The Things That Matter

What things matter the most to you? That's a question that will most likely have many different answers depending on who you ask. The main thing is, if it's important to you, it matters to you. Maybe it's spending time with family and friends, reading a book, listening to music, or bigger things like trying to make a difference in the world, or something as simple as taking time to see the beauty around you. Whatever the case may be, one thing is probably true: We don't often have a lot of time to spend on the things that matter most to us. The message of this song is that, no matter what, we have to try and make time for the things that are important to us. That message seems especially true for our young people today who are faced with so many challenges and obligations. It's our hope that "The Things That Matter" will help them understand that it is not only okay to take time for these types of things, it's also imperative that they take time for the things that matter.

The song's accompaniment features a wonderful rhythm section, along with strings and winds. However, you could easily perform it with just piano. Add a guitar, bass, drums, etc., if you have players who are able. The melody is a bit more challenging because of its syncopation, but it flows along very naturally. There is an optional second vocal part that enters the second time at measure 14. Also, note that the song has a cool modulation at the coda (it returns to the original key after eight bars). Both of these things provide a nice challenge for your group. By the way, to help your singers learn the second vocal part, there is an isolated rehearsal track available on our web site.