Wherever You Are

Album: In My Dreams (2011)
Charted: 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Military Wives Choir was put together by popular TV choirmaster Gareth Malone in 2010 for the BBC2 series, The Choir, Military Wives and comprises women whose husbands and partners are on active service overseas with the UK armed forces. This is their first single, which was released on December 19 2011, with proceeds going to the Royal British Legion and SSAFA Forces Help.
  • The lyrics are based on segments of letters exchanged between the military personnel and their families. Welsh composer Paul Mealor, whose motets, songs and cycles are performed around the world, composed the music. His motet, "Ubi Caritas et Amor," was performed at Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding at Westminster Abbey.
  • The Military Wives Choir debuted at #1 on Christmas Day selling 556,000 copies in its debut week, which was more than the rest of the top 12 of the UK singles chart combined. It was the highest single week sale for any single since Alexandra Burke sold 576,000 copies of "Hallelujah" over Christmas 2008.
  • The song raised more than £500,000 for charity. Seven weeks after its release, The Military Wives Choir presented a cheque for £503,985 to the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.
  • The song won Single of the Year at the 2012 Classic Brit awards. It was the first tune to be nominated for Best British Single in both the 2012 pop music and classical music BRITs.

Comments: 1

  • Alistair from Daventry, United KingdomThe soloist at the beginning was shown in the TV programmes to be afflicted by a complete lack of confidence yet by the end she was able to perform perfectly under intense pressure, such as at the Royal Albert Hall in front of Royalty including the Queen. Some performances on TV nearer to Christmas showed a new soloist although she had been part of the original two-bases choir and the only explanation I have seen is that the original soloist was on a pre-arranged holiday. The composite TV programme made from the original series was extremely moving at several points and well worth trying to catch up on if missed.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."