The Story
A few years ago I was blessed to record two songs that I had written with David Archuleta. The first Angels in The Alleyway was primarily written about my struggles with the mental illness I’ve dealt with for several years. The fear I think we all feel that we’ve lost our mind, are somehow different, and have let everyone including ourselves and God down. The end of the song attempts to portray the hope & salvation I know and feel when I turn to God. His supporting me, and my realizing it.
The second, The Most Beautiful Part About This Is… was written for an uncle of mine who was diagnosed with terminal illness at a relatively young age. The song is about the faith and inspiration I felt and witnessed from him, and his entire family. I am still amazed every time I think about them. David was kind enough to record these songs with me. This song, in particular, has been a huge strength to my family, or at least I like to think so.
A huge thanks…
I can’t thank David enough for the incredible impact his recording these songs have had in my life and my family’s. He is truly a gifted man and everything you perceive about him, you know that wholesome, good, humble person; in my opinion and experience is entirely true. I can’t think of a better person to have the success that David has since American Idol, I have never even heard of someone handling such fame and growth with such grace and humility; especially at such a young age. I can’t give David enough props for that and all the other things I’ve been able to see. I hope this post isn’t perceived as a plug for the songs I’ve done with him, as you can see that aren’t linked anywhere on this site. This is just me sincerely expressing my gratitude.
Merrick,
I love the songs you have written and recorded with David. I have listened to them several times now and appreciate their messages very much. My best to you in your future endeavors. Thank you again for your kind words about David.
Thank you for remembering David in such a special way. I hope you have read his book “Chords of Strength” for everything you said about David is proven to be right on target when you read his life story—the struggles with confidence and self esteem, his vocal paralysis, his hard work on Idol, his deep faith and conviction, etc. He is such a good example to everyone, young and old (like me
Pattirae, Thanks! I actually picked up his book, haven’t got around to reading it quite yet though. I’m looking forward to it. I appreciate your kind words about my songs, and letting me know what they meant to you!
Thank you Merrick ! I just love this songs and they hold a special place in my heart. “The Most Beautiful Part About This Is” helped me during a time when my family and I were coping with the terminal illness of an uncle who left this earth much too young.
Your poetic words and David’s beautiful voice has had an impact on others I doubt you dreamed of at the time of that recording.
Wow, thank you so much. Your words mean a great deal to me. I can’t thank you enough for reaching out. I sure hope your family is doing well.
Merrick,
Those are very kind words for an amazing young man, but you already know that. I am sure he thinks just as highly of you.
Thank you both for these beautiful songs. I bought the songs a while back and have them in my car along with all the inspirational songs that David has performed. I listen to them all the time, they are truly a treasure. My son LOVES “Angels in The Alleyway” and he is was only 10 when he first heard it.
Many Blessings to you and your family now and always.
Thank you very much. It’s always amazing to hear that these songs have had an impact on anyone. I am grateful for you reaching out and telling me. I am hardly on par with the kind of man David is.
Your son sounds awesome.
Thanks.
Merrick, your words about David Archuleta are just beautiful. Thank you so much for writing such a moving thank you to him. I just want you to know that your songs are wonderful too. “The Most Beautiful Part About This Is…” especially is so impactful to me that it brings me to tears. It reminds me of a time in my life when I was in such a difficult place that I realized my only salvation was to go to my knees and reach out to God for his help and mercy, and He was merciful and through His blessings helped me find my way. I listen to your song and know that I need to remember that He is there for us if we just ask. Thank you for writing songs with such a meaningful message.
Wow, thank you. God truly is so merciful. I am grateful that you are doing better, and that you reached out to Him. I know He will never leave us alone. I admire your faith.
Merrick
Merrick: What a lovely tribute to David. He truly is all the things you mentioned …an amazing young man! I’m blessed to be his fan. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about David with us & the very best to you in the future.
And he is blessed to have you as a fan. Thanks for reaching out.
I’ve listened to your songs and loved them.
Thank you! I am grateful. They were on such low budget. They hardly par with the things David is doing now. Thank you!
Hi Merrick! I bought your songs on iTunes when David was on Idol. I never knew you were young too. You must have been pretty young when you wrote them. Did you play the guitar too? They are beautiful! I hope things are going well for you now. And thanks for the lovely words about David. We see that in him and it’s wonderful.
Yes I did play the guitar. And thank you, thank you, thank you for listening.
Trust me…like you…David Archuleta has touched many of our lives..and I can’t tell you how many times his music has lifted my spirit. He is truly inspirational and surprises and brings enjoyment to my life every day.
Thank you so much. David has helped many people, I was truly graced for him to deliver the song’s message. I thank Heavenly Father for that.
Merrick, I purchased both of these songs shortly after David was on AI, and I have appreciated them sooo much. Your words and music really speak to the joy and pain in my own life. Combined with David’s beautiful healing voice….what a blessing to me, so thank YOU!
Thanks for this Merrick! I just listened to those 2 songs again the other day and wondered (once again) about their background. They are the first two songs in my “David” playlist. Just added “Somethin’ ’bout Love” to bring the David-song total to 116!
David is truly making an impact. He is a special young man. I recently blogged about the impact his singing of “Be Still My Soul” at a concert in Rexburg had on people. You can find it a mormonarchuletafan on wordpress.
Thanks again!
Julee
Merrick just a note to tell you that I love both of those songs. I bought them off itunes right after David was on American Idol. I listen to them often because of the wonderful message that is in them. Davids voice is so soothing to listen to also.
I suffered from depression for years so I can relate a little to what you have gone through. Know that the Lord knows you Loves you and has you in His hands.
I hope that you are still writing music because you have a gift for it!
I have had your songs as part of my collection for a couple of years now. They both have meant so much to me. I just want you to know they have really ministered to me and touched me, especially at a time when I was going through some very hard things in my life.
Your song The Most Beautiful Part About This Is… just recently helped me through a really difficult time. It was like a balm on my soul when I really needed it. David’s voice fits perfectly with the lovely melody of the song and the combination delivers a wonderful calming and healing vibe.
Thanks to you both for sharing such an inspiring song. It will always hold a special place in my heart now.
Merrick -
I purchased your two songs after I fell in love with David’s voice and spirit on AI. The songs are BEAUTIFUL! I love the songs and I love that you had David record them. They have been very comforting to me as well, especially during some difficult moments. Thank you for seeing David’s “gifts” long before the world did and for having him record these meaningful songs. I hope you are still writing music as it truly touches souls. Blessings to you, Amy
Hi Merrick. I thought I would pop in here and tell you that I love both your songs. I bought them on itunes a while back and have them on my ipod. I love them! They are great songs and I hope that no matter what you are doing now, you continue to write music.
Both of these songs are truly beautiful. The songs and David’s beautiful voice singing them make them even more beautiful. He has a special way of conveying the meaning of a song with emotion…especially at such a young age. I love the meaning behind each of these songs….so THANK YOU.
Thank you very much Patty! Thats very kind of you.