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***This is the seventy-third
in a never-ending series called BACKSTORY OF THE POEM where the Chris
Rice Cooper Blog (CRC) focuses on one specific poem and how the poet wrote
that specific poem. All BACKSTORY OF THE POEM links are at the end
of this piece.
073 Backstory of the Poem
“Make Me A
Butterfly”
by Amy Barbera
Can you go through the step-by-step process of
writing a song from the moment the idea was first conceived in your brain until
final form?
The process of creating my song
“Make Me A Butterfly” was God inspired and came effortlessly. I was
sitting in the office of one of my old jobs .. It was a very peaceful office
environment and I had some down time with nothing to do and all of sudden God
spoke to my heart to research the butterfly and that is when the lyrics and
vocal melody of “Make Me A Butterfly” just came to me out of know where. The
vision of the song came alive so easily!
I then went to my music producer Jim
Wallman and sang my lyrics and melody ideas and he was able to build the music
to the song around my ideas. I created “Make Me A Butterfly” to bring hope, comfort and healing to those who are hurting or sick or for those who just need
some inspiration. I also created “Make Me A Butterfly” out of my own pain and
my transformation as God healed me from the eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa.
What month and year did you start writing your
song “Make Me A Butterfly”? I begin writing my song “Make Me A Butterfly” in the
middle of 2007 and completed it and recorded the song in the studio by the end
of 2007. My song was officially released on my debut album “Beautiful Flower of
Life” in June of 2008. Since it’s release, I have performed “Make Me A
Butterfly” at hundreds of events and also at my precious grandma’s
funeral in December of 2007.
Although my song “Make Me A Butterfly” was
officially released online in June of 2008 my “Make Me A Butterfly” professional
music video was just recently released this summer in June of 2018 exactly 10
years since the release of the song. Although I have released so many
original songs since the release of “Make Me A Butterfly” I had the amazing
opportunity to create a professional music video with a wonderful team and I
decided to create the video to “Make Me A Butterfly” since it is
considered my signature song!
How many drafts of this song did you write
before going to the final? (And can you share a photograph of your rough drafts
with pen markings on it?) Well as far as the lyrics to
“Make Me A Butterfly” once I wrote them, performed the song in my head,
performed an acapella version of the song to my producer and then recorded the
final version of the song with music the original draft of my lyrics pretty
much stayed the same from beginning to end. What did change was that we added
beautiful harmony vocals in after the original recording was complete.
Once my
producer Jim Wallman & I finished the song I felt like something was
missing so I let my main producer Ben Bagby (Left) hear the song and told him
something was missing and that is when Ben suggested that we add background
vocals in the song. Ben then arranged the background vocals, I recorded them on
the original recording the rest is history!
What do you want people to take from this song? I wrote “Make Me A Butterfly”
from a deep place in my heart to touch others who feel like they are ready for
transformation and change in their life. I wrote my special song to bring
healing, comfort, hope and peace to those who are hurting or sick or for those
who just need some uplifting and inspiration. I wrote my healing song to bring
others closer to God! “Make Me A Butterfly” is such a universal song and can
mean different things to different people.
Which part of the song was the most emotional of
you to write and why?
I think the chorus of the song is
the most touching and emotional part of my song….
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Be Renewed
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Dance & Soar
Make Me A Butterfly
Transform Me And Give Me Hope For Change
Make Me A Butterfy, Lord Please
Has this song been released and is it for sale? Yes my song “Make Me A Butterfly”
is on my album “Beautiful Flower of Life” and there is a meditation remix of it
on my second album “Breath of Angels.” There is also an epic dance remix
of “Make Me A Butterfly” as well. The original version of “Make Me A
Butterfly” and the meditation and dance remix of the song are available in a
physical CD/digital download format on CD Baby, Amazon, itunes, Spotify &
more.
Here are the links to my song
“Make Me A Butterfly” & my other music as well
Links to my Music & Albums
"Breath of Angels" & "Beautiful Flower of Life"
Amazon- Healing Meditation CD
"Breath of Angels" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016WJYQCK/ref=dm_ws_tlw_thmb4
Amazong- "Beautiful Flower
of Life" https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Flower-Life-Amy-Barbera/dp/B01KB1V5M4/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1
Here are my “Make Me A Butterfly” song lyrics
Lyrics & Melody By: Amy Barbera
Music By: Jim Wallman
Copyright Amy Barbera & Jim Wallman 2008
“Make Me A Butterfly”
Lord my soul longs to rest
From the troubles of this world,
From my daily struggles, my inner pain, I call you
Though I’m hanging on the edge lifeless, tired and afraid
Trapped in my own cocoon, I long to be free
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Be Renewed
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Dance & Soar
Make Me A Butterfly
Transform Me And Give Me Hope For Change
Make Me A Butterfy, Lord Please
Lord I’m slowly breaking out
From my imprisoned state
I feel your breath, I see your light
I’m near you, so near you
Divine with open wings
With beauty, strength and grace
I’m ready to fly, I long to be free
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Be Renewed
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Dance & Soar
Make Me A Butterfly
Transform Me And Give Me Hope For Change
Make Me A Butterfy, Lord Please
Without limits I will fly
Closer to you
Higher and higher
Make Me A Butterfly
So I Can Dance & Soar
Make Me A Butterfly
Transform Me And Give Me Hope For Change
Make Me A Butterfy, Lord Please
Amy Barbera has a voice
so angelic and inspirational it pierces the soul; creating a deep connection
between the vocalist and the listener. With each of her original songs, there
lies a fusion of power and emotion. The combination of Amy's talent, voice, lyrics,
and melody have come together to create a therapeutic moment for all who
listen. Her timeless vocal style transcends all cultural barriers as it speaks
of relationships on every level. She is one who is active in the community;
reaching out to individuals who are broken in spirit. The combination of her
compassion and professionalism makes her an artist worth listening to over and
over again.
Amy Barbera is more
than just a blessed gift to the Inspirational genre of music, she is a godsend.
Her songs are a colorful display of her deep passion, that envelops the
listener in a canvas of hope and love. The absolute beauty that she delivers in
her musical creations is a rich combination of the sincerity of her message and
the angelic quality of her emotionally charged vocals.
There is no doubt that
she has been embraced by a higher power from above. Amy Barbera shines bright
and delivers from the heart. She is destined to be recognized as one of the
most sincere and passionate singer/songwriters of her time. Her compositions
embrace the beauties of life and weave a glorious message to all. Amy Barbera
hit a home run to heaven with her 13 song debut album "Beautiful Flower of
Life" that was officially released in June 2008. Her amazing album has
touched thousands around the world with God's love, hope & healing.
In
October of 2015 Amy released her second full album, a beautiful healing
meditation CD titled "Breath of Angels." Amy's heavenly "Breath
of Angels" healing meditation CD consists of 10 beautifully composed songs
that will bring you to a place of God's rest and will touch your heart, soul
& spirit with God's peace, love, comfort and healing. Amy decided to do a
healing meditation album to bring comfort, healing, rest & peace to those
who are feeling the stresses of life or who just need some calming music to
relax with.
In February of 2013 Amy
was selected as one of the top five artists in the categories Best
Singer/Songwriter & Best Pop Artist at the 2013 "Artists In Music
Awards" in Los Angeles, CA. and to close out 2013, she was excited to find
out that her original dance song “Walking On The Stars” made #1 on “SDC Radio
Networks” top 50 music in review for all of 2013.
In January of
2015 Amy appeared and performed her original dance song "Walking On The
Stars" on Season 2 of the new TV show "Do I Have A Hit Song"
filmed in Jacksonville. Florida. She was one of only 9 artists from all over
the world that made it on "Do I Have A Hit Song." To end 2015 Amy
found out that her newly released healing meditation album "Breath Of
Angels" made #4 on the Top 100 Charts on "One World Music Radio"
in the United Kingdom, out of 100's of artists from around the world.
To begin 2016 Amy found
out that her newly released album "Breath of Angels" was nominated
for "Best Vocal Album" for the "One World Music Radio" in
the United Kingdom & her "Breath of Angels" album jumped
from #4 to #3 on the "One World Music" radio charts as well.
On June 01, 2018 Amy
released her heavenly "Make Me A Butterfly" music video worldwide
with amazing reviews from friends & fans as well as industry professionals
alike. Very soon Amy will be releasing her cute 1940's style origina love song
and music video titled "My Sweetpea."
Amy is not just a music
artist she is also a humanitarian and loves helping others. In 2012 Jonathan
“JDOGG” Lederman & The American Cancer Society presented Amy with a special
"Spiritual Entrepreneurs Visionary Award" for outstanding dedication
to help other people excel through inspiring and empowering practices.
Amy also
received an "Humanitarian Award" from the St. Anne's Holy Name
Society “Patch Awards" in New Jersey for "Project Amy" and
her "God's Special Angel ” ministry work. Amy is not only a music artist
but she is an entrepreneur as well. Several years ago she started a "God's
Special Angel" baby and children's retail line that was inspired by her
song "God's Special Angel" that she wrote for sick, special needs
& orphaned children.
She is an accomplished
live performer and professionally trained session vocalist that has dedicated
her time to helping others time and time again. Her charitable efforts for the
less fortunate have raised money to benefit many causes. These include
appearances to benefit children with cancer, accident victims, special needs
children and people who are suffering from the loss of a loved one. She
mesmerizes audiences with her inspirational performances every time she graces
the stage. Amy is praised by many national organizations for the healing energy
she has provided at her live concerts. These include American Cancer Society
and the Shriner's Hospitals. Her song "God's Special Angel" has
touched children from all over the world... in the USA and as far away as
Uganda Africa.
Amy is a happy, fun
loving, bubbly, down to earth girl who is not afraid to open her heart to the
world, to love others completely, to share her faith and her music with passion
and live life to the fullest.
Official Website/Social
Media Links
Amy Barbera- "Make
Me A Butterfly" music video https://youtu.be/et4s-Ri-kT8
Amy Barbera Official
Music Website http://www.amybarbera.com/
Amy Barbera Facebook
Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/amybarberafanpage/
Amy Barbera
Twitter https://twitter.com/amybarbera
BACKSTORY OF THE POEM
LINKS
001 December 29, 2017
Margo
Berdeshevksy’s “12-24”
002 January 08, 2018
Alexis
Rhone Fancher’s “82 Miles From the Beach, We Order The Lobster At Clear Lake
Café”
003 January 12, 2018
Barbara
Crooker’s “Orange”
004 January 22, 2018
Sonia
Saikaley’s “Modern Matsushima”
005 January 29, 2018
Ellen
Foos’s “Side Yard”
006 February 03, 2018
Susan
Sundwall’s “The Ringmaster”
007 February 09, 2018
Leslea
Newman’s “That Night”
008 February 17, 2018
Alexis
Rhone Fancher “June Fairchild Isn’t Dead”
009 February 24, 2018
Charles
Clifford Brooks III “The Gift of the Year With Granny”
010 March 03, 2018
Scott
Thomas Outlar’s “The Natural Reflection of Your Palms”
011 March 10, 2018
Anya
Francesca Jenkins’s “After Diane Beatty’s Photograph “History Abandoned”
012 March 17, 2018
Angela
Narciso Torres’s “What I Learned This Week”
013 March 24, 2018
Jan
Steckel’s “Holiday On ICE”
014 March 31, 2018
Ibrahim
Honjo’s “Colors”
015 April 14, 2018
Marilyn
Kallett’s “Ode to Disappointment”
016 April 27, 2018
Beth
Copeland’s “Reliquary”
017 May 12, 2018
Marlon
L Fick’s “The Swallows of Barcelona”
018 May 25, 2018
Juliet
Cook’s “ARTERIAL DISCOMBOBULATION”
019 June 09, 2018
Alexis
Rhone Fancher’s “Stiletto Killer. . . A Surmise”
020 June 16, 2018
Charles
Rammelkamp’s “At Last I Can Start Suffering”
021 July 05, 2018
Marla
Shaw O’Neill’s “Wind Chimes”
022 July 13, 2018
Julia Gordon-Bramer’s
“Studying Ariel”
023 July 20, 2018
Bill Yarrow’s “Jesus
Zombie”
024 July 27, 2018
Telaina Eriksen’s “Brag
2016”
025 August 01, 2018
Seth Berg’s “It is only
Yourself that Bends – so Wake up!”
026 August 07, 2018
David Herrle’s “Devil In
the Details”
027 August 13, 2018
Gloria Mindock’s “Carmen
Polo, Lady Necklaces, 2017”
028 August 21, 2018
Connie Post’s “Two
Deaths”
029 August 30, 2018
Mary Harwell Sayler’s
“Faces in a Crowd”
030 September 16, 2018
Larry Jaffe’s “The
Risking Point”
031 September 24,
2018
Mark Lee Webb’s “After
We Drove”
032 October 04, 2018
Melissa Studdard’s
“Astral”
033 October 13, 2018
Robert Craven’s “I Have
A Bass Guitar Called Vanessa”
034 October 17, 2018
David Sullivan’s “Paper Mache
Peaches of Heaven”
035 October 23, 2018
Timothy Gager’s
“Sobriety”
036 October 30, 2018
Gary Glauber’s “The
Second Breakfast”
037 November 04, 2018
Heather Forbes-McKeon’s
“Melania’s Deaf Tone Jacket”
038 November 11, 2018
Andrena Zawinski’s
“Women of the Fields”
039 November 00, 2018
Gordon Hilger’s “Poe”
040 November 16, 2018
Rita Quillen’s “My
Children Question Me About Poetry” and “Deathbed Dreams”
041 November 20, 2018
Jonathan Kevin Rice’s
“Dog Sitting”
042 November 22, 2018
Haroldo Barbosa Filho’s
“Mountain”
043 November 27, 2018
Megan Merchant’s “Grief Flowers”
044 November 30, 2018
Jonathan P Taylor’s
“This poem is too neat”
045 December 03, 2018
Ian Haight’s “Sungmyo
for our Dead Father-in-Law”
046 December 06, 2018
Nancy Dafoe’s “Poem in
the Throat”
047 December 11, 2018
Jeffrey Pearson’s “Memorial
Day”
048 December 14, 2018
Frank Paino’s “Laika”
049 December 15, 2018
Jennifer Martelli’s
“Anniversary”
O50 December 19, 2018
Joseph Ross’s “For Gilberto Ramos, 15, Who Died in
the Texas Desert, June 2014”
051 December 23, 2018
“The Persistence of
Music”
by Anatoly Molotkov
052 December 27, 2018
“Under Surveillance”
by Michael Farry
053 December 28, 2018
“Grand Finale”
by Renuka Raghavan
054 December 29, 2018
“Aftermath”
by Gene Barry
055 January 2, 2019
“&”
by Larissa Shmailo
056 January 7, 2019
“The Seamstress:
by Len Kuntz
057 January 10, 2019
"Natural History"
by Camille T Dungy
058 January 11, 2019
“BLOCKADE”
by Brian Burmeister
059 January 12, 2019
“Lost”
by Clint Margrave
060 January 14, 2019
“Menopause”
by Pat Durmon
061 January 19, 2019
“Neptune’s Choir”
by Linda Imbler
062 January 22, 2019
“Views From the
Driveway”
by Amy Barone
063 January 25, 2019
“The heron leaves her
haunts in the marsh”
by Gail Wronsky
064 January 30, 2019
“Shiprock”
by Terry Lucas
065 February 02, 2019
“Summer 1970, The
University of Virginia Opens to Women in the Fall”
by Alarie Tennille
066 February 05, 2019
“At School They Learn
Nouns”
by Patrick Bizzaro
067 February 06, 2019
“I Must Not Breathe”
by Angela Jackson-Brown
068 February 11, 2019
“Lunch on City Island,
Early June”
by Christine Potter
069 February 12, 2019
“Singing”
by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum
070 February 14, 2019
“Daily Commute”
by Christopher P. Locke
071 February 18, 2019
“How Silent The Trees”
by Wyn Cooper
072 February 20, 2019
“A New Psalm
of Montreal”
by Sheenagh Pugh
073 February 23, 2019
“Make Me A
Butterfly”
by Amy Barbera
