ellie’s music
hi! my name is ellie (short for éliane). these are some of the songs i’ve written over the last 25 years.
side note: at 47, i am a very different person than when i wrote most of these songs! i was a straight, christian, extroverted, world-traveler for many years. now, i am a gay, agnostic, introverted homebody academic! i am just realizing that some of these songs are, and can be, still meaningful to people…maybe even you! Read what the songs are about first, or scroll down and just listen!
SONG BLURBS
Return to Me: the first one I wrote before I knew I was a singer-songwriter.
Through My Eyes: has helped people around the world love themselves more.
Nothing Is Wasted: one of the last songs i wrote after I left Christianity and healing from a major burnout.
The Evidence of Grace: I used to sing in prisons in Florida. One day I received a letter from an inmate, Jay. He wanted to encourage me, so he wrote me a poem. What he didn’t know was that I was suffering from depression and anxiety at the time. These are his words that I turned into song, one that has helped thousands of people heal in jails, churches, and living rooms!
In These Moments: for those moments you feel alone, but need to remember you’re not.
Everlasting Arms: a song for the grieving. I wrote this for an old teacher who lost a child.
Stand in Wonder: This one is about the need to enjoy the journey instead of figuring everything out.
You’re Sitting in Your Prison Cell: Written when I was at a men’s prison to offer hope and comfort.
There is Peace: Based on Psalm 23. A very comforting and soothing song written during a tumultuous time in my life.
Walking the Streets: each line was taken verbatim from inmates that I’ve met over the years in prisons, homeless shelters and drug rehab facilities. These men and women…their stories…have impacted my life in ways I could never describe!
Just You and Me: a song I wrote when I needed to be reminded that I wasn’t alone.
You’re Not Too Far Gone: in my public speaking opportunities around the world, I’ve met thousands of people (in prisons AND churches) who feel unworthy, unlovable, unredeemable, etc.). One of my greatest joys in life in when someone starts to believe their worth and value.
Love Me Back: Dealing with mental health issues beginning in high school meant that I often felt ‘broken’ as a person. I have had to walk through several seasons of deep restoration, where I have felt ‘loved back’ to healing (by others and myself).
I Saw Jesus (Amazing Grace): this isn’t about actually seeing Jesus! (sorry!) It is about how I saw him in so many of the people I have met who are shunned by society. Every line in the song has a story and a ‘face’ associated with it. Be ready to be humbled!
What You Say About Me: for anyone who struggles with insecurity (hello, I see you and I understand). The things we tell ourselves are often so skewed. We need reminders of who we really are!
I’m Your Addiction: a poem written by Jen, an inmate who struggled with addiction. She helped me gain insight into her struggles and ended up helping so many people.
Go Deep: true healing often hurts because it happens in the deep places that we tend to avoid. When we allow grief to do its work, I can assure you it’s worth it.