Episode 108: Mary Gauthier: Saved by a Song

Sacred Stream Radio

On this episode, Laura is joined by Mary Gauthier, award-winning singer-songwriter and author of the book, Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting. Described as a “must read book” by Rolling Stone, fellow songwriter Brandi Carlisle says, “Mary’s songwriting speaks to the tender aspects of our humanness. We need her voice in times like these more than we ever have.”

Mary has won numerous awards and her songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Boy George, Kathy Mattea, and Tim McGraw to name a few. She has released eleven albums, including her latest masterful work, Dark Enough to See the Stars and the Grammy-nominated Rifles and Rosary Beads, a collection of songs Mary co-wrote with soldiers healing from their experience of war. This poignant collaboration echoes a theme in her book – that songwriting is a healing tool. Filled with wisdom, Mary shines as a storyteller in the book, sharing the stories of her own healing journey and call to music as she reflects on aspects of her life including her adoption, addiction and recovery, and her experience of being a gay woman in the music industry.

In this conversation, Mary and Laura explore this theme of healing through song and discuss the role of the songwriter, the strength found in vulnerability, and the importance of being willing to dig deeply into our human experience. Mary’s intelligence, sensitivity, and humor shine throughout the book and this interview.

For more information about Mary, her records, and Saved by a Song, visit marygauthier.com.