This week we visit the lush evergreens of WA State to talk with lyricist and poet, Scott Fraser about his latest Gospel release, “That is Why We Are Breathing.”

“I pray that my songs would touch a heart(s) and change someone’s life.”

What inspired you to write “That is Why We Are Breathing”?

I wrote “That is Why We Are Breathing” about my wife and how inspiring she has been to me. I wrote this song when my wife and I were spending a day at the beach taking in the Pacific Coast air. When we were there, I started thinking about how much my wife made my life simple. It was the simple things that I wrote about in the song.

Where do you find your lyric writing inspiration?

I started writing 27 years ago with poems and lyrics but my true passion started around 15 years ago with gospel writings. While still writing gospel, my lyrics started changing when a relative gave me some music from a group name Casting Crowns. Their lyrics inspired me so much that I wanted a chance to reach out to others. I pray that my songs would touch a heart(s) and change someone’s life. One of the lyric line that stands out from Casting Crown’s song was how I wanted to live my life, “…may the words I say, and the things I do, make my life song bring a smile to you.”

Can you share one of your fondest musical memories?

Years ago, when I was in high school the first songwriter that I knew that would put “story telling” into lyrics was Billy Joel. I went to two of his concerts and they were both great. The lyrics of his words always drew me into his songs which made me want to emulate his writing. I have a different direction now, but I always remembered those two concerts. I still listen to Billy Joel from time to time.

Does your writing have a central theme?

Most of my songs are Gospel so my lyrics are focused around challenges that we all face in this world. I use these day to day life struggles around biblical teaching to develop my lyrics. I am looking to inspire people to have hope and faith. If I can reach other people with my music that would be a blessing to me.