Fred Stobaugh, a 96-year-old Illinois man, wrote a song for Lorraine, his wife of 73 years who died last year. A video of him reciting the lyrics popped up on YouTube last month.
He wrote the song “Oh Sweet Lorraine” months after she died, entering the song in a local contest in Peoria, Ill.
“Oh sweet, Lorraine, I wish we could do all the good times over again,” the song’s lyrics go. “Oh sweet, Lorraine. Life only goes around once but never again.”
“The memories always linger on. / Oh, sweet Lorraine, no I don’t want to move on. / The memories always linger on. / Oh, sweet Lorraine, that’s why I wrote you this song,” it continues, according to ABC.
His wife passed away in 2012 at the age of 91. The two met in 1938.
“After she passed away, I was just sitting in the front room one evening by myself,” Fred told NBC, recalling how he wrote the song. “It just come right to me almost, I just kept humming it ... it seemed like it just fit her.”
He submitted it--the old-fashioned way--via mail to Green Shoe Studio, which held the contest.
Green Shoe producer Jacob Colgan told NBC: “Listening to the lyrics and the passion behind the lyrics, and the letter he sent us. It was just so heartwarming.”
The song touched many on YouTube.
“This song stands on it’s own as a beautiful work. When you learn Fred’s story, it’s even more touching! I love Fred’s spirit, and that he dared to send the lyrics in even though he is not a songwriter. He knew he had something special in Lorraine and also in the words he wrote to her. Kudos Greenshoe Studio, for recognizing it’s potential and to do something with someone not for the gain, but because you were inspired!” wrote one user.
Another added, “Amazing. loved it! There is still some good left? in this world. THIS is a true love story!”
According to the Huffington Post, the song is available on iTunes.
