The new single from Lance Cowan is a heartfelt song about the joy and self-doubt that comes with parenthood. ‘Prayer for a Child’ is unself-conscious in its message about a love like no other. Anyone who has questioned themselves, cared about children being brought into a hard world, or felt the passage of time, will be able to associate with Cowan’s words as he prays that he’ll be able to teach the right steps for his children to take and be able to help them learn from his mistakes. The warmth of Cowan’s words is matched by the song’s rich instrumental layers and production and Cowan’s engaging vocal melody.
Cowan says: “I wrote the song as my wife and I began preparing for the birth of our first son. I’m sure that it’s the same for many of us who look toward parenthood with a great deal of uncertainty, fear and doubt but also experience an unexplainable and unbelievable feeling of love toward a soon-to-be-born child. ‘Prayer For A Child’ is a message that is simple and what, I believe, most parents want for their child: Peace, Hope & Love.”
Throughout the video, a series of photos of parents and their children reinforce the song’s themes. Fittingly, all the photos were supplied by people who helped Cowan with his recent album: its producers (Scott Paschall and Jason Stelluto) and the musicians, including pedal steel player Dan Dugmore (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor), acoustic guitarist Pat Flynn (New Grass Revival), drummer/percussionist Vinny Santoro (Rodney Crowell, The Highwaymen), Billy and Chip Davis (Alabama, Dolly Parton) and more. It’s a nice touch that makes Cowan’s words feel all the more authentic and relatable.
The latest single is taken from the brand new album, “Against the Grain”, which is out now. For the past 35 years, Cowan has worked behind the scenes with many acclaimed country musicians, including Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, Michael Martin Murphey and many more. Also, his work has been performed or recorded by the likes of Joan Baez, Janis Ian and David Mallett. ‘Prayer for a Child‘ is a good entry point for Cowan’s solo material – check it out.
