One of Charlottesville’s most popular wedding DJs is Derek Tobler. As fortune would have it, he happens to be one of my neighbors. He’s the kind of neighbor you’re glad to have. He’s also the kind of professional that others professionals say really nice things about because he’s that good of a guy and is great at his craft.
So I decided to have him over for coffee.
He’s the kind of guy who used his morning babysitter time to have a courteous get-to-know-you conversation.
After I brewed him really bad coffee – you know, the kind of poorly brewed coffee that makes you feel embarrassed about your basic domestic skills – when he decided it would be fun to record a song in his personal home studio, I of course said yes!
About the Song: “Marry Me” by Train came out in the fall of 2010, and still it’s a popularly requested song for weddings ceremonies. Derek said he’s still getting requests for this song on a fairly regular basis.
About the alternate “Her” version: The lyrics to “Marry Me” were written to be sung to a woman. So, I changed around the second verse slightly and we recorded a “Her” version in case any of the ladies out there wanted to serenade their man, or propose to her guy.
“Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
I’ll wear white and you’ll wear out the words I love you
And you’re beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown you my way”
Here’s a peek at the action!
Derek played the backing track, and I laid down the vocals. Then he mixed/balanced/did whatever techie guys do when they’re getting the song ready to be shared.
Derek's basement set up with his mixing table and gear. View from my mic!
At the mic! Recording "Marry Me" by Train with Derek.
What my voice looks like in image form. 
Lyrics:
Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I’ve had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won’t let them see
But there’s one thing left to do
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry Me
Today and every day
Marry Me
If I ever get the nerve to say “Hello” in this cafe
Say you will
Say you will
Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you
And you’re beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say “Hello” in this cafe
Say you will
Say you will
Promise me
You’ll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies
And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say “Hello” in this cafe
Say you will
Say you will
Marry me
Derek checking the levels.
After completing this project, I discovered through Derek that there’s actually a duet version of this song out now featuring Martina McBride. Do you think Derek was hiding this from me so he wouldn’t have to sing a duet with me?? I’m thinking maybe now we have to do the duet… what do you think?
This post was written by
Heather – who has written 72 posts on Heather Hightower.
You are way more musical than you believe.
beautiful! and derek is the best! he was the dj for our wedding
so wonderful that you two collaborated!
That’s awesome! What a wonderful small world. What did you do for ceremony music? Did the Chamber Singers sing? I’m curious since you’re such a musical soul!
love,
heather