The Stories Behind My Continuum: The Love You Give (To Me)

Every song on My Continuum has a story — but this one is especially close to my heart.

“The Love You Give (To Me)” began its life in a very personal way. It was originally written by my cherished friend, collaborator and producer, Lance Jyo as a love song to his wife, Carrie. The original title was “Anna,” and it appeared on one of Lance’s earlier album releases — a beautiful, intimate expression of love that was deeply personal to him.

When I was going through Lance’s catalog of songs, I remember hearing “Anna” for the first time and immediately being drawn in. There was a quiet tenderness to it — an honesty that didn’t try too hard, but instead simply felt real. The lyrics captured that unmistakable feeling of falling in love… that emotional lift, that sense of connection that’s hard to put into words but instantly recognizable when you hear it.

But what truly sealed the deal for me were these lines:

“And in those times I fail to see you,
when the worries of the day weigh on my soul,
you smile and gently say everything will be all right,
and that you still believe in me…”

Those words stopped me.

They touched something deeper than just romance — they spoke to partnership, grace, and the kind of love that carries you through life’s everyday challenges. In that moment, I knew I had to record this song.

I reached out to Lance and asked if he would be open to collaborating — specifically, to rework parts of the lyrics and broaden the message beyond a single story. My hope was to transform the song into something more universal — a love anthem that any couple could see themselves in.

True to who he is, Lance graciously said yes.

And that’s how “Anna” became “The Love You Give (To Me).”

As I approached recording the song, I was very intentional about where I drew my emotion from. I reflected on my own experiences — what it feels like to fall in love, to trust someone, to commit yourself fully to another person. That sense of vulnerability, but also strength. That quiet reassurance that no matter what life brings, you’re not facing it alone.

I wanted that feeling to come through in every note.

My hope for this song is simple, but deeply meaningful: that it becomes part of people’s lives. That couples might choose it for their weddings, their commitment ceremonies, their anniversaries — or even moments of remembrance. Because at its core, this song is about enduring love. The kind that supports, uplifts, and believes in you, even on the days when you may not believe in yourself.

If this song finds its way into those moments for you, then it has fulfilled its purpose.

And as an artist, there’s nothing that would make me happier than knowing that my interpretation of this song connected with you in a real and lasting way.

That’s the beauty of music.

It begins as one person’s story…
and somehow becomes all of ours.

Listen to The Love You Give (To Me) on your favorite music platform now!