TRACK 1: DARE TO DREAM
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artist: Anonymous
I dedicate this song to Elon Musk—a man whose dreams extend beyond the stars, pushing the boundaries of what he believes is possible. In my eyes, he is the most audacious dreamer ever to walk the earth. This song is my tribute to his relentless pursuit of the extraordinary, a reminder that even the wildest dreams can come true with courage and vision.
But this doesn’t make the dreams of ordinary people like you and me any less important. Our dreams, no matter their size, have the power to shape our lives in profound ways. As you turn the pages of my memoir and step into my story, remember to dare to dream—boldly, fearlessly, and without any limits.
Every dawn, I paint my dreams, a palette so diverse
Small they may seem, yet in my heart, they unfold
Elon's dreams may reach Mars, his ambition so vast
Yet within my world, my dreams too, I chase fast
Dare to dream as if there's no tomorrow
Even if your dreams seem small, let them flow
In the vastness of the universe or in your backyard's glow
Your dreams are yours to follow; let them grow
Elon's dreams span the skies; his cars roam the ground
Starlinks in the heavens, where his ambitions are found
Yet my adrenaline surges not in grand quests afar
But in chasing small dreams beneath the same stars
Dare to dream as if there's no tomorrow
Even if your dreams seem small, let them flow
In the vastness of the universe or in your backyard's glow
Your dreams are yours to follow, let them grow
Through the corridors of time, my dreams weave their tale
Not in the stars, but in each small detail
For in the pursuit of dreams, life finds its true theme
In every moment lived, in every whispered dream
Dare to dream as if there's no tomorrow
Even if your dreams seem small, let them flow
In the vastness of the universe or in your backyard's glow
Dare to dream as if there's no tomorrow
Even if your dreams seem small let them flow
In the vastness of the universe, or in your backyard's glow
Your dreams are yours to follow, let them grow
Dare to dream, oh dare to dream
In life's fleeting, streaming gleam
For every dream, big or small
Is the heart's most precious call
My brief to the composer was to create an Epic Movie Theme Song that combines grand, cinematic qualities with evocative melodies. The melody should capture the essence of daring to dream, whether the dreams are vast or modest, and inspire listeners with a sense of boundless aspiration and courage.
TRACK 2: FASHION MY LIFELONG PASSION
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artist: AI
The love for fashion and colour my mother instilled in me became more than a shared pastime—it was a thread that wove us closer together. Beautiful clothes are more than just fabric and colour; they express who you are, a mirror of your soul. Dressing with intention brings me joy, a quiet happiness that lifts my spirit every day.
As I moved into adulthood, this passion continued to shape not only the way I dressed but also the spaces I inhabited, painting my life in vibrant hues.
It started with red patent leather shoes at eight,
A buckle, a heel, a twist of fate.
They sat on my bedside table, a morning delight,
Whispering dreams, bold and bright.
Threads and patterns, my mother’s flair,
An eager apprentice, learning skills so fine.
At twelve, with a halter-neck top in hand,
For my best friend, I stitched dreams so grand.
Fashion, a passion, it flows through my veins,
From childhood stitches to dreams that remain.
A world of fabrics, of colors and flair,
Weaving a life, designing with care.
From childhood dreams to the highest heels,
Fashion is the language my heart reveals.
Each piece a story, each stitch a dream,
A life of creation, a flowing stream.
Beneath the glow of memories bright,
A journey of passion, my heart’s true light.
From red shoes to bold gowns, dreams take flight,
Fashion, my passion, my soul’s delight.
I paired these lyrics with a dreamy, nostalgic melody, capturing the essence of a lifelong love affair with fashion—a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the stories woven into every thread.
TRACK 3: LOVE, MEMORIES & FORGIVENESS
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artist: Anonymous
As I look back on these painful years of my parents' divorce, I can still feel the weight of the hurt, but also the strength it took to forgive, to heal, and to hold onto love despite it all. I want to share my experience through this song.
Lipstick shining, she'd sew with care,
Dresses made with a mother's flair,
Three daughters in fabric and thread,
Bonded by fashion, love brightly spread.
Father's strength, both day and night,
Two jobs to keep our future bright,
His muscles flexed, hands so strong,
In his love, I found where I belonged.
Mother, your choices made us fall,
But memories of love stand tall,
Dad's pain was mountain high,
Yet I forgive, as time goes by.
Admiration filled my eyes so young,
In our home where joy was sung,
Until the day the unthinkable came,
A voice, a pinkie ring, a love in flame.
Both are gone, no longer here,
I hold you close, memories dear,
The love I have, forever strong,
In my heart, where you belong.
Yet, I forgive as time goes by,
As times goes by.
Love you, despite the pain,
In my heart, you both remain,
Forgiveness, love, and memories,
Forever in my heart's melodies.
My brief to the composer was to create a haunting and emotional song that reflects the pain, love, and forgiveness. A simple yet powerful melody to convey both sorrow and healing.
TRACK 4: WINGS OF WORDS
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Singer: Anonymous
When I wrote the lyrics to capture the emotions of my 2003 divorce, I reflected on those moments of pain, growth, and healing while also acknowledging the goodness in my ex-husband despite our falling out of love. It was a way to honor the complexity of our journey and the lessons learned all along the way, finding peace in both the love and the loss.
You gave me a sculpture and a poem,
The words you wanted me to see
A bird with wings of words set me free
Guiding me to where I need to be
Spread your wings and fly so high
An abstract bird against the sky
Your gift to me, a silent plea
For the freedom we both longed to see
We faced our share of highs and lows,
But mostly, it was the lows.
You never believed in my dreams,
I longed for you to see my gleams.
My pain back then was deep and true
Denial, grief, and anger too
I felt them all, but in the end
At 45, you set me free, at my best.
You are a good man, a father true
Our children know the love from you
Despite the pain and broken dreams
You gave me strength to find new means
It took time, but I saw the light
With our children thriving day and night
Though our journey together had to end
I cherish the memories, my co-parent, my friend.
My brief to the composer was to create a haunting melody that echoes the bitter and sweet nature of these memories—carrying the weight of the past while also offering a sense of peace and resolution.
TRACK 5: A MAN IN A MILLION
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artist: AI
At the beginning of this new chapter in my life, as I ventured into the world of dating in my mid-40s, I slowly realized how the strict criteria we set for meeting someone—whether about age, qualifications, or ticking all the right boxes—can sometimes prevent us from experiencing the delightful unpredictability of human connection.
I was new to this dating game, but I was learning fast—very fast.
Yeah, out there dating in my thriving mid-40s
The landscape's wild, but it doesn't allure me
Sporting weekends, their passions igniting
Me, I'm in heels where the city's enticing
Yeah, Yeah
Mid-40s life, exploring the scene
South African men living their dream
Camping, hunting and hiking, they adore
But my high heels click-clack. I need something more
Camping trips, not that's not my lane
Hiking boots clash with my high-fashion style
They seek the bush; I crave the skyline
Adventurous souls, but they don't align
I wasn't searching in bars or gyms for the one
Where's that clean-shaven man who'll truly align
Dating apps, agencies which path to take
Be careful choose wisely, it's high-stakes to make
They say the odds shrink with age, and it's true
Most men chase younger it's nothing new
But I stood my ground knew what I deserved
Held on to my worth, my confidence preserved
Not settling for less; my standards are fine
Waiting for a partner who mirrored my mind
A bond built on truth with passion to share
Two souls aligned in a love that's rare
I wanted a dreamer who wasn't just talk
Living his purpose, not stuck in the walk
And that's the man who stepped into my lane
Turning ambition into fuel for the flame
And then I found him, my South African man
A dreamer with a spark our love began
The man of my dreams, my perfect plan
One in a million, my South African man
Little did we know we'd share so much fire
A match made in heaven, a spark of desire
Living out our dreams together, no more need to roam
The search is complete; we've found our zone
In the future, we'd build something profound and true
A partnership of equals with a vibrant view
Living together apart, a rare design
Freedom and love perfectly intertwined
And then I found him, my South African man
A dreamer with a spark our love began
The man of my dreams, my perfect plan
One in a million, my South African man
For this song, I wanted something unconventional—a playful twist that would stand out. A female rapper felt like the perfect choice to infuse energy and fun into the melody.
TRACK 6: THE ARTWORK THAT MIRRORED MY FUTURE LIFE
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artist: AI
Each day, as I walked down my hallway after my divorce in 2003, I was silently greeted by the two-faced woman in my painting. Suddenly, the painting took on a different meaning for me. I saw her as a woman with two lives. Subconsciously, I aspired to embody her, striving to balance the two sides of my life: one with my boys and the other with the new man in my life, my lover. Although I didn’t fully understand how to achieve this, I was determined to create a new relationship model with my new partner.
Two faces in the hallway, staring at me,
A painting that held my destiny.
One face of failure, the other of dreams,
A vision of life that’s more than it seems.
Two spheres, two lives, both part of my plan,
A world for my sons, a place for my new man.
Keeping them separate, my way to survive,
The artwork reflected the way I’d thrive.
The meaning shifted, it opened my eyes,
This painting became my guide to the skies.
My parents' divorce still echoes in me,
I won’t let my sons bear the same memory.
I owe it to my children, my new man, and me,
To create a life where we’re truly free.
Living Apart Together could work for all
A balance of love, my chosen embrace.
Two faces in the hallway, a vision so true,
A future secure in the choices I knew.
My happiness lives in the lines I’ve designed,
The two faces of my painting, forever mine.
The song is a cinematic ballad, capturing the depth and emotion of the two faces in my painting.
TRACK 7: UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS LOVE SONG
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artists: Fleur, Rene & Aimee Marais
Our Living Apart Together home is not just a structure but a living symbol of a love that thrives in both togetherness and individuality. It plays a harmonious symphony of upstairs and downstairs, embodying the love song I wrote for my lover. Each verse and chorus of our existence reflects the unique arrangement we've nurtured over two decades, honoring both our shared life and personal spaces. My heart and soul are in the lyrics, a tribute to my lover.
In separate skies, our stars align,
Two separate worlds, yet your heart's entwined with mine.
Twenty years of love, not bound by space,
In our dual homes, we have found our special place.
Two hearts, two homes, in this dance of life,
Just a stairway apart, yet together, we thrive.
Our love's a journey, not just a destination,
In this unique rhythm, we've found our salvation.
Through pages of time, our story unfolds,
A love not restrained, in it, freedom holds.
Seasons change, but our bond stays the same,
In every hello and goodbye, love's flame remains.
Years whisper secrets of a love so rare,
Across the distance, we're a breath of shared air.
In our dual residency, we've soared, not just survived,
In love's unconventional embrace, we're vividly alive.
Two hearts, two homes, yet forever entwined,
In this love we've chosen our unique design.
My brief to the composer was to create a vibrant yet tender pop melody, definitely not sad. It needed to reflect the joy and lightness of our unique arrangement while also capturing the depth and emotional strength of a love that flourishes in two spaces, always intertwined.
TRACK 8: SWAN CUPS OF LOVE
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artists: Anonymous
Swans, known for their lifelong bonds, symbolize enduring love—just like ours. Though we live apart but together, our lives deeply intertwined, like the two swan cups in cobalt blue and lime green that share a single saucer, a perfect reflection of our relationship: two hearts, two homes, yet always connected. Our morning coffee ritual on the days we are together, is more than just a shared moment; every sip celebrates the unique rhythm of our life together apart.
In the heart of our home, love's stories unfold,
Two cups, one saucer, tales tender and bold.
Lime green and cobalt blue,
A dance of colours in the morning light.
Living apart, yet together so tight,
In our house of dreams, every day and night.
Sipping life’s essence, where love is divine,
In swan cups of love, our souls intertwine.
Separate floors, yet our hearts always near,
Building a life, so sweet and clear.
A pool that mirrors the night's deep blue,
Reflecting our love, ever pure and true.
A golden swan in the waters so deep,
Symbolizing a love, precious to keep.
In every sip, unity we find,
A love so rare, one of a kind.
Swans bond for life, love ever strong,
Their graceful dance, where we belong.
In their serene glide, our tale we see,
A symbol of love’s decree.
To the couples listening:
Hold your cup, let your heart wander,
To the love you share, growing fonder.
In every sip, love's reflection,
Swan cups of love, pure connection.
My brief to the composer was to create a melody as unique as our Swan Cups set on one saucer—an artwork in its own right, more than just cups to drink from. I wanted the composition to reflect that uniqueness, so I requested a Popera song, blending a male pop voice with a female opera voice, to capture the harmony and artistry symbolized by the swan cups and their shared saucer.
TRACK 9: OUR CULINARY LOVE AFFAIR
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artists: Anonymous
Food holds a special place in our Living Apart Together relationship. Fortunately, I have a lover who delights in experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. Food is not merely sustenance; it is a passionate love affair. We live to eat, not eat to live, much like savoring sex for its sheer joy rather than mere procreation. Our food rituals became a cornerstone of our relationship, with both of us cooking for each other and frequently cooking together. It wasn’t just the variety of ingredients or his elaborate kitchen tools that made this experience so special; it was our shared passion for food and the love that simmered between us for 20 years. How lucky am I to have a lover who understands that love is tasted, savoured, and shared with every meal we have together.
In the kitchen's heat, our passion shows,
A love affair with flavors, everyone knows.
Every plate a masterpiece of art,
With fire and scent, love plays its part.
A food affair, where love blends,
In candlelight, meals never end.
Table for two, romantic light,
Wine and dine, till late at night
Romantic setting, candles glow
Crystal Chandeliers, good wines flow
A touch of light, meals with flair,
Delicious bites, love in the air.
With every spice, heat, and ice,
Flavors blended, so precise.
Food affair, hearts aligned,
Every meal a love defined.
In the moment’s joy, fire, and light,
Love affair, tastes so right.
Delectable bites, plates we share,
In this food affair, love fills the air.
My brief to the composer was to create a fun, uplifting, feel-good, sensual jazz duet.
TRACK 10: CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artists: Anonymous
We got married on the beach after living apart together for 18 years. I rushed toward him, so eager to get married that I nearly broke the old tradition of not kissing him right then and there. From an Excel spreadsheet proposal to standing here, the journey felt surreal. We said our vows, married at last – the beginning of an even better life, together but still Living Apart.
Our vows in Afrikaans:
Aan my toekomstige man: Ek belowe om aan te hou om uitbundig saam met jou te leef soos die afgelope agtien jaar. Ek sal aanhou om op ‘n drafstap by jou te bly. Ek sien uit na die toekoms as jou vrou Karina Marais. En ek beloof om jou lief te hê tot al die kersiebloeisels val.
Van my man: Ek beloof om saam met jou ten volle te leef soos die afgelope agtien jaar. Ek beloof om vir jou te sorg op alle vlakke en altyd na jou te kyk. Ek sien uit na ons toekoms saam en om jou man te wees. Ek beloof om jou lief te hê tot al die kersiebloeisels val.
I promise to continue living with you
Just as I have for the past eighteen years
I'll keep up the brisk pace walking beside you
And looking forward to the future as your wife
I promise to love you till all the cherry blossoms fall
I promise to hold you till all the cherry blossoms fall
I promise I'll be with you; I'm going to love you
I'm going to hold you till all the cherry blossoms fall
I promise to continue living life with you
Just as I have for the past eighteen years
I will take good care of you on every level
I'm so looking forward to my future with you as your man
I promise to love you till all the cherry blossoms fall
I promise to hold you till all the cherry blossoms fall
I promise I'll be with you; I'm going to love you
I'm going to hold you till all the cherry blossoms fall
In the glow of dusk our love stands tall
Silent whispers under cherry blossoms fall
Eternal promise, softly spoken
Our hearts entwined, never broken
We promise to love until all the cherry blossoms fall
Our love stands strong as decades recall
Together forever. I promise I will be with you
I promise to love and hold you till all the cherry blossoms fall
Till all the cherry blossoms have fallen
My brief to the composer was to capture the ambiance of that special day on the beach in Paternoster in October 2022—the breaking waves, the seagulls, and the beautiful strains of the violin.
TRACK 10: CONTENT, COMPLETE IN EVERY WAY
Lyricist: Karina Marais
Artist: AI
I dared to love in a way that defied convention, Living Apart Together while daring to dream and live fully, not waiting for happiness to arrive but creating it along the way. Aristotle taught, “Happiness depends upon ourselves,” and I have found mine in every step, in every risk, and in every embrace of life.
I am content, I am complete in every way.
At peace, with my life, at sixty-five,
The dreams I chase keep my spirit alive.
Each step I take, each path I pave,
Gives me the strength to live the life I crave.
My one day is here, my moment is now,
Days unfold with joy as my guide.
At sixty-five, I am at peace with my life
Content, complete in every way.
For those I hold dear, I’ve shared my flame,
A spark of hope to chase their dreams.
May they carry it forward in all they do,
A lasting reflection of love ever true.
I dared to love in a way that defied convention
I dared to dream and live fully
Not waiting for joy to knock at my door,
But creating it daily and so much more.
Finding my soulmate, a love so rare,
One in a million, my dream man.
Magical moments beyond compare,
My true love, my fairy tale man.
My story’s been told, my heart’s at peace,
A life fulfilled, a life truly blessed.
In the end, I will go with a smile,
In those I’ve touched, my joy will sustain.
I am content, I am complete in every way.
To perfectly capture the fairytale ending of my memoir, I chose a Disney-style movie theme song.
And we live happily ever after, Living Apart Together.
THE END!!