Amy Boersma came to LA as a singer songwriter in 1970 and during the typical string of artist development deals that for some reason, don’t quite pan out, she met and captured the interest of more than a few distinguished record producers. Among these were Jack Daugherty (the Carpenters. Paul Williams) and Rick Jarrard (Jefferson Airplane, Nillson, Jose Feliciano). However it was a randomly brief but fortuitous rehearsal encounter with a relatively unknown composer, and for the moment, piano accompanist Michael McDonald, during these early years that would lead ultimately to Amy Hollands success at radio years later, winning her a best new artist nomination at the Grammy Awards of 1980. McDonald who, years later, remembering the allure of her vocal style, would join forces with keyboardist/composer/producer, Patrick Henderson to produce her first Capitol LP from which the top 20 hit “How do I Survive,” (composed by Paul Bliss), emerged on to the charts, taking Amy Holland around the world as an American 80’s ingénue. This period of Amy’s career is documented by TV appearances in Japan and the US that can still be found on YouTube.
A second Capitol LP titled “On Your Every Word” and musical contributions to films such as “Scarface” and “Teen Wolf” (Some of those tracks produced and written by the infamous Giorgio Moroder) along with her contributions to the projects of other artist’s such as Kenny Loggins, Joni Mitchell, Tim Weisburg, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons and McDonald’s solo projects, would mark her career path for the next few years.
During this time her music business relationship with producer McDonald had developed into something much more and with their marriage and the subsequent birth of their two children, Amy found herself embracing the role of wife and mother. discovering along the way that she had to somewhat relax her grip on her lifelong dream of being a recording artist.
After a much longer than intended hiatus due to a battle to survive breast cancer, Amy found a renewed inspiration in the making and release of “The Journey To Miracle River”. Produced by Bernie Chiaravalle, this Album is very much the autobiography of a personal sojourn she was destined to return from at this point in her life, It’s her first solo album release in over 20 years.
With songs co-written by Amy with friends Jon Vesner, John Goodwin, Michael McDonald and Bernie Chiaravalle. The album features contributions from Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Shannon Forrest, Bernie Chiaravalle, Stuart Duncan, Tim Akers, and her son, Dylan McDonald.
Amy’s voice can be heard on Willie Nelson’s release of “Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth”. A poignant call to conscience featuring other artists such as Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, and Pat Simmons with all proceeds going to benefit the National Veterans Foundation.
Witness
Amy Holland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I promise this to you
And even when the morning comes
It watches over you
I know because I've said a prayer
To keep a loving heart
And though I've made mistakes with you
I think we've come so far
Oh I have been a witness to a miracle
If it wasn't for forgiveness
Then I would never know love
I would never know love
When you think you can't go on
Remember where you've been
There was a time I couldn't hold you
You wouldn't let me in
So many times I've said a prayer
That you would find your way
I'll never lose my faith in you
Believe it when I say
That I have been a witness
To a miracle
If it wasn't for forgiveness
Then I would never know love
In Amy Holland's song Witness, she sings about a star shining at night and watching over a loved one. She promises that, no matter what happens, the star will always be there to guide and protect them. Holland admits to making mistakes in the relationship but was able to survive those mistakes because of forgiveness, and that forgiveness led to the development of immense love between them. She explains that there was a time when she couldn't hold her loved one and couldn't get through to them, but she had faith that they would eventually find their way. Holland expresses her gratitude and admiration for the miracle of forgiveness and how it has taught her the true meaning of love.
The song is an acknowledgment of the transformative power of forgiveness within a relationship. It celebrates the hope of redemption and the importance of having faith in oneself and in the power of love. The lyrics convey a sense of humility and vulnerability as Holland admits to making mistakes but always holding hope for a better future. The song emphasizes the importance of persistence and patience in relationships and the joy that comes from personal growth and mutual understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a star that shines tonight
Tonight, there's a shining star in the sky.
I promise this to you
I assure you of this fact.
And even when the morning comes
Even after night time is over and daylight comes.
It watches over you
The shining star is keeping an eye on you.
I know because I've said a prayer
The reason I know the star is watching you is because I have prayed for it to do so.
To keep a loving heart
I prayed that you will always have a kind and loving heart.
And though I've made mistakes with you
Despite the fact that I may have erred while dealing with you.
I think we've come so far
I believe our journey together has been long and fruitful.
Oh I have been a witness to a miracle
I have personally observed and experienced something extraordinary.
If it wasn't for forgiveness
Had it not been for pardoning behavior.
Then I would never know love
I wouldn't have ever had the opportunity to experience love.
When you think you can't go on
In situations where you feel like giving up.
Remember where you've been
Recall the events of your past.
There was a time I couldn't hold you
There existed a moment in time when I was not able to embrace you.
You wouldn't let me in
You were reluctant to allow me to be a part of your life.
So many times I've said a prayer
I have prayed numerous times.
That you would find your way
My prayer was that you would eventually find your path and purpose.
I'll never lose my faith in you
I will always maintain my optimism and trust in you.
Believe it when I say
Take my word for it.
Contributed by Brooklyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.