January 4, 2021

Feel Lighter

Belfast, Maine

Alex befriends a potter named Dehmie, and a meaningful gift creates a connection between the two like-minded artists.

Play Video

Background

Dehmie calls the clay pot a “boat” as she gives it to him and says, “Whenever you look at this boat, think of how I believe in you.”

Alex told this story to Khalid and Will, who collaborated with him to create this documentary song. The recording is a run-through after the first draft of the song was completed.

Presented as part of the Push Farther Project – Live at Union Hall, December 2019

Lyrics

Dehmie came into my life
She made the most beautiful thing
A boat made of clay that she gave to me
This feels like a weight that could make me feel lighter
Like a weight that could make me feel lighter

She’s been through school, been through self-doubt
She said whenever you look at this boat
Think about how I believe in you
This feels like a weight that could make me feel lighter
Like a weight that could make me feel lighter

It’s thin but when I hold it in my hands
It’s heavy
Maybe it can hold the weight
I carry, I carry
This feels like a weight that could make me feel lighter
Like a weight that could make me feel lighter

Story Source

Alex Wilder

CO-WRITER

Khalid Taylor, Malcolm Brooks, Will Foote

PERFORMED BY

Alex Wilder, Khalid Taylor, Will Foote

Recommended Songs

I Feel So Connected

April 28, 2025

The song reminds us that when we open ourselves to unexpected relationships with the natural world, we often receive gifts far beyond what we anticipated.

Go On Lysette

March 13, 2025

This song tells the story of two friends biking through Mitchell, Oregon who are joined unexpectedly by a cattle dog. “Go On Lysette” is a tender reminder that sometimes the most meaningful companions on our journey are the ones we never expected to meet.

Stars of Laughter

March 12, 2025

Malcolm Brooks, who lives with chronic ringing in his ears, discovers he’s laughing as his friends gently joke with him about his suffering and their own.