The year was 1985.

A young secretary, Julie Gold, was working as a secretary at HBO, an American pay television network in New York.

Her ambitions – become a songwriter. In her spare time she wrote, From A Distance, and gave it to a singer, friend and music promoter, Christine Lavin, who gave it to singer, Nanci Griffith.

Griffith recorded it, but it went nowhere.

But, it went everywhere, right to the top of the charts internationally, when Bette Midler, took a swing at it in 1990.

The difference between the two versions is noticeable. Midler connects with the song, it’s about love, hope, inspiration, in a deep meaningful way.

People get it, connect with it and love it.