I finally finished this song. The lyrics were sent to me by Marla many years ago. Marla is very dear to me. She was a close childhood friend. A cohort in crime. My co-misadventurer. A creative collaborator. She was the maid of honor at my wedding. Marla was an excellent writer with a fine and unique intelligence. Every so often, she would send me some lyrics and ask me to write a song with them. Marla died almost two years ago.

Marla was uniquely supportive of my creative endeavors in a way that no one else has ever been. She helped make me feel that my expression is meaningful. I am sorry I was not able to share this with her while she was still around. I am glad that I am finally able to get this version to this point.

Thanks to Haskel (guitars) and Smojos (djembe) for helping out. Their stems are available on their pages. I included an instrumental mix in case anyone is inspired to sing this song.

Key of C Major


LOOKING BEHIND
Lyrics by Marla Smith

You’ve been looking behind you looking for the memory that used to be you
You’ve been puzzling the pieces of broken love’s traces

Love isn’t always pretty
Your memories are always pretty

Baby, the past’s the past
Keep looking behind and you’ll never see what’s in front of you

Lately you’ve been gone
Where have you gone to?
Life’s not as bad as they say…
though people do die every day

Love isn’t always pretty
Your memories are always pretty

Baby the past’s the past keep looking behind and you’ll never see what’s in front of you

I see your eyes
I see it in your eyes
Looking for the memory behind you

Baby the past’s the past keep looking behind and you will never see me in front of you


A (verse): G/F/Am/F/F/Am/F
B (pre chorus): F/G-Am/F/Am-F
C (chorus): C/F/Am/F
D (bridge): Am/F/Am/F/F/Am/F/Am

I also shared a voice memo about something that happened while I was in the process of making this song. Attaining Clarity