99 Steps was Barbette Records’ second release of 2021 by Deanne Matley and is an original Pop tune written and composed by fellow Calgarian Songwriter Anthony Burbidge.
“One yes at a time. No matter how wide the hurt inside. One yes at a time.”
Five years ago, after a difficult separation from her now ex-husband, Deanne found herself regularly sitting in the pews at Unity Calgary. It was her Sunday solitude, a place where she found a home in the comforts of a non-denominational spiritual community. One particular Sunday, Anthony, the musical director, performed this song. It moved Deanne instantly to tears. She knew in her heart that she had and would record it one day.
“One step at a time. No matter how high the mountain I climb. One step at a time.”
A few years later, while attending music school in Montreal, Anthony had given her permission to record the tune. She connected with her good friend Paul Shrofel, and they created their original arrangement in his home studio. Not knowing the exact time to release it, the song has sat in the vault until now.
“One day at a time. No matter how deep the pain inside. One day at a time.”
Deanne chose to release this track around the one-year mark of the pandemic to inspire healing. The song is about hope, and although one may be struggling and can’t predict the future, one is never alone.