Behind The Song: An Unknown Song!

From the moment I was asked to write this article, I struggled with picking the “right song”! Just look at the vast supply of music that is available for anyone to enjoy — Classic Rock, mellow Pop, down-home Country, picking-and-grinning Bluegrass, contemporary Praise & Worship, soothing Jazz, hand-clapping, toe-tapping Gospel, or even a well-versed Rap lyric — just to name a few. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that some of my amazing songwriter friends would gladly give me insight on their favorite, top charting hits, but for some reason I couldn’t shake the feeling that, instead, I needed to share the story of “an unknown song”! I know this story, because the day this song was born, the pen was in my hand. If you will spare me a few minutes of your time, I would like to introduce you to: “He Won’t Leave Me In The Valley Too Long.”

- Daphne Brooks

A few years ago, a well-known, top charting, professional Southern Gospel group was scheduled for a concert on a Friday night at a church close to my home. I listened to their music on the radio, read about them in the top Gospel industry magazine, knew they had several Number 1 hits, but had not had an opportunity to meet them or hear them in person, so after work, my husband and I decided to go to the concert. Their harmonies were spectacular, but more importantly their spirit seemed genuine. Afterwards, I took the liberty to introduce myself and one of the guys who knew my name as a songwriter. We talked shop a few minutes and then he told me they really needed a “valley” song and asked if I could write one and pitch it to them in a couple of days when they came back through town. Nervously, I agreed.

All the way home, throughout the night and the following day, all I could think about was a “valley.” I knew what a “valley” felt like, but my soul kept whispering; “He only puts me there to make me strong, He won’t leave me in the valley too long!” Listening carefully, the song was born and I couldn’t wait to pitch it to the group.