Kenny Loggins and Adoption Themes in his Music

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Kenny Loggins and me in 2011
I really don't know why I've waited so long to blog about Kenny Loggins because he is  my number one favorite musical artist.  And it's not because he is handsome (which he obviously is) and it's not because he wrote and performed Footloose (because he did), it's because of his deep understanding of human emotions.

I don't believe Kenny has any connection to adoption; however there are many adoption themes in his music.  Over the years of listening to his music (not to mention the four times I've seen him in concert), I've come to realize that his story is everybody's story and that is what makes him wonderful.  I've always admired Kenny's ability to be honest, and speak his truth, even if the truths weren't popular.

One of my dearest friends, placed her daughter for adoption and she said every time she hears Forever by Kenny Loggins, she cries.  I have listened to it and studied the lyrics and I would have to say, hands down, it is one of best songs I have heard of that describes what a first mother must feel when she is letting go of her child to adoption.  The lyrics are here:

Now, while we're here alone
And all is said and done
Now I can let you know
Because of all you've shown
I've grown enough to tell you
You'll always be inside of me

How many roads have gone by
So many words left unspoken
I needed to be by your side
If only to hold you

Forever in my heart
Forever we will be
And even when I'm gone
You'll be here with me

Once, I dreamed that you were gone
I cried out trying to find you
I begged the dream to fade away
And please awaken me
But night took a hold of my heart
And left me with no one to follow
the love that I lost to the dark
I'll always remember

Forever in my heart
Forever you will be
And know that when I'm gone
You'll be here in me
Forever in my heart
Always thought I'd be
I'd be yours
Forever

The other song that really strikes a chord full of emotions with me is Kenny's song "The One Who Got Away".  When my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Kenny in person in 2011, my husband shook his hand and said to him, "You made a grown man cry".   

This song is probably the most powerful song ever written by Kenny (maybe a tie with The Real Thing).  The story goes that he wrote the song to his estranged son; however, the adoption themes in this song are truly powerful.

You were the quiet one
Afraid to sleep alone

Heaven knows, I was lonely too
Some things in life a man

Can't learn to live without
One of those things was you

Who the good guys are
Who the bad guys are
Isn't always clear

In this world of separate houses
Someone's always missing someone
Day after day
And year after year

Though you and I are distant
Don't ever think I didn't want you
Or miss you every day

No matter where life takes you
Know that I'll still be waiting patiently
For the day that you've forgiven me
My son

The One That Got Away

It's all of the little things
That add up to a life
'N it's been so hard
Being outside looking in

You had hundreds of first times
I didn't get to see
That will never come again

How do we catch up
Is there just too much
Stolen history

In this world of separate houses
I want you to remember

That you'll always be
Inside of me

Though you and I are distant
Don't ever think I didn't want you

Or miss you every day
No matter where life takes you

Know that I'll still be waiting patiently
For the day that you've forgiven me

My son

The One That Got Away

You're carryin' an anger
that does not belong to you

'N I'm sick and tired of doin' time
For a crime I didn't do

I miss you every day
No matter where life takes you

Know that I'll still be waiting patiently
'Cause I do believe in you and me

And I trust that someday
You'll no longer be

The One That Got Away

The Final song I just discovered after posting this blog is aptly titled SWEET REUNION!

No lyrics necessary . . . just LISTEN!


 





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