FAWM: "When I Was You"

When I Was You

2025 by @alyak72

Liner Notes

Very rough draft There's a song from The Streets called On The Edge Of A Cliff, and the first time I heard it, I was truly blown away. This is nothing like that, but this prompt gave me the idea to use a passerby and a sufferer. I am fortunate enough to have never been unhoused, I've never gone hungry, I have support systems, etc., but I work with people who have been, or are currently unhoused. It is such a rough world out there, so I try to be a smile in the community, try to bend rules when I can, try to give fresh starts, sneak extra snacks to growing teens. There are so many kind people in the world, but there are also so many people who have beaten down and down and down who truly need these small acts of humanity. We need more kind people in every corner of the world. Just do one tiny thing every day.. one smile.. one head nod.. That's one more kind thing that happened today, and isn't that amazing?

Lyrics

When I was you Alone & cold & scared A stranger walked by And turned around and stared My right into my eyes For a moment Before sitting down Next to me And they shared:

I was once you In a different time & place I don't have Much to give Besides the Smile on my face There's no advice to give Except to not forget The world is full Of people who care Who just haven't Met you yet

Comments

@nancycunning 2025

I’m feeling this in the context of FAWM tonight. That chance to connect.

@leencha 2025

You’ve got a beautiful voice. It sounds innocent and light but warm. I also have made a song About homelessness. Not in FAWM. If you want I could send it to you… ;-)

@mtanguay 2025

Your notes are as compelling as the poignant message and delivery in your song. I love your full on thumping songs, but there is a gentle heartbreak in your vocals when you slow it down. Beautiful!

@raspberry33 2025

So much good stuff on FAWM this year - it's like drinking from a firehose. I've always liked the sci-fi trope where future person visits present person and tells them to buy stock in this start-up called Apple. But, I guess a smile on my face will have to do. Good advice - we can all use more people who care - and haven't met yet.

@frostin 2025

Reminds me of a Colleen Hoover novel! Great liner notes, really made me want to listen to this song. The rough sounds fit well with the story.

@ragbag 2025

I like the positive ending - of the world being full of people who care - especially in these times when it feels like there are a lot of people who don't, that is a good thought to hold on to. Nice thoughtful song.