“Stop the Sun” holds a deeply personal place in George Collins’s heart while carrying a theme that resonates universally – that of family and the passage of time. It’s a theme that anyone reaching a certain age can relate to, as they reflect on their childhood and youthful days when time seemed endless and life stretched out endlessly before them. This reflection contrasts starkly with the present, where days feel short, and time seems to slip away all too quickly.
The inspiration for this song came from George’s childhood visualizations of the biblical tale of Joshua, who halted the sun to secure a crucial victory for the Israelites. George pictured this mighty warrior atop a hill, arms raised towards the sun. Approaching his 60th birthday, this image returned to him, and he found himself thinking, “It’s taken me this long to begin to understand the game of life – now I need another sixty years to truly live out what I’ve learned. I wish I could freeze time, so I can pursue my purpose and savor every remaining moment.”
The bridge of the song draws from one of George’s favorite quotes by Mark Twain, who once said, “The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the idea of finally discovering one’s life purpose but yearning for more time to fulfill it.
George Collins’s songwriting is both thought-provoking and courageously vulnerable, touching the hearts of many. His lyrics are rich with narratives influenced by his career as a screenwriter and novelist, reflecting empathy, hard-earned wisdom, and clever pop hooks.
George received his first guitar at the tender age of four and began crafting songs immediately. He continued to hone his skills on both the guitar and piano throughout his formative years and beyond. In his late twenties, he encountered older musicians who were dissatisfied with their lack of success and falling into destructive habits involving alcohol and drugs. Determined not to follow that path, George chose a different trajectory for his life, aiming for an international career in a different field.
However, in 2012, at the age of 50, George welcomed his first child into the world. It was then that he made the life-changing decision to step away from his lucrative 20-year career as an investment consultant and financial executive. Instead, he chose to nurture his creative spirit and become a dedicated full-time parent.
Connect with George Collins:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud
