Harriet Schock Interview: A Song Written for Men

Alison Armstrong

Grammy-nominated songwriter Harriet Schock discusses the creation and revival of her song celebrating the stages of male development, inspired by Alison Armstrong's teachings. After 21 years, the rediscovered piece was recorded by vocalist Randy Crenshaw to honor the lifelong journey from childhood to manhood.

The Story In 2004, Grammy-nominated songwriter/singer, Harriet Schock read Keys to the Kingdom. Inspired by the book, she went on to participate in Alison's curriculum, which she credits with marrying Mark Giffin, the love of her life. As a gift to Alison, she wrote the music and lyrics to "the Amazing Development of Men song," and recorded it in her voice. The only people to ever hear it were a small group of Alison's graduates at an annual event. While Harriet offered to have it recorded, they hadn't identified a voice that seemed perfect for conveying the long journey from childhood to manhood that the song portrays. It required much more than a talented singer. It seemed the song would be lost to lives and time, until the original cassette recording was discovered in storage...21 years later! Alison immediately contacted Harriet who was ecstatic to hear from her and enthusiastic about reviving the project. As with many things whose "time has come," within a few weeks, "I Was Just Being a Man" had been recorded in the studio. The turning point was Harriet playing a clip of singer Randy Crenshaw for Alison. At last, here was a man and a voice that could honor and capture the journey, from having lived it himself. The magic didn't stop there. As it turned out, the day of recording was also Randy's 46th wedding anniversary. He chose the genre and sang "I Was Just Being a Man" from his own resonance with the Stages of Development, with his beloved wife, Linda, in mind. Accompanied by musician Marty Rifkin, the singer and songwriter co-created a message that moves Alison to tears every time she listens. From tearful reminders of her late husband, Greg, who needed to hear he'd done "enough", to joyful memories of her son, who first described what being bored was like as a young boy. Alison encourages everyone to listen more than once. You may initially experience disbelief or resistance before allowing for revelation. She hopes that you, ultimately, will be able to embrace this celebration of who men are and try to be, and what women can contribute to their journey of becoming and being a man. A Sample of the 5 minute Song: https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/products/being_man_song.html