Kent from Salt Lake City wanted to do something special for Suzanne, his wife of 23 years. So Kent emailed me with a crazy idea. He said he wanted me to record a song specifically for them, and that he would pay me (full disclosure). Considering that part of the inspiration for Vocal Few was financial (baby support) I decided to accept Kent's offer and write him and Suzanne a song.
He sent me the back story of his relationship, how he felt when he knew she was 'the one' and other little details so I could weave them into the lyrics to make the song more personal. I didn't know how it would turn out, and I didn't really care as long as Kent was happy, but he did say he wanted me to put my heart into it, to treat it like any other song I would put on a record.
To be honest, when it's not my story I'm singing about, it can be hard for me to put my heart into a song. But something happened while recording this song. I started to like it. It started to mean something to me and my own story, and even though the verse details didn't line up, there were parts of the song that stood out as something I could relate to.
So I asked Kent if I could post it for free (or name-your-own-price, $0.00 being an acceptable option), and he said yes.
I know it's a traditional love song and I rarely write these types of tunes, but I still like it and I think maybe you will to.
-Matt
P.S. - How awesome is that old picture of Kent and Suzanne! Definitely icon worthy.
lyrics
I was 23
you were only just 18
when you returned my call
and I took you to the dance near the waterfalls
A slower song came on
I couldn't tell you what it was
but I asked you to dance, and you let me take you by the hand
as I held you close the arms of the holy ghost
wrapped us in a feeling deep and true
It hit me in the chest I felt it
wasn't the first time we had done this
I couldn't shake the wave of deja vu
because...
you are my closest friend
the love we have will never end
I never have to second guess anymore
I've found what I've been looking for
after the song when we sat down
I couldn't even make a sound
holding back a wave that I could hardly bare
you thought I didn't like you much but If I'd told you what I'd felt you probably would have turned your tail and promptly left me there
the truth is I was scared
I had found you and I wanted not to lose you again
because…
you are my closest friend
the love we have will never end
I never have to second guess anymore
I've found what I've been looking for
it's been 23
years since we both believed
and gave our lives to one another
our love grew quickly for each other
truth is I'd never change a thing
I believe one day we'll dress in white
forever we will sing…
you are my closest friend
the love we have will never end
I never have to second guess anymore
I've found what I've been looking for
credits
released January 25, 2012
Written, recorded, performed by Matt MacDonald
Background vocals by Kristie MacDonald
2012 (Scotsman/ASCAP)
supported by 16 fans who also own “I Found What I've Been Looking For (Kent & Suzanne's Song)”
Each year the same story: My wife (handmade pop music) and I (black metal maniac) go on holiday. We need some "soft" but honest music for long car drives. It is a tough week in advance to dive deeply into musical scrap to find some pearls like THE CLASSIC CRIME! This album really rocks, sounding more British than American. The first seven songs plus the stormy "Cold Loud Dark" are catchy killers and this is an almost perfect result for an album. A fat pillar in this years's holiday soundtrack! H.L.
supported by 6 fans who also own “I Found What I've Been Looking For (Kent & Suzanne's Song)”
Cuts deep and stays with you. There is an earnest honesty in the lyrics that pulls you in. If, like me, you thought this album was merely "good" when you listened to it the first time, give it a few more plays. You might just fall in love with it. Francis Berglund
Turbulent indie rock from Levi Fuller & the Library that has the snarl of hardcore and the knotty meter of math rock. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 13, 2018
Introspective, homespun folk tunes from John Donne that feel informed by the sugary bleakness of '80s and '90s indie pop. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 1, 2023