This week we are trying something new for you. When I attended the CCMA's in September I sat in on many of the Songwriter Cafes and during one of them I had the pleasure of listening to a poignant story of a songs inspiration. Dave Gunning, the songwriter is wise beyond his years, a skilled player, singer and songwriter who moved me to tears.

He has toured extensively, with dates in the U.S. and Canada and was an impressive addition to a sold-out Gordon Lightfoot tribute show in Toronto this year. He was an official showcase artist at the 2005 North American Folk Alliance in Montreal, and an official showcase artist at Canadian Music Week (CMW) held in Toronto in March 2005.

This week with Dave's permission I will share with you the story, and the lyrics for your own personal analysis. ~

I was playing at the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish Cape Breton and all through my set, my attention was drawn to this really cute couple who were sitting at a little table. It became obvious they were celebrating something as they toasted each other with their wine. It was apparent they were in love.

Most folks that I've met at the Keltic Lodge have travelled from far away places to come to the Keltic Lodge which is fairly "high end" spot. I finished my set and began talking to this couple, and after sitting down with them I discovered they were from Sydney, not very far away at all. For their 50th wedding anniversary, their children had bought them a gift certificate that included dinner and an overnight stay, and they were having a great time.

They told me about their lives together and things that they went through raising their family in Sydney. It was a great conversation. It was something real. I went up to my room that night, which was in the main lodge. Through the open window in my room came the beautiful sound of the ocean waves, and I lay there thinking of this couple. The sound of the waves and the conversation that I'd had earlier with them inspired the title, 'Saltwater Hearts' and melody of this song. I later, took the idea back to Cape Breton and my good friend, Fred Lavery, help me finish it.

About a year later I was doing a show in Sydney and I began telling the story of the couple who inspired the song, when a woman stood up and spoke to me …..
"I think that was me and my husband".
I said "It was you and it's good to see you again, Margaret."
She said "It's good to see you too dear."
Then paused. "I just lost my husband, dear."
I was breathless and instantly teared up and said "This is your song. I hope you like it, it's called 'Saltwater Hearts'".

Here are the lyrics:

Saltwater Hearts
Gunning / Lavery

Saltwater hearts underneath the moon
Changing tides rolling like a tune
Into the days that keep ending much too soon
Saltwater hearts always drifting back to you

I remember back to when we were young
Our love was new like the morning sun
All the battles we fought we won
With healing words and the distance that we've come

Saltwater hearts underneath the moon
Changing tides rolling like a tune
Into the days that keep ending much too soon
Saltwater hearts always drifting back to you

All the things that we love best always seem to stand the test
In the shadows fear can hide but our dreams are still alive

Boats afloat and shipwrecks never found
Carried chests that were buried in the ground
Some had left their posts before their ships went down
The rest have gone, forever sleep without a sound

All the things that we love best always seem to stand the test
Behind the doors fear can hide but we've swung them open wide

Saltwater hearts underneath the moon
Changing tides rolling like a tune
Into the days that keep ending much too soon
Saltwater hearts always drifting back to you
Saltwater hearts always drifting back to you


For more info on Dave Gunning or to purchase one of his 4 CD's visit www.davegunning.com

I personally recommend picking up Dave Gunning Christmas and listening to Daddy's Beer, it's a future Christmas classic if you like to laugh!