July 15, 2024

Story Behind The Song: “Tie My Shoes”

Stories and Songs from our Music Therapy Retreats

Music Therapy Retreats, formerly Music Therapy of the Rockies, supports veterans and those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using evidence-based music therapy practices.

Our no-cost music therapy retreats help participants achieve mental wellness through music. We utilize goal setting, mindfulness, professional songwriting, and adapted guitar instruction as part of our best practices.

Our methods help individuals identify triggers, develop self-regulation techniques, and reframe their lived experiences.

During the Retreat, each veteran is given a Breedlove Guitar to enhance their physiological and psychological skills through music.

About Richard Cruz and “Tie My Shoes”

As told by Ricky’s best friend, Thomas Kidd

Ricky lived life to the fullest, and he liked to help everybody else do the same. He was the most generous person I’ve ever met, willing to give you the shirt off his back or spend his last dollar on someone else. He wasn’t afraid to say, “I love you,” and really meant it.

We got connected through veterans’ groups, and we became like brothers. We lived together, would call each other daily, and always knew the other one would pick up the phone. We helped each other through a lot of things. I was there for Ricky when his mom passed, he was there for me through a bad relationship. We pulled each other out of dark times, sometimes through conversation, sometimes through writing songs together.

Ricky’s biggest struggle was that he was so busy taking care of others that he didn’t take care of himself. I think that was his way of dealing with his demons, by helping others.

One day, he was struggling with his combat injuries and we were in a hurry, so I bent down to tie his shoes for him. I didn’t think anything of it, but apparently, it stuck with him. It motivated him to start taking care of himself more. He lost a lot of weight, got his peer counseling certification through the VA, and started reaching out to other veterans.

When he went to the retreat, he was insistent that I come to the concert on the final night. He didn’t tell me about the song. I heard it live for the first time, and he got me good.

Unfortunately, Ricky’s pain caught up with him, and he passed away from a heart attack. I think it was all just too much for his heart.

Ricky talked about how energy can neither be created nor destroyed. I feel his energy here. I think he’s still showing up for us, just like he always has.

Listen to a preview of Richard Cruz song with Mark Elliott here:

Support Mental Wellness for Veterans

Music Therapy Retreats has served more than 100 veterans and people suffering from PTSD at retreats in Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, and beyond.

With just a $100 donation, you can receive this song — along with two full albums that give you an inside look at our retreats. The stories and songs compiled here highlight their experiences.

Listen to memories unfold, as the retreat attendee’s experiences are explored and captured in song.