Strange Parade

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Story behind the song

"Strange Parade" grew out of a season in my life when I found myself thinking about the future and what it means to move through the world with courage and hope. It began as a quiet reflection on the kind of wisdom we hope to pass on to those we love, but it gradually became something more universal. The song grew from a simple realization: life is a series of strange unfoldings. We rarely understand where we are being led while we are living it. There will be moments of joy and disappointment, love and loss, certainty and confusion. The best we can do is keep moving forward, trust what is deepest within us, and remain open to the unexpected. Over the years, "Strange Parade" has become one of the few songs I have returned to repeatedly. It has appeared in several different recordings and arrangements, each reflecting a different chapter in my own life. Looking back now, I realize the song has become less about offering advice than about sharing encouragement—for anyone making their way through life's strange parade.

Lyrics

Life is a strange parade Sweet poetry and shame Broken hearts beating like a drum Holding back the love we won Don't give up Don't give up Don't give up Don't give up Be the cloud and silver lining Paint the evening sky Life may sell you Goods you don't want to buy It may tell you Pretty packaged-up lies But I know you won't believe them Look inside and shine Don't give up Don't give up Don't give up It's okay to cry Don't give up Don't give up It's okay to cry Don't give up Don't give up Don't give up Be the cloud and silver lining Paint the evening sky

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