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“Writing ‘When You Look at Me’ through SongwritingWith:Soldiers wasn’t just about music—it was about being seen and heard in a way we hadn’t been before,” share veterans Tanja Struyck-Fogleman and Brent Fogleman. “Behind the smiles we wear is a struggle most can’t see, but Erin helped us give it a voice. She didn’t just write with us—she truly listened. That song became part of our healing. It didn’t take away the pain, but it helped us carry it with more strength, more pride, and a little less silence. We hope it reminds others that it’s okay not to be okay—and that even in the hardest moments, there’s a better way to struggle.”
SongwritingWith:Soldiers - Story Behind the Song - "When You Look At Me" published on July 4:
“Being a part of telling someone’s story is a powerful experience,” says Enderlin. “Tanja and Brent are amazing, and they were so open and willing to share. While this song is personal to them, I think a lot of people will see themselves or people they love inside these lines. We are all moving through this experience of being human, carrying our own weight and experiences - I hope that this song reminds us to be kind to one another and remember we don’t always see what’s beyond the surface.”
SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ (SW:S) mission is to transform lives by using
collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and strengths. SW:S
holds weekend retreats across the U.S. for veterans and their families from all
conflicts. Since 2012, SW:S has connected with more than 6,000 veterans and
military families, creating a safe and inspiring environment to share their
experiences and co-create songs grounded in lived experience with professional
songwriters.
For veterans to be understood, they need to be heard. It starts with providing
a carefully crafted experience so they can connect to themselves and others,
and where songwriters can help shape their story into song. Once the song is
created, SW:S provides ways for it to be heard beyond the writing session by
veterans and non-veterans alike.
SongwritingWith:Soldiers believes they are not just creating songs, but a
deeper understanding of the veteran experience. SW:S’s new music
program, made possible by the generosity of The Johnson Family Fund,
will thoughtfully select and produce music from the retreat field recording
catalog to release on major streaming platforms, creating a deeper
understanding of the veteran experience and raising civilian awareness of the
challenges the military community faces. The first two compelling
tracks are available NOW on all streaming platforms.
Listen
Now: “The Man You Used To Know” and “At Ease”
Watch Now: "The Man You Used To Know" lyric video and story-behind-the-song
Watch Now: "At Ease" lyric video and story-behind-the-song
SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S) brings service members, veterans,
and military families together with professional songwriters to co-create
powerful songs that are grounded in lived experience. These collaborations take
place in a trusted, evidence-informed retreat program designed to foster
creativity, connection, and meaningful expression.
Since 2012, SW:S has offered retreats, alumni programs, and music-based
initiatives grounded in dignity, care, and respect. The process invites
participants to express what often goes unsaid—through a creative partnership
that honors their words and experiences.
Every song is co-written with full consent and intention. With participant
permission, many of these songs are shared—through performances, playlists, and
public platforms—to build understanding, strengthen community, and amplify the
voices of those who serve.
This work is guided by multidisciplinary creative professionals including
songwriters trained in the SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ methodology and culture. A
pilot study by Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital found that the SW:S
approach may support reductions in symptoms of post- traumatic stress and
depression, reinforcing the power of creative expression in trusted settings.
To date, SW:S has engaged thousands of service members, veterans, and family
members across the country. The organization’s work has been featured by CBS
Mornings, Good Morning America, SPIN, The
New York Times, and more.
ABOUT ERIN ENDERLIN: According to Rolling Stone, Erin
Enderlin songs are “the stuff of country classics––concise, tear-stained, and
all too relatable.” Enderlin has a knack for sharply drawn––and often
sad––characters. Backsliders, avengers, lovers, and victims––they’re all in her
critically acclaimed albums, including 2017’s Whiskeytown Crier and 2019’s
Faulkner County, both of which were produced by Jim “Moose” Brown” and Jamey
Johnson.
Credit © Grand Ole Opry photos by Chris Hollo
Enderlin is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album with Sunny Sweeney and Harley Husbands producing. You can also catch her on tour with Trisha Yearwood, appearing in a new documentary “10 Year Town”, and singing two songs in the forthcoming Shout! Studios Western Trail of Vengeance starring Jeff Fahey and Rumer Willis.
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