This song was inspired by a tragic event in 1994 when Van Devender witnessed the firestorm which claimed the lives of 14 firefighters on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. Storm King Sacrifice was composed at the base of that mountain 4 years later.
love
piano
religious
romantic
iowa
jeff
jeffrey
romance
beethoven
wisconsin
church
colorado
children
fire
missouri
newcastle
king
rocky
chords
aspen
ceremony
bending
ragtime
forget
healing
hymn
mountain
Story behind the song
Storm King Sacrifice was written out of respect for the families of those firefighters. A copy of the disc has been sent to each of those families. On Sept. 27, Van Devender had the awesome privilege of meeting with the 3 survivng crew members of Rescue #4 of NYFD. This landmark experience renewed Van Devender's commitment to further the initial push & purpose behind this song.
Lyrics
The piano solo begins by reflecting on the calm and general serenity of the mountain on a typical day. Following a burst of lightning, the environment changes. Eventually, a difficult upward ascent begins. Chaos ensues…. followed finally by 14 chords floating upward into a still silence. Serenity returns.
In the end, Storm King Mountain recovered. However, deep sadness and scars remain in the shadows that will never quite disappear.