Healing River
When I was young, it was a toss-up whether music or writing would be the focus of my career. Writing and filmmaking eventually emerged as my creative fulcrum. But, like water seeking the path of least resistance, my composing (I’ve always been more of a songwriter than a performer, anyway) found its way into my films.
As the writer-director of Healing River, I was in a unique position to assign songs crucial roles in the storyline of my first feature film, rather than add them later. The movie isn’t a musical per se, but one of the characters is a songwriter, and music figures prominently in the story.
Unlike other songs in the movie, Healing River actually came to me while I was writing the screenplay–on the first day, in fact. As I envisioned the opening, I began hearing a mournful melody. This would become the recurring musical theme for Ingrid, the story’s protagonist, a woman whose only son is killed by a drug-addicted driver.
Healing River is built around two metaphors: that of water as a sign of healing (a symbol of God’s Spirit), and that of a potter as a remaker of lives. The latter is a reference to both God, the Master Potter, and Ingrid, who is herself a potter. The lyrics speak of loss and longing, but are also intentionally cryptic, referring as they do to things which have not yet occurred:
Tell me your story, show me your pain,
Teach me how to find that healing river again.
Where is the water that first made me whole?
Where is the Potter who can remake my soul?
Lord, I’ve been drifting, and I don’t know why,
When did the world get so barren and dry?
Where is the water that first made me whole?
Where is the Potter who can remake my soul?
≅
This recording was arranged and produced by the brilliant composer of Over-the-Rhine’s score, Steve Goers. The heartbreaking vocal is sung by alto Jackie Chitwood. Note: A one-minute-long instrumental plays under the film’s opening credits; the vocal section comes in as the story begins.
Mitch Teemley 
Wow Mitch, Do I ever relate to the music and lyrics…The movie is also on my “Gotta watch” list. Thanks
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Mitch, I’m John Fischer. We might have run into each other when you were with Isaac Air Freight. I am one of the pioneers of Jesus Music and went on to write a number of books as well as songwriting. I would very much like to connect with you. email: john.fischer@mac.com; website: http://www.catchjohnfischer.com.
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Hi John. I remember you well. And, yes, we shared the stage at least once back in the day (Calvary Chapel). Good to hear from you. I’ll shoot you an email.
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I wonder if you have a Keith Green story of any kind to share?
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I knew Keith, and would love to do a biopic on him someday. But I assume you mean a blog post about him.
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Wow! Who knew? Not me… Just sayin’ Love the song… I’ve written over 250 songs, but I’ve never found a collaborator for music. Such is life… My son is a classical music composer, so he isn’t any help… Ha. Very nice, Mitch! God bless you, brother!
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Thanks, Kevin. God bless you, too. Tell your son that there are some true classics among your 250 songs!
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Ha… Thank you, sir! Will do!
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This is so powerful and moving! For those of us who haven’t seen it and really, really want to…is this available somewhere to watch? I was in tears just watching the trailer! Your witness and amazing gifts are daily blessings, Mitch. Now I’ve GOT to see this…
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So glad you enjoyed it, Martha. The executive producer told me the other day that they plan to release the film this year.
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I’ll be keeping a sharp eye out! And I guess you’ll be letting us know…Congratulations on a superb job!
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Nice….
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I echo whitehairgrace in her comment above in that I would really love to see your movie. Did it open in some theatres and is maybe available for dvd purchase? I am pretty much housebound these days except for an occasional day when I can get out of the house and venture to somewhere close to my home. Your movie and its music sound amazing and I loved the preview! So happy to hear of your success!
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Thank you, dear Janet. The film hasn’t been released yet, but is due out this year.
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I am so looking forward to seeing your movie……..how so very exciting for you and your family! Bless you.
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Really good song Mitch and Jackie has a soulful voice.
I love writing songs and recording them…Cubase has made it easier now than in the 1980s.
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Yep, it’s a new world. The one person studio is more a reality than ever before.
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That was beautiful Mitch!
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Mitch,
So thankful that men like you have consecrated your talents for the Masters use! Hearing the music and watching the trailer for your film was inspiring to me and I’d like to put a link on my site with your permission (once I figure out how to; I’m new to all this!) Let me know if that’s not appropriate.
Thanks,
Ron Bouchard
http://www.theburningheart.com
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I’d be honored, Ron.
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A beautiful song beautifully done.
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That is really nice; a beautiful voice with relaxing tones. 🙂
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I can’t get it to play on my IPad, (my fault, I’m sure as this devise will be the death of me yet), but the words to the song are so beautiful and meaningful, for anyone who has felt loss or lost their way. As we all do now and then. I’ll play it as soon as I get to my own computer!
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Aw, sorry about that, Ann. Maybe that’s because it’s an mp3 file (not Apple friendly?).
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Nah, I’m quite sure it’s because my I-Pad hates me. No worries, my computer and I get along fine, and I’m sure I can listen to it from there!
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sigh
music, lyrics, and vocals
all transport the listener
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Shirley.
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Love it. And my husband came into the room to ask what I was listening to. Great job! God bless!
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Oh, Mitch… it’s hauntingly beautiful! You are truly a Renaissance Creative! I love this! Bravo!
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Aw, thank you, Lynn.
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hello! thanks for sharing would really appreciate it if you would check out my blog https://thehighsnlows.com would mean a lot!
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Great read. Thank you.
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You can really imagine the sorrow and brokenness in this song. I will have to watch Over the Rhine…if it’s available to view? Would it ever be on PureFlix?
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Hi Karen. Eventually, I think, but they’re still working on its initial release right now.
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Great poem, Mitch. How well it expresses the longing of a searching soul.
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The lyrics speak of what we feel when we are lost and we search God in need of His Hand. Wow!
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