co-pilot
Stacking Theory (feat. Kym)

As this challenge calls for the guest vocalist to take the lead I wrote a song for Kym to sing, and for you to listen to.

Eight years ago we found a cancerous tumour in Kym’s kidney. We were lucky - it was removed via keyhole surgery and only two round of post-surgery complications. That was a difficult time, where we were forced to face some bleak future prospects.

This year started with the discovery of a tumour in her shoulder. CT scans, ultrasounds, full body bone scans, needle biopsies, and finally open-shoulder surgery to remove it. Ended up being benign, but it was a frightening start to the year.

Then, some things happened at the school she teaches at. We’re not allowed to talk about them, but they’re behaviours that wouldn’t be tolerated for a moment in my workplace.

These things have stacked upon each other and the weight has compounded, and we’re only just now starting to find some light ahead.

I wrote this song for Kym, and she did an amazing job singing it. You’ll hear my voice pop in here and there to support, and there’s a brief section where I, as a good co-pilot, take the reigns and carry the load.

I’m proud of this song and I hope you all enjoy it.

—-

and this has been
a difficult year
and we have shed
our fair share of tears
and you have stayed
by my side
sharing the wheel

as the fear and the pain
and the fog and the wait
and the hurt and the shame
and the loss and the rage
and the dull and the ache
and the love and the grace
collide

you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you
you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you

and I have been
to hell and come back
and it was not
my first time at that
and you have stayed
by my side
sharing the wheel

as the fear and the pain
and the fog and the wait
and the hurt and the shame
and the loss and the rage
and the dull and the ache
and the love and the grace
and the safety erased

you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you
you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you

and you hold on to me tightly
and i'll hold on to you tightly
and we will not go lightly
we will not go lightly
we will not go lightly
we will not go lightly
we will not go

you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you
you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you
you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you
you are my co-pilot
i am here to help you
i am here to help you
i am here to help you