George Collins takes listeners on a poignant and personal journey with his soul-stirring song, “My Wish For You.” Born out of a profound life moment, this heartfelt composition tells a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and emotion.

The origin of the song dates back to a hot August day in 2012 when Collins, a late-blooming father at 50, was walking home from the hospital after witnessing the birth of his daughter. Overwhelmed by the emotions of that transformative experience, Collins received what he describes as a “download.” 

The chorus of “My Wish For You” arrived almost fully formed, compelling him to capture the moment in a notebook, tears streaming down his face.

A decade later, Collins revisits those heartfelt lines as he writes songs for the “Songs for Grown-ups” EP. Inspired by the scenario of a father cuddling his newborn daughter and expressing hopes for her life, the song takes shape as a timeless piece of musical storytelling.

The chorus, with its recurring “May you…” and the resonant hook, “That is my wish for you,” becomes the emotional anchor of the song. Drawing inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wisdom in “Letter to His Daughter,” Collins crafts a poetic list of wishes, distilling it down to the ten that find a home in the final lyrics:

“I pulled out my notebook and jotted down the lines – I still have that paper to this day (but then again, I never throw away anything – much to my wife’s annoyance!). I was sitting on a stone wall around the corner from the hospital, tears streaming down my face as I scribbled as fast as I could – attracting numerous stares from passers-by, but I didn’t care.”

Collins’s meticulous attention to emotional impact, rhythm, and singability results in a composition that tugs at the heartstrings. The connection between the lyrics and personal moments, such as Collins cuddling his newborn daughter and singing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” adds a layer of authenticity and relatability.

“My Wish For You” transcends a conventional song; it becomes a vessel for the universal hopes and dreams of a parent for their child. Collins’s journey from a finance career to becoming a full-time dad and embracing creative pursuits is mirrored in the song’s narrative, making it a tribute to the enduring power of life experiences and artistic inspiration.

As the lyrics unfold, listeners are invited into a world where wishes are crafted with care, where the profound and the mundane converge, and where a father’s love becomes an everlasting melody. “My Wish For You” is more than a song; it’s a heartfelt wish encapsulated in music, resonating with anyone who has felt the depth of a parent’s love and the boundless hope for a child’s future. 

George Collins has crafted not just a piece of music but a timeless expression of love and aspiration that lingers in the soul.

Listen to “My Wish for You” on Spotify.

Keep up to date with George Collins Band on his website, and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.