This new song by award-winning British composer Thomas Hewitt Jones and Gordon Giles, Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral, was written with much love, compassion and optimism for anyone affected by this challenging disease now, or in the future. The lyrics reflect the poignancy of dementia while also reminding us of the importance of love and commitment, faith and togetherness. With wonderful vocals by Freddie Benedict, If One Day is nostalgic in mood, recalling music from the era of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. 

Thomas Hewitt Jones says, ‘…a major motivator was my Uncle Alan, who had been a brass player in David Munrow’s early music consort and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and who suffered this disease. During his gradual decline, until the end, he was able to play and sing music.’

Gordon Giles says, ‘There can hardly be anyone now who has not been affected in some way by dementia as a sufferer or as a friend, colleague or relative of someone who lives with it. While we have all had our own personal encounters with dementia, it is a national and global concern about which we should all care.  Life is a journey and for some people it is a long journey which sometimes ends with a form of dementia, which might be Alzheimer’s Disease. The song picks up on that to some extent and reminds us that there is a lot of life that takes place before any diagnosis of dementia  – much to celebrate – and through it all Faith, Hope and Love remain. If this song can provide comfort or help raise awareness, then Tommy and I will feel we have joined in in a small way with all those who work in research, treatment and care for all affected by this pernicious phenomenon.’

If One Day…. is available on all major streaming platforms. Proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to UK dementia charities.

Lyrics

If one day I forget your name,

hold my hand and spare my shame.

Stay beside me in my forgotten years

Our love remains through silent tears:

Our hearts connect still

We’ll live and love, we know we will.

All the time we’re given comes to this

Sorrows spent and hours of bliss,

All are blended in a moment’s blur

Yet love remains through what we were:

Our minds apart now,

We’ll live and love, we know not how.

For all that has been – we give thanks,

For all that is to come we say yes.

Till the end comes we pray and care:

love will hold and help us bear

All the days which now lie ahead

Shared journey on which we’ve been led

Souls together tied

I’ll love you till the day I die.

Words by Gordon Giles. Music by Thomas Hewitt Jones. ©2024 Vivum Music Ltd. All rights reserved