click on title to play, or to download the mp3, right-click on the title
and select "save target as...." if using Internet Explorer, or "save link as..." if using Firefox

"Two Hearts Under God"
Dennis Parrish - guitars

Composed in July 2005, this piece was originally entitled "Angel & Deborah" and had been inspired by a large poster of them on a wall in their living room.  I later changed the title to "Two Hearts Under God" when I decided that the song was about the love shared between any two people - the kind, that when witnessed, leaves no doubt that they were destined to be together.  My son Corey met his girlfriend Lauren in or about December 2006.  It wasn't long before they were inseparable, sharing their love for music, spontaneity, and most of all, each other.  A year later I was talking to my daughter Krista about Corey and Lauren.  I told her that I had this gut feeling that despite their young age, I thought it possible and maybe even probable that their relationship would be forever.  I don't think I had ever thought similarly of any couple that young.  I was so happy for both of them.  Two months later, Corey tragically died, so in some way, their relationship was forever.  I miss Corey so much, but I also miss seeing Corey and Lauren together.  It was so much fun to hang out with them.  When all of us were together - Corey & Lauren, Krista & Steve, Faith & Andy, and me - it always made for a fun night of music and laughs.

Whenever I hear "Two Hearts Under God" now, I only think of Corey & Lauren and how lucky they were to have found each other.  Corey died deeply in love.  We should all be that lucky when we cross over.

During the first week of March this year (2009) I had been emailing back and forth with my friend Annette.  The emails dealt heavily with the loss of loved ones and she knew I had just passed the first anniversary of Corey's departure.  Seemingly out of the blue, Annette said she wanted to do something for me, specifically, she wanted to do a canvas painting to one of my compositions as she listened to it.  She asked me to pick it.   Though caught somewhat by surprise, I didn't hesitate and picked "Two Hearts Under God".  I was deeply moved by her offer and even more surprised when she sent me a photo of the first draft the very next day.  I stared, remained still for a minute, and got teary eyed.  She had captured the essence of the song's evolution and final settlement in my mind - and she did this only by listening.  She later told me that Corey guided her.  I don't doubt that for a heartbeat.

There is a song, and now an accompanying beautiful canvas painting, identically titled, thanks to my talented friend, Annette Reitano Preston.  Thank you, Annette !