Showtime (For Your Heart)

Crafting a Song for a Purpose

More than 20 years ago I was invited to perform during the overnight hours of the Variety Club of Iowa Telethon. Wanting to make my performance meaningful, I decided to write an original song with a clear purpose—to, hopefully, inspire viewers to give. Since 1975, Variety has raised more than $140 million to support the children of Iowa, and I wanted to create something that would push people to recognize their own capacity to help those in need.

As I thought about the kids who benefited from Variety and its supporters, I searched for inspiration. It didn’t take long before the lyrics started coming together. I wanted to challenge people just a little—to make them confront their own instincts to look away from someone in trouble.

Hey there, why’d you close your eyes? Are you afraid that you just might feel their pain and want to join their fight?

Within an hour, Showtime (For Your Heart) was born. You can listen below!

Like many of my songs, I wrote it with another voice in mind. At the time there was a new favorite country act of mine called Rascal Flatts. I made the conscious decision to write the song as I imagined Gary LeVox and the band playing in front of a stadium crowd. I wanted that live “showtime” feel to support the lyrics.

Back then, I was trading voiceover work for studio time at Great Plains Recording Company in West Des Moines. I enlisted the help of studio owner and producer Joe Koelling, a stellar guitarist. I played the song on my acoustic guitar, explained how I wanted it to sound, and Joe brought it to life—especially with his fantastic electric guitar work! I also remember spending a good chunk of time layering crowd sounds on a keyboard to capture that concert feel. By chance, Des Moines musician and vocalist Krista Haugland was in the studio that day, and she added some fantastic backing vocals.

I’m no Gary LeVox—and Rascal Flatts never heard the song, but it became everything I wanted it to be for the telethon. During the performance, I was able to play my guitar and sing with the lush backing tracks. It was probably 4am on a Sunday morning, but I do remember it made the phones ring!

Enjoy Showtime (For Your Heart) - and if you feel compelled to donate this year, the 51st Variety Telethon airs on Local 5, Saturday, March 1st, at 7p.

Hey there, why’d you look away?

You know you see it every day

Some lonely soul that needs your smile

Hey there, why’d you close your eyes?

Are you afraid that you just might

Feel their pain and want to join their fight?

Well, it’s showtime!

Showtime for your heart

Strike the band, curtain up!

Showtime

Let the music start

It’s showtime for your heart

Hey there, you must do what’s right

You know that you should never fight

The need to share a little light

Hey there, face that blazing fire

Give in to your strong desire

To make a difference in someone’s life

Cause it’s showtime!

Showtime for your heart

Strike the band, curtain up!

Showtime

Let the music start

It’s showtime for your heart

Every single soul that you touch

Will show you how much you’re needed

Hey there, why’d you look away?

You know you see it every day

Some lonely soul that needs your smile

Cause it’s showtime!

Showtime for your heart

Strike the band, curtain up!

Showtime

Let the music start

It’s showtime for your heart

I’ve been writing songs for many years and, in my post-radio life, I’ve decided to share my work and find opportunities to play all originals in “listening room” settings. In the future, I’ll be sharing some more songs—new and old—here on Substack, so be sure to subscribe. Message if you are interested in hosting me for a house concert! And check out previous articles about my songs The Yellow Line and Marta’s Eyes.