A soft, graceful vocal line begins “Good and True,” immediately setting a mood of openness and vulnerability. Mary Beth Orr’s tone feels like an invitation, drawing the listener closer with every phrase. There is a sincerity in her delivery that gives the impression of a conversation shared in confidence. The first moments alone make it clear that this song is meant to be experienced with full attention and an open heart.
The instrumentation is beautifully balanced, with Greg Scheer’s gentle guitar providing a steady, grounding rhythm. Over this, the French horn’s warm, rounded tone flows like a second voice, its sustained notes adding emotional weight without intruding on the intimacy of the piece. Together, these instruments create an arrangement that is uncluttered yet rich in texture, each sound serving the song’s message.
Inspiration for “Good and True” comes from the birthing song of the Dagara Tribe, as described by Sobonfu Somé. This connection to tradition brings an added depth, infusing the song with a sense of timeless wisdom. The themes of motherhood, love, and grief are not treated in isolation but as intertwined threads in the larger fabric of life. The music becomes a vessel for these reflections, expressing them with dignity and care.
Rather than relying on dramatic changes in volume or tempo, the song unfolds with patience. It allows space for the listener to absorb its meaning, making each repetition of melody and lyric feel more poignant. “Good and True” lingers in the mind long after it ends, not as a fleeting moment, but as a lasting reminder of life’s fragile and beautiful truths.