A Story of Home
From story to song, a young musician reminds us all where we can find hope and home
Have you ever heard a song and noticed it wasn’t just words set to music but lyrics sharing something more? Melodies communicate narratives that touch us our hearts in a manner different than written words alone. I’ve heard these pieces referred to as “Story Songs.” Often, these beautiful ballads share a deep truth that not only resonates with our own souls, but reveals the journey of the one who wrote it.
It was a hot summer day about six years ago when my daughter and I had the opportunity to connect with some new church and homeschool friends, the Tullis family. The kids splashed in the pool while “us moms” chatted in the shade. As we got to know each other, I learned that their family was musical. However, I had no idea how talented they all were, particularly their oldest daughter, Hailey Joy, until all “in-person activities” were moved to remote and I saw a video posted of Hailey and her siblings leading a virtual worship service for our church youth group. I was blown away. This young girl not only had a fantastic voice, but she had SUCH a heart for the Lord and for sharing His love with the world.
When I heard Hailey’s recent song release, “Home,” I reached out to her immediately. The message was so authentic – so vulnerable. The song shares moments of her own journey while also beckoning others who feel lost to discover where home and hope can truly be found. I have been so inspired as I have watched this young musician blossom from new singer to sage songwriter before my very eyes. Songwriters make for some of the best storytellers and Hailey Joy has a beautiful story to share.
HAILEY JOY AND HER STORY OF HOME
I love storytelling! I've always been drawn to stories that have personal and relational depth. The kind of stories that pull you in and make you want to keep reading or listening. When I look to share a story through one of my songs, I always ask: “Will someone relate to this?” It is a privilege to express my love for music and deep relationships with people! Music and stories are powerfully connected. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to grow up with both.
God truly knew what he was doing when he placed both my mom (an English major) and my dad (a musician who played gigs almost every chance he could) together. The two of them wouldn't seem to be a match made in heaven, but it worked, and I give my parents a lot of credit when it comes to how they raised me. I grew up completely surrounded by music. My mom used to say that it seemed like I lived in a musical. From my earliest days I’ve had the opportunity to sing in many different venues and on various stages.
Five years ago, I started learning to play the guitar which quickly led to songwriting. Once I got my guitar, I realized there was a whole new world I could explore. I filled so many journals with countless words, tears, stories, and experiences. Then, I put them all into melodies I created. It became my therapy - my escape. I would sit in my bedroom for a couple hours each day pouring my heart out onto paper and through the guitar. I would write about anything from a guy I liked at the time, to questioning life's problems. Songwriting has been, and still is, a way I work through what I feel and it provides me an outlet where I truly can be my most creative self.
A perfect example of this is a song I recently released called “Home.” This song came out of a real place of hurt and worry. The night I wrote the song, my mom and I were talking in our makeshift laundry/music room, and she suddenly broke down in tears. She verbalized how it was so hard to find friends and she never felt like she had a place she could call home because of relocating often for Dad’s service in church ministry. Just a few years prior, in 2020, my whole family made another major change. The five of us (my parents, siblings, and I) sold all of our belongings and moved from California to Tennessee. As I listened to my mom share, I could resonate with the same feelings. The move was probably one of the toughest things I’ve gone through. After our conversation that night, it only took 10 minutes to write “Home” because I realized I had already lived 19 years of life processing these feelings.
“Home” represents two different parts of my story. When I was writing the song I was feeling one way. I worried that if I didn't have what others had, such as friends or family nearby, would I be OK with life in this new place? But then, I saw a different and deeper perspective. Though I may not have close BFFs since birth or circles of friends who have known me all my life in my new home, it is OK. At the end of the day, none of that really matters, because my true home is in Heaven. My great reward isn't to be popular in my town or know all the people, it is to share the love and joy of Jesus with those around me. Then, when the time comes, I will go and be with Him in His home, my TRUE Home.
Music is a universal language, and it's a gift from God! I hope the message I share throughout all of my songwriting will connect with even just one person and they will be encouraged by it! I like to challenge others to consider that joy can be found both in the highs and the lows of life. We all have good and bad days, and often we can’t change our circumstances, but we can choose to have JOY knowing that no matter what, we have a home!
Do you have a favorite “story song?” Click on the comment button to share.
I hope you will continue to join me as we celebrate the power of story together. Click on the links below to subscribe or share.
You can find HOME on all streaming platforms. Just search for “Home Hailey Joy.”
HEY I'm HAY!!! I'm a strawberry blonde, people loving, adventure seeking, dark chocolate obsessed, Jesus lovin' 19 year old gal! Currently I'm working at a camp wearing many hats when it comes to "what my job is." But, even with the chaos of life, my biggest passion is to serve Jesus and make Heaven crowded! My hope is to express that there can be JOY found, not just in the good moments of life, but also amidst the pain! You can find what I'm thinking about and processing through the songs I write and the hope is that maybe you can relate too! Jesus loves YOU! (And so do I!!) let's be friends! Would love to connect on any socials @haileyjoymusic.