When we heard about the New York nonprofit “A Song for You,” we were instantly smitten! Launched during the pandemic, this organization invites musical artists to write, record, and share personalized songs for hospice patients who are dying. Lyrics of these songs are based on the stories of the individual patient, as told through their families, to help their legacies live on. In addition to creating a final moment of connection between patients and their families, those left grieving have a beautiful piece of art to hold onto. We talked with Emily Cavanagh, founder of the nonprofit, to learn more.
How did a Song for You start?
It was initially meant to be a singular call-to-action to ensure isolated Covid-19 patients did not die alone at a time when families could not be in the hospital room with one another. I wanted to find a way to send a little peace or joy or comfort to people in such a crazy time. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that people were in rooms dying, and their families couldn’t be there. I thought about what I would want in a time like that, and my answer was this kind of personalized music.
How did you first start taking action?
The nonprofit started by recording a simple (very low-budget rendition) of the Beatles’ song “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” chosen for its relevance during the pandemic, that we shared with nurses. Song requests started to accumulate, and it became more and more apparent that writing and sharing individual stories through songs was a way we could help others capture the legacy of the person dying and bring some peace.
Lynn, a hospice patient, holding song lyrics to the song “Angel” with her social worker, Lisa, in Arizona.
How have you grown?
Over 18 months, we built up a collection of award-winning artists who have volunteered to write, record, and share over 200 personalized songs! They also wrote songs to honor first responders, including for a staff of 100 nurses in a hospice in NYC and also a song written for a healthcare system of 15,000 nurses in Idaho at Christmas! This year we are hoping to make our first recording of some of the songs written by artists for families.
How do patients tend to react when they hear the song made for them?
Often a family member shares sentiments like, “I know this was meant for my loved one, but I ended up playing it again and again…” We’ve realized the song becomes a token that family members can keep after their person has died. Our social workers frame the lyrics to the song we write and display them next to the beds of patients, and they often share the moving stories and reactions of patients with us.
Do any stories in particular make you smile?
There are many. One is that we wrote a song for a woman in hospice in California who wanted to marry her partner on Valentine’s day. The song was written as a tribute to her love story. The couple liked the song so much they danced to it as their first dance under an oak tree on Valentines day! That was a particularly sweet one. We also just love having a song families can play again and again to remind them of their person who died, leaving a legacy long after they’ve gone.
Emily Cavanagh is a singer/songwriter who performs in New York City, Chicago, Dublin, and Nashville. With a background in Social Work & Music from NYU & Webster University, Emily remains passionate about causes close to her heart. Her music can be found on all the streaming platforms. Learn more at www.emilycavanaghmusic.com. Photo credit: Travis Patterson
