songs about parenthood

Dusty's Song

Dusty's Song

February 7th, 2017

music and lyrics by Kristi McGarity, vocals by Maygen Lacey

At age 3 my son was obsessed with Disney/Pixar’s Planes. He'd “fly” around the house pretending to be Dusty Crophopper, and I had to pretend to be the other planes. Over and over. And over. And over.

From the millions of times we’ve seen this movie, it must have gotten into my head, because “Dusty’s Song” appeared fully formed in one night. The lyrics are the culmination of sleepless nights thinking about parenthood, mortality, complicated pregnancy and traumatic birth.

Song for Dear Daughter

Song for Dear Daughter

February 7th, 2017

music by Kristi McGarity, lyrics by Heather Armstrong

Well-known blogger Heather Armstrong (dooce.com) tells the story of her daughter’s toddlerhood in her book Dear Daughter: The Best of the Dear Leta Letters.

William's First Year Time Lapse

William's First Year Time Lapse

November 21st, 2016

It was my husband’s idea: Take pictures of the baby every day on the same playmat, then edit them together into a time-lapse video.

Running Song

Running Song

November 16th, 2013
Running Song - SongInvention

This song was written for Brendan, the kindergarten-age son of a labor attorney and a Presbyterian minister who works with the homeless. Brendan’s parents are avid runners who have finished marathons together. Running Song is a musical portrait of Brendan’s family, a message of love and encouragement from parents to their son. It’s also an explanation for a young child about why his parents’ jobs are important, why they get up at dawn and go to work every day. This song is about families looking out for each other and working together to make the world a better place.

Rockin'

Rockin'

October 19th, 2013

music by Kristi McGarity, lyrics by Sally Bacchetta

Singing my baby to sleep in his room, I would often end up in the same key as the electrical hum in the background. This song is a lullaby featuring a baby's room soundscape, complete with humidifier drone and baby toys.