Title: Client A
Artist: Delphine Geia
Language: English
Lyrics
From days gone by, the rainbow was my closest friend,
Encircled round, to shelter me from harm.
When as a child my loneliness was silent,
God’s perfect rainbow always kept me warm.
Though tears I cry seem endless and unnoticed
I now can hope Your love will see me through,
Just count my tears and store them in your bottle.
And I shall praise your Gracious Love to me.
Oh God Most High, I trust you; I won’t be afraid,
For You have known me from my mother’s womb.
Please count my tears and store them in your bottle.
And I shall praise your Gracious Love to me. (repeat).
Words and Music by Delphine S Geia 2024
Song Background
Client A had a belief in God from childhood then early in adult life was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I combined primary qualitative research with music making to set a background for identifying therapeutic goals with Client A, in pain management, cognitive function and physical coordination. I documented Client A’s description as related to me, then added words from a Bible passage in Psalm 56:8 ESV “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” to illustrate their story. I verified my summary with Client A. To best document their story, I gained Client A’s permission to use the notes from their story for music making. By adding them to an upbeat rhythm, I sought to deliberately soften the impact of Client A’s story, given the severity of their mental illness, while validating their story and capturing their truth. This song, also titled “Client A” was written for Client A and is based on their childhood story.
Presented to University of Adelaide’s Music Therapy Song Book, Indigenous Resources project. NOT for therapeutic use.
Bio
In 1987, Delphine graduated from Adelaide University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies with an Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music. Delphine’s music career evolved over the years, from the performing arts field to the allied health.
Today, as a registered music therapist RMT, Delphine combines her music skills and evidence-based research in identifying with clients, therapeutic goals for implementation in ethical music therapy practice.