With Every Breath

Written and arranged by Nick Prater

With Every Breath, a vibrant and soul-stirring song by the late Nick Prater, is a profound piece that celebrates the immediate power of connection. In contrast to a quiet meditation, this song is a joyous, upbeat anthem with a gospel heart. It invites singers to fully inhabit the moment, using the breath not just for life, but as a vessel for giving and receiving love in its most active, celebratory form.

Nick Prater was a renowned pioneer of the community choir movement who, for 35 years, encouraged people from all walks of life to lift their voices together. Following his passing in 2013, his daughter, Susie Ro, has continued his incredible legacy. Susie is a widely celebrated composer, musician, and voice leader in her own right. Through her own publishing, she curates a rich collection of music that includes both her father’s beloved songs and her own extensive catalogue of original work. Her commitment to sharing these resources ensures that these songs continue to inspire harmony and connection in circles everywhere.

The inspiration for this song lies in the transformative power of the "now." The lyrics act as a rhythmic affirmation, stripping away the past and the future to focus entirely on the present. By repeating the lines Now is the time, love is here, the song creates an atmosphere of immediate joy and gratitude. It encourages a physical response, where the act of breathing becomes a rhythmic exchange: breathing in love and giving it back to the world. It is a song that demands to be felt in the body, reminding us that love is not a distant concept but a present, living reality.

Singing Nick’s work in this celebratory style encourages a deep, communal experience. By learning through direct connection, singers are able to listen intently to one another, letting the syncopated rhythms and gospel-inspired harmonies build into a wall of sound. The song is often structured to allow for layers of harmony that interlock like a collective heartbeat. This approach mirrors the song’s message: that when we come together in the present moment, our individual energy contributes to a powerful, shared spirit.

With Every Breath is a testament to the life force that unites us. It reminds us that music is a powerful medium for asserting our shared humanity and finding collective joy. Through its spirited and profound message, it invites us to find a sense of belonging in the here and now. Nick Prater’s beautiful composition, kept alive and shared alongside Susie Ro’s own vibrant contributions to the singing world, offers a sanctuary of sound that celebrates the simple, magnificent truth that love is here right now.

You can find more information about Susie Ro here: https://www.susiero.com/

(I couldn't find a video of this song online, so enjoy this one instead!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfUyQ1WeR14