Michael Korie is a lyricist and composer whose work spans musical theater, film, and concert music. His gift for crafting lyrics that balance emotional specificity with singability has made him a sought-after collaborator for projects ranging from intimate character songs to large-scale theatrical works. His contributions to American musical theater reflect a deep understanding of how words and music interact to illuminate character and advance dramatic narrative.
Why we love this
This song captures the bittersweet quality that makes contemporary musical theater writing so compelling. The piano part sits responsively under the vocal line without overwhelming it, giving students and performers room to shape the melody while maintaining harmonic support. It's the kind of piece that rewards attention to text painting and emotional subtlety.
What to expect
There is a reflective, slightly melancholic quality to this song. The title evokes the strange suspension of time that can happen in a familiar place when the season feels wrong or when you've returned after a long absence. The music honors that tension between comfort and unease.
Who it's for
This score serves singers preparing audition material, advanced high school vocalists, college music majors, and adult singers exploring contemporary musical theater repertoire. It works equally well in a coaching lesson or as a recital piece.
How to get the most out of it
Pay close attention to how the piano part frames the vocal melody; use rubato sparingly and let the accompaniment's harmonic rhythm guide your phrasing rather than working against it.
The title itself suggests a mood of temporal displacement and nostalgia. Bring that sensibility to your vocal tone; aim for clarity without brittleness.
Identify the moments where the piano echoes or responds to what the voice has just sung. These are natural places to breathe and reset before moving forward.
How to use it
Include this in a concert exploring contemporary musical theater songwriting, or pair it with other character-driven songs from recent Broadway work. It also serves as an excellent showcase piece for your best singers during recitals or competitions where contemporary theater songs are valued.
Skills your students will build
Legit singing technique with contemporary musical theater diction
Collaboration between vocalist and pianist in a leader-follower dynamic
Interpretation of subtext and emotional continuity across a full song form
Phrase shaping without sacrificing the song's conversational, natural speech patterns
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