Solo Piano Refuge is my first new song release of 2023. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read why and how I composed it. Grace and peace to you…
When I wanted to quit lessons in the 7th grade, I didn’t realize the piano was becoming a refuge in my life. My dream at the time was to be a professional basketball player, and I thought I needed to focus on sports instead of taking music lessons. My parents convinced me to continue piano until the end of the school year, then we would decide over the summer. By the time 8th grade began I had discovered the piano held a special place in my heart and life. At that time I used the word “retreat” to describe the enjoyment of playing, but the word “refuge” is a better term. Refuge also means fortress, haven, hiding place, protection, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, and stronghold. The piano has been all these things and more, since composing my first song at age fourteen, completing twelve years of lessons, and, after many years of growing in surrender, God calling me to found Music to Light the World and become a full-time pianist and composer in 2004.
It’s hard to believe I have been “touching the keys” for over fifty years now. Solo Piano Refuge is rooted in deep places from my life, faith, and music journey. The long, rich chords are symbols of God’s ever presence, His calm strength, and Him being my Refuge, the ultimate Refuge. The delicate melodies in between are gentle expressions of my trusting Him, my dancing with Him, and my knowing His peace, hope, and beauty in my life. There are phrases of piano notes singing “The Lord is my refuge, my refuge, my refuge” many times throughout the piece. I hope this song will help you still your heart and mind, and that it refreshes you as you lean into God being your refuge as well. Please see the five Psalms below which speak to this, and join me in reading them as prayers back to God. I have edited the wording to make them personal and intimate with Him…
Psalm 46:1 > God, you are my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 34:8 > Lord, I taste and see that You are good. I am blessed as one who takes refuge in You.
Psalm 5:11 > Father, I am glad because I take refuge in You. I sing joy forever. You spread your protection over me. I love Your name and I rejoice in You!
Psalm 73:28 > Father, it is so good to be near to You. You, my sovereign Lord, are my refuge. I will tell of all Your deeds.
Psalm 59:16 > I will sing of Your strength, and I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress, my refuge at all times.
How does Solo Piano Refuge sing to your heart today?
Molly says
Utterly beautiful, a calming connection to the universe. Thank you for creating & sharing/
Stanton Lanier says
Dear Molly, thank you very much for listening and reading. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton
Donna says
This song hits my heart- I read the information you posted, Stanton, several times along with all the verses.
I needed them tonight
Stanton Lanier says
Thank you Donna, for sharing, and I am so glad this new piece spoke to your heart. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton