Expert: Amarilis Gibeli - 12/7/2005

Question
Hello. How are you? I hope you are doing well.

My question relates to the song "Only Hope" featured in the movie "A Walk To Remember". (I actually became a fan of the song hearing it elsewhere, apart from the movie.)

The version of the song I own is the one being played/sung by the band Switchfoot. I'm not usually fond of their music, as it is too run-of-the-mill for my taste, but that song is an exception. That is one of the most wonderful songs I have ever heard, and it grows on me with each listen. (The movie's version sung by Mandy Moore was a bit too poppy for my liking).

Anyway, I was wondering if you knew, or could possibly find out, the writer(s) of that song, and/or the song's background. Was it written specifically for the movie? Or does it have more personal meaning from the writer(s), it being chosen because the makers of the movie (or whoever is in charge of those details) thought it fit? I'd love to know how it was inspired. Was it a collaboration - e.g. someone wrote the lyrics, someone else the music? (etc., etc. There are numerous possibilities to the situation/my question I suppose.)

Any information regarding the creator(s) of that song - especially the song's inspiration - if they have ever made it available - would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Anna,

It's nice to hear from you, I'm very fine, thank you.

"Only Hope" is a love song written to the Lord, it plays a pivotal part in that adaptation of the novel, A Walk to Remember, by Nicholas Sparks.
This beautiful song was written and composed by Jonathan Foreman, in 1999.
Below I provided a link to a kind tribute regarding that song:

http://learning2breathe.homestead.com/onlyhope.html

Hope I've been in your assistance, and anything else, please feel free to get in touch, ok?

With my regards,

Amarilis Gibeli  -  "Searchin'  around..."