Veterans Documentary Songwriting Project is a collaboration between teaching artist Will Foote and veterans, centered on turning personal stories into original songs.
Through one-on-one songwriting sessions, veterans share their stories and work with Will to shape them into lyrics, melodies, and finished songs. The process is open to all experience levels—no musical background is needed—and is guided by the pace and comfort of each participant.
Each veteran chooses whether their song remains private or is shared more broadly.
This work begins with listening. The songwriting process creates space to slow down, reflect, and translate experience into music, offering a different way of expressing what can be difficult to put into words.
The goal is simple: to honor each person’s story through music, and to create songs that reflect the individuality, complexity, and care each story deserves.
Participating Teaching Artists
Songs from Veteran Stories
Anybody but Myself
2022
A veteran navigates feelings of deep solitude, until he experiences the life-saving lift of finding belonging in community.
Explore the Song
The Lord Brought Ellie
2021
After Duane comes home from the Korean war, he finds direction through discovering faith in his religion and the love of his life.
Explore the Song
Washington State Red Apples
A World War II veteran recounts a story about finding hope amidst the cruelties of war.
Explore the Song
What the Eye Can See
2021
Stanford Thompson visits George Floyd Square on election day to experience everything through his own eyes.
Explore the Song
How Does Documentary Songwriting Work?
Every project follows a collaborative process where teaching artists guide participants in sharing stories and shaping them into songs. Learn about the method.
Learn More About the DocSong Method