Music From My Movies
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 core. But composing inevitably found its way into my movies. As the writer-director-producer of the feature film Healing River, I was in a unique position to write songs into the story, rather than add them later.
The song “Healing River,” which shares its title with the film, came to me the moment I started writing the screenplay. As I envisioned the opening scene, I heard the mournful melody that would become the recurring musical theme for the story’s protagonist, Ingrid — a woman whose only son is killed by a drug-addicted driver.
This recording was arranged and produced by Steve Goers, the composer of our film’s beautiful award-winning instrumental score. The heartbreaking vocal is sung by Jackie Chitwood. A one-minute-long instrumental plays under the film’s opening credits; the vocal section comes in as the story begins.
The lyrics are drawn from two recurring metaphors in the movie (and upcoming novel): first, water as a symbol of healing, and second, a potter as a reshaper of lives. The latter is a reference to Ingrid, who is herself a potter, and to God as the master potter.
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?
Beautiful!
Thank you, Jean.
Having lost my own son and feeling lost for more than a year I can really relate to this song. Thank you for putting into words what my heart and soul couldn’t.
<3
Gorgeous and moving.
Thank you so much, Sandy.
The lyrics for “Healing River” convey a significant message with just a handful of words for the wonderful movie it introduces. 🙂
Bless you, Nancy.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Nice chord progressions. Excellent orchestration. Amazing Voice.
Thank you, Rebecca.
Who couldn’t deeply recite those words at any given time! Recently the LORD asked me during my morning reading, “How long has it been since I’ve had your whole heart?” Of course it caused me to pause, at that moment and many times since. The words from Healing River add even more dimension to that question. Once again, thank you Mitch!
My privilege, dear Dori.
It’s so beautiful and soothing and I felt healing because I am now sick and lay down. Thanks for the uploading.
My pleasure, Meg.
Beautiful lines! Lord give me more courage to tolerate everything 🙏
Mitch, you never fail to amaze me!!!! 💜
Beautiful! Moves the heart, touches the soul!
Thank you, Peggy!
Beautiful lines with melodious music 🎵👍🏻
Thank you, Ramani.
Touching and heartfelt, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure.
Beautiful.
Thank you, Anna.
very nice, Mitch. i love piano…but the intro is pretty long and i was beginning to wonder where it would lead.
I understand. It was timed that way to fit under the opening credits.
yep, sorry, i hadn’t considered that.
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Thank you for sharing this. I needed this today.
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