

When I imagine my life
You are always there, ever there
For without you I’m alone
Even without you I’m alone with you

With you

Credits (Uncommon Promise Music)

From Where I Need to Be, track released 01 June 2005
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics and vocals
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar and vocals
Tom Tomasello – Producer/Arranger
Jim Bruno – Vocal producer
Mr Toad’s San Francisco – Mastering
Patrizia and Virginio – the first ones to listen to the new song