The first time I heard a song from Sleeping At Last (the moniker of singer-songwriter, producer, and composer Ryan O’Neal) it was like falling in love with music all over again (I wrote a little about that first song here). I can’t explain it, but I feel such a connection with everything about his work—from the lyrics to the melody, the best word to describe it is transcendence.

If you haven’t already, definitely check out his work. You won’t regret it. According to his website, his most recent project, Atlas, “is an ongoing series of music based on the origins of the universe and life within it.” This project is brilliant. Organized by various themes, these albums touch on life, death and everything in between—our emotions, our senses, and even our dreams.

Each time I hear a new one of his songs it becomes my favorite, but I think it will take a lot to top the latest one for me: Life. If you are not a parent and have ever wondered what it’s like to be one, this song is the best description I could ever give you. Enjoy.

Life

It began with a whisper in my ear, “I think it’s time.”
Suddenly all we held dear was on the line
As your heart, measured in mountains, fell and climbed
“You’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay. We’re okay.” Amen.

We were changed in an instant, we became so much more
Our definition of perfect was written when she was born

As she drew her first breath, I learned what love meant
And my heart reconciled all the darkness and light inside my chest
As her hands held tight and her eyes met mine
I saw the future unfold in silver and gold, and I’m already proud

Beautiful like your mother, you are grace, you are light
A better version of our best from your starting line
We will learn from each other, as you grow up, we will too
In our reflections of one another, we will start something new

We were changed in an instant, we became so much more
Our definition of perfect was written when you were born

There is so much to tell you, there is so much to see
We will show you the oceans and everything in between
What a privilege to love you, to teach you all that we know
To watch you build a collection of dreams that you can call your own

You are beautiful like your mother, you are grace, you are light
A better version of our best from your starting line
We were changed in an instant, we became so much more
Our definition of perfect was written when you were born

It’s almost as if he pulled the words of the song together from my own life experience. I can tell that he pours his music out from his heart and I just want to never stop listening to it. He truly has a gift; I’m so glad he’s decided to use it to bless us with his gorgeous music. Ryan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

This post appears on Witty & Bright.