When Clare passed away, something inside me cracked wide. Well, many things did, and one of the most beautiful cracks in the pavement was my songwriting wants and wills returned. It’s been ages since I did any serious songwriting, way back in 2007 with Annie.

This particular tune is my love ode to Clare. Written in a variety of collaborative tenses, it represents that she will always be in my heart, always in my family, and always with me. So there. YouTube file embedded, lyrics so you can sing along.

Tooting my own horn and every other horn I can get my hands on, this is one of the best songs I’ve ever penned. Like loving Clare, it was effortless.

I love you, Clare. And, yes, I know, you love me more. I’ll give you that one.


HUA HUA

Words & Music
Steve Bringe

Angel above
My Hua Hua I love
Nothing she did
Left me uncertain of

Believing in me
And believing in you
Nothing she did
Could ever split us in two

So

Why would I choose to be lonely?
Maybe because it’s the
Only way for
Me to say
I’m in love with you

From the first day
There’s nothing to hide
Nothing to prove
Well, no need for pride

From the first day
It’s always been you
One plus one
We’ve always been two

So

Why would I choose to be lonely
Maybe because it’s the
Only way for
Me to say
I’m in love with you

Why would I choose to be lonely
Maybe because it’s the
Only way for
Me to say
I’m in love with you

And it’s all right
To feel lonely
When I’m missing you
And I’m missing we

And it’s all right
To be lonely
When I’m thinking of you
And I’m thinking of me

So

Why would I choose to be lonely
Maybe because it’s the
Only way for
Me to say
I’m in love with you

Your sweet sweet voice
I’m hearing everywhere
Some say it’s the lonely voice
Of my own

The truer test
Of loneliness
Is a silent heart
Choked with stone

So why should I choose to be lonely
Maybe because it’s the
Only way for
Me to say
I’m in love with you

And that’s why I choose to be lonely
Baby, because it’s the
Only way for
Me to say
I’m in love with you

And it’s all right
To feel lonely
When I’m missing you
And I’m missing we

And it’s all right
To be lonely
When I’m thinking of you
And I’m thinking of me

And it’s all right
To feel lonely
When I’m missing you
And I’m missing we

And it’s all right
To feel you everywhere
My sweet Hua Hua
My sweet sweet sweet little Clare

Visit the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Albuquerque chapter for their touching memorium to Clare Clarissa Nina Castellano.