The new song Solo Piano Yearning just released, and is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the inspiration behind this piece.
Solo Piano Yearning is a vulnerable, real life musical expression for times of longing for God. Maybe He is close like James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” but I still want to know Him more deeply. Or maybe He seems very distant and my faith feels dry and parched like Psalm 143:6 “…I stretched out my hands to you (God), as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.”
Wherever you are in your life and faith journey, and whatever the circumstances you are facing, I hope the gentle pace of the solo piano, the “longing” minor harmonies and melodies, and “expectantly hopeful” sprinkling of major chords and notes all work together to help you experience God’s peace as you join me in yearning for Him. The artwork for Solo Piano Yearning features a faded image of the sheet music for my song Peace, which is a favorite of listeners and pianists around the world. The inspiration for Peace came from John 14:27, which is a beautiful answer directly from Jesus fore times when our hearts are longing for and yearning for Him, whether consciously or unconsciously. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The opening melodies become song verses symbolizing a conversation with God and questions for Him. The long descending chords theme is the chorus answer from Him throughout the song, assuring us of His surrounding love as we trust in Him (Psalm 32:10). An additional fifteen second theme appears three times in the song from 1:42 to 1:57, repeated from 1:58 to 2:13, and finally from 3:25 to 3:40. The notes are literally singing the words and syllables found in Psalm 84:2 below, like a piano prayer from my heart to my Father in heaven. He fulfills all of my yearnings through Jesus, my Savior and Friend. My longing to be fully seen, known, loved, and forgiven is complete. Thank you Jesus for your generous grace, mercy, loving kindness, and patience in my life and faith.
How does “Solo Piano Yearning” speak to your heart?
“I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:27, NIV)
“O God, you are my God. I long for you. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NET)
“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2, NIV)
“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9, NIV)
“Yearning” is really beautiful, Stanton! You have such a gift for touching our hearts. Thank you for all of the hours upon hours you spend preparing your uplifting music for us to enjoy!
Dear Lara, thank you for listening and for your encouraging comments about this new piece and my music. I am grateful it is a blessing to you, and wish you God’s continued peace, hope, and joy in your life! – Stanton
Mr. Lanier, thank you for this musical piece. It really comes as a blessing to me today and I find the song and the reflection you wrote moving and beautiful. I feel a fellowship in the midst of too much time alone. Yes, and it helps me want to go and just spend time with Jesus and be with Him today. Thank you very much.
Dear Ruth, You’re welcome, and thank you for listening and receiving the peace and hope in the music. I am glad you know Jesus as your friend and companion in life, and pray He and other friends and family in your life continue to be a blessing and encouragement. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton