Safe With Me
by @paul_pedersen · @lyricslinger
Liner Notes
This is my fourth FAWM. Each FAWM season, I've had the honour of providing music for some of the lyrics that Simon Wright has created. It's a tradition that I'm happy to continue with this song where I was taken by the idea of two people being connected by a pair of symbolic sea shells. In his liner noted for the lyrics, Simon suggested that strings might be considered, so that's the route that I took.
Lyrics
Safe With Me
(Verse 1) Hey, it’s been so long since we were there I wonder if you remember me? Do those winding roads With ancient stone walls Still take you down to that sea?
(Verse 2) Sometimes I feel like my life has strayed This is not how it was meant to be But chance plays a part In the paths we walk And chance had other plans for me
(Chorus) But oh, if I hold this shell to my ear It's you whispering to me And you with the twin of this shell Listening to me And oh, I hope that you still have that shell That we picked from that distant beach There were two in the sand, you placed one in my hand And I've kept it safe with me
(Bridge) I sit in the sun in a land with no rain And imagine those crashing waves With this shell to my ear, I can hear your laughter and I Feel the spray damp my hair to my face
(Chorus) But oh, if I hold this shell to my ear It's you whispering to me And you with the twin of this shell Listening to me And oh, I hope that you still have that shell That we picked from that distant beach There were two in the sand, you placed one in my hand And I've kept it safe with me (Outro) I’ve kept you safe with me
Written by Simon Wright (February 2026)
Comments
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Glad you enjoyed the song. Congratulations on noticing the pizzicato strings that are very much in the background and only appear until the other instruments join in.
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Very nice (and unique) lyric concept - melody is really sing along. And I really like (lyrically and melodically) how the choruses tie up: "There were two in the sand, you placed one in my hand / And I've kept it safe with me" - Good job!
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Thanks, Ron. Really pleased with how this one turned out
Thanks for checking it out, Ron. Glad it passed the test.
![[pic]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2023/7031.png){kind=avatar}
Oh, I do so love these lyrics--and Paul knows I'm a fan of his music and heartfelt vocals on every song. Great collaboration, guys! ❤️
Thanks, Jerry!
Gee, Jerry. You keep saying so many nice things! Do you want to be the president of my fan club? It would be a lonely position since you'd be the only member....
Thanks again, Paul. This is really good. Not sure what the instrument is (tuba maybe?) but there's a deep sound near the start that I think works really well - makes me think of a ship's horn taking him away from that shore
At the opening, it's a cello played with a bow for long notes. When more sounds come in, the bottom end is provided by a double base played pizzicato.
![[pic]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2026/ae0e8620-b551-43d1-b599-2c8f0052cdba.png){kind=avatar}
I like Paul's singing and Simon's romantic lyrical work. It's nice to see how our relationships can inspire what we do in music.
Thanks, Matt. I'm always happy when I get the chance to work with Simon's lyrics. It's a relationship that would not have happened without FAWM.
For friendship, camaraderie, and fun, FAWM is a community unlike any other.
Totally agree.
![[pic]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2026/58d51f55-e20e-46a0-99f8-a3a220a5de3b.png){kind=avatar}
two people I know from different songwriting communities! Interesting. The combination (and knowing you both probably) makes me think of an unknown Van Morrison song. I think its a really good collaboration where Paul's emotional voice is completely in tune with the longing sentiment of the lyric- Good job guys!
Connecting songwriting communities. It's remarkable how many good connections we form by putting ourselves out there in those communities. That's my 14th song with Simon, so you know I love what he creates. Thanks for listening, Andrew.
![[pic]](https://fawm-avatars.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/fawm2026/bbe57a35-bdf8-49ee-9114-d0a2a53a0c11.png){kind=avatar}
Such a sentimental lyric from Simon! A unique idea for a look back at a past relationship. Nice use of all the various string sounds in the production.
Thanks very much Mike. And you get the gold medal for being the first to review the song. Olympics, you know.
@mikeb - yeah, makes a change from my heavy rock-themed songs! 😀
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Great concept and the slightly Celtic arrangement works really well. I like the pizzicato strings which you don’t hear much. The rain/spray image and contrast is particularly fab.