Greetings, fellow travelers, and welcome back to another enchanting chapter of the Travel Diaries. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you once more as we explore the depths of inspiration behind my latest musical creation, „I Thought I Saw You In The Rain.“

As the 11th installment of my ambitious project TRAVELER, this song finds its roots in the sun-kissed shores of Cyprus, a land where ancient myth and modern romance intertwine. While Cyprus may not be renowned for its rainy days, it serves as a symbolic backdrop for the tender emotions woven into the fabric of this composition. You see, my beloved partner hails from Cyprus, and this song is a heartfelt ode to her. „I Thought I Saw You In The Rain“ is more than just a melody; it’s a testament to the power of the heart.

Yes, at its core, „I Thought I Saw You In The Rain“ is a testament to the resilience of the human heart. It beckons us to heed the whispers of our souls, even when the rational mind urges caution. In a world where logic often reigns supreme, causing suffering and pain, this song serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, it is the heart that knows the true path. It’s a theme that resonates throughout TRAVELER, a collection of songs born from the tumultuous period of my life back in 2021. Like many TCKs (Third Culture Kids), I’ve always felt a sense of displacement, never quite belonging anywhere. And as an artist and free spirit, navigating relationships has been fraught with challenges.

„Open your heart and let its light

shine through those heavy clouds

I bet you have forgotten how this feels.“

Those words were directed at my loved one whose smile is one of the most powerful phenomena I have ever witnessed and whose heart is larger than life. By that time, I was feeling devastated for a number of reasons. I wanted to smile and shine again. And I wanted her to smile and shine again. I wanted those dark clouds to vanish, I wanted light and light-heartedness. This is why this song is so personal and special to me. Because it carries so much heaviness and truth. And it’s beautiful. It’s playful and painful at the same time. It is for her, for us and for all those lovers out there trying to figure out how to make things work.

For me, crafting this piece was a cathartic journey through the labyrinth of love and longing for a functioning relationship. Like many of you, I’ve grappled with the complexities of relationships, navigating the stormy seas of uncertainty with both trepidation and hope. And it is from this place of vulnerability that „I Thought I Saw You In The Rain“ emerged, a beacon of light amidst the darkness.

The lyrics, penned during a moment of siesta in the summer heat of the Mediterranean, encapsulate the profound yearning for connection. „Don’t ever listen to your brain, it causes suffering and pain,“ the song implores, urging us to surrender to the whims of the heart. It is a sentiment born from personal experience, a testament to the transformative power of truth and love.

As I reflect on this song, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. It is a piece of my soul laid bare, a testament to the beauty of vulnerability and the enduring power of love. And it is my hope that as you listen to „I Thought I Saw You In The Rain,“ you too will be transported to a place of introspection and openness.

So, dear readers, as we bid farewell to the shores of Cyprus and set sail for new horizons, let us carry the melody of „I Thought I Saw You In The Rain“ in our hearts. May it serve as a reminder that amidst life’s storms, love will always be our guiding light.

Until next month with song number twelve (we are almost halfway there!), keep wandering, keep dreaming, and keep listening to the melodies of your heart.

With warm regards

Jannis

PS: Also, if you want to know more about project TRAVELER, how everything started and who I am, I invite you to subscribe to my E-Mail list. There is plenty of subscriber-only stuff going on over there and I’d love you to be part of this!

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PPS: I thought I’ll add some personal notes at the end of each blog post, giving a short insight into my own journey right now. So, here it is:

My current diary pages (February 2024)

• Yoga and workout are my life now.
• I am about to start planning some solo shows. There’s nothing like that, and, quite frankly, I think I’m quite good at it. I feel that navigating and organizing an entire band is too much at this early stage of the project. And unaffordable also.
• Reading tips: „Flow“ by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (don’t even try to pronounce his name).

You like what you see and hear? Or you hate it, but for whatever reason, you still want to buy me a cup of coffee? I highly appreciate this!