In Loving Memory Of Taylor Mackenzie Canary. January 10, 1999 August 13, 2000. You are in our hearts forever. Please take a moment to read the story behind the song.
Story behind the song
Baby in Arms (Taylor’s Song)
By Charles J. Shepherd
In Loving Memory
Of
Taylor Mackenzie Canary
January 10, 1999 – August 13, 2000
Taylor touched the hearts of so many people during her short time here on Earth … a time too short for those she left behind. She may have left the arms of her family and friends to be held forevermore in the arms of God, but she will never be forgotten. “Baby in Arms” is dedicated to Taylor ~~ a lullaby, a tribute ~~ to the little girl who will live on in our hearts, and to the little girl who gave me renewed inspiration.
About the Song:
I wrote “Baby in Arms” in 1978, twenty-one years before Taylor was even born. And it was not until 1985 that this lullaby even had its name. Then the piece was tucked away … not forgotten, but as we look back, saved for a special time and place. The first and only time I played this song in public was on August 13, 2000. It was then that I realized the gift Taylor had given me, and now others, as I share this dedication and song 7 years later.
Sometime in about 1995 I became discouraged as a songwriter and guitarist. I put down my guitar and I stopped even trying to write any music. When Taylor’s Mom and Grandmother asked me to play a song at Taylor’s funeral, I wasn’t sure how I would be able to do it. I hadn’t touched a guitar in about 5 years. I didn’t think I could learn a specific song in just a matter of days. I didn’t have the confidence anymore. Then I remembered “Baby in Arms”, and everything became so clear … the song I wrote twenty-two years before, and had tucked away, was written for this little girl, for this day, for her family. To this day, I know that God guided me and gave me the strength to play “Baby in Arms”, all the way through, on that day. I now knew it was no coincidence that I wrote it so many years before Taylor was even born.
The gift that Taylor left me with, and which I now share with all of you who hear this song, is this: If you are gifted with a talent for songwriting, don’t look for the immediate results or rewards. Don’t ever give up, don’t ever stop writing, and always keep searching deep within for inspiration … because you just may not know why that song is written … it may mean something very special at some later date … even more than 20 years from now.Lyrics
I would like to thank Taylor's family for allowing me to post her song. Though the copyright is mine, the song belongs to Taylor and her family. I would also like to thank my sister Nancy for putting my jumbled words into a beautiful tribute to a little girl who changed my life and lives in my heart and in my music forever.