We came across this beautiful song written by musician Coby Grant after a friend of hers got in touch with us. Take a moment to watch and listen to “Winterbear” — it’s a song written with enormous tenderness, and it will be especially poignant for parents of angel babies, or anyone in their family who has lost a child.
“Winterbear” was written for a couple whose newborn son was stillborn. Singer-songwriter Coby Grant wrote it for this family, and has dedicated it to all parents of angel babies. She donates a portion of the proceeds to charities and organisations supporting families who have lost a child, and to research into SIDS.
You can buy Winterbear on iTunes here and listen to it on Spotify.
How Winterbear Came To Be Written
Coby tells the story of how Winterbear came to be written:
“In late 2016, I sang at a couple’s wedding. It was one of the most beautiful weddings, simply because I could feel the love in the room — between the couple, their friends, their families. Sometimes there is just magic.
The glowing bride was also pregnant. In December of that year, I received a message from the father of the groom — who is the one who originally found me and asked me to sing at the wedding — to let me know that their child, his grandson, was stillborn. He also let me know that my own music was providing a comforting soundtrack during this difficult and heartbreaking time.
As a huge lover of music, he told me that he wanted to write a song for his grandson, to give to his son and daughter-in-law, to capture the love they all felt for this child and to honour his memory. He asked me if I could help him write this song. With a heavy heart, I of course said yes.
Over the next few months, the grandpa sent me pages of thoughts, poetry, words and feelings. I was inspired by those words. I also drew inspiration from my own friends who have lost children, whether that be from SIDS, stillbirth, or even later in life in other tragic circumstances. Anyway, we really wrote this song together.
It was then produced and recorded in Holland, with my long-time friend and collaborator Jack van de Ven. The musicians who performed on my previous album worked their magic and made the song what it is. I recorded my vocals in Australia, so it was very much an international project. The grandpa also asked Jack and I to perform and record a second song, “Here For You,” written by a close family friend, Anneke Roobol, which is also part of this release.
The songs were then packaged together into a Winterbear CD that the grandpa gave to his son and daughter-in-law. As you can imagine, it was quite overwhelming for them. They were, and are, extremely touched and grateful for the incredible gift he gave.
When I was last in Holland, I performed the song live for the family in an intimate house concert. It was, by a long shot, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but also the most beautiful and moving moment I have ever had the honour to be a part of. They told me that they listen to Winterbear every day and that it brings them peace and comfort.
The song was only meant to be for them, but as time went on, it became bigger than that and we decided to film this video and release the song into the world. We all hope that it will touch other people who have lost their children — that it might bring a small amount of hope or peace in the face of this kind of loss.
I’m really proud of myself and of the entire team behind this project. For me, music was always about human connection — the ability to touch people, to bring them together through joy, love, heartache, forgiveness or pain. Music is the language we all understand, and I feel very lucky to have it as such a huge part of my life.
Thank you to this family who let my music into their hearts.”
You can follow Coby’s music on Facebook.
Even if you haven’t lost a child yourself, you may know someone who has. This is a song that stays with you, and its lyrics will move anyone who hears it.
If you’re looking for gentle guidance on talking with children about loss, our article on How to Talk to Kids about Losing a Loved One may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Winterbear?
Winterbear was written by singer-songwriter Coby Grant, working with the grandfather of a baby boy who was stillborn. He wanted a song written in his grandson’s memory, and Coby helped shape his words and feelings into the finished piece.
What is Winterbear about?
The song was written as a tribute to a stillborn baby, to help his parents and family carry their grief and hold onto his memory. Coby dedicated the finished song to all parents of angel babies.
Where can I listen to Winterbear?
You can listen to Winterbear on Spotify or buy it on iTunes — links are included above.
Does the song support any charities?
Coby has said that proceeds from the song go toward charities and organisations that support bereaved families and SIDS research.
Related Reading
If this song has touched you, you may also find comfort or support in our article How to Talk to Kids about Losing a Loved One. You’ll also find more family life stories and support resources across MyKidsTime.
Before You Go
If Winterbear has moved you, you don’t need to say anything — just sitting with a song like this is enough. But if you’d like to share your own story of being a parent to an angel baby, or simply want others to know they’re not alone, our comments are open and we’re listening.
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