“Found,” by A.K. Carroll, takes the listener on a gentle journey from despair to hope. The long, sustained lines gradually rise and burst into a reassuring climax before ebbing away into a relaxed cadence. “Found” tells a story of metaphorical sunshine conquering a darkened sky.

A. K. Carroll is a current undergraduate student studying music and psychology at Luther College in Decorah, IA. A pianist from a young age, Abigail most enjoys making music in ensemble settings. She participated in band, choir, jazz band, and chamber singing groups throughout high school, and especially enjoyed touring with the STMA Concert Choir. Abigail now sings in the Luther College Nordic Choir, and recently fell in love with playing the organ. When she’s not making music, Abigail can be found reading a good book, hiking outdoors, spending time with loved ones, or playing with her dogs, George and Charlie.

Composer’s Notes

I have always felt at home when singing in a choir. Regardless of what was going on in my life outside of
rehearsals, singing with others has had a way of bringing me back to myself. I truly cherish this feeling, and I believe that it is one shared by many who sing in community. I began writing “Found” with this idea in mind; that a choir can bring people together in spite of the darkness that we so often encounter in our world.

As I continued writing, I realized that this feeling was about more than just choir. We are wired to seek belonging, and this instinct impacts many areas of our lives. Everyone has bad days, bad weeks, even bad months or years. At times, it may feel as though the difficulties we face are reflective of our personal worth. When you’re surrounded by darkness, it becomes easy to mistake the problems presented by your circumstances with problems stemming from the person you are. We all find ourselves in this place from time to time, and we often need reminding of how worthy we are of goodness and love.

“Found” is about more than just music. We all have something that we find ourselves in–perhaps in hobbies, religion, activities, people, or simply the truths we hold in our own hearts. The ambiguity of the text leaves room for the listener to find themselves in the music. No matter what darkness you face, it is never too late for you to find yourself again.

Special thanks:
For their mentorship and support: Paige Armstrong, Michael Bartunek, Brandon Berger, Brian Brummel, Dr. Brooke Joyce, Joseph Osowski, and Adam Sroka.

For their voices and musicianship: Micah Anderson, Nate Benish, Ava Cunningham, Elizabeth Guy, David Hinderaker, Rowan Jordahl, Quinn Kruckman, Mira Melander, Ashlyn Meyer, Luke Orton, Max Sampson, Brynnen Stefan, Logan Strom, Austyn Riehle, Julia Weigle, and the STMA Concert Choir.

– A. K. Carroll

Text

Today I wander all alone
so far away from what I know
These battles rage inside my head
I tire from this road I tread
As light grows dim and darkness falls
broke down and weary from it all
About to give up hope but then
you find me and I’m home again
Resting sheltered in your arms
here shall I be safe and warm
Take me to the other side
where hope and love reside
How to search for what was lost?
How to pay the highest cost?
How to die for? How to rise for?
How to live for and fall for?
Lift me higher than I know how to be
Teach me to sing a new song
Open my eyes to the light
and tell me everything’s alright
Worry not beloved child
Though the world careless and mild
when you’re wondering how to fly
in your heart the answer lies
By my suffering I am crowned
Through the darkness I am found