He Swam” is a surreal, jazz-funk narrative written by Lori DeAnn in memory of her son, Ryan. While most of her songs during this time emerged as aching ballads of grief, this one surprised her—quirky, ironic, and strangely upbeat. Beneath its wah-wah guitars, cheeky horns, and deadpan delivery lies a deeper current: a tribute to Ryan’s strength, his struggle, and the way he kept swimming through life’s invisible currents.

The song follows a character navigating existential dread, expired coupons, and lukewarm lattes—all while refusing to walk, because swimming is his metaphor for survival. It’s poetic, offbeat, and full of heart. For fans of Cake, satire, and the kind of music that makes you laugh, ache, and think—all at once.

He Swam

Hey, I’m Lori DeAnn—a songwriter and vocalist from Fort Worth, Texas. I started writing songs during a time of big personal change, when I realized that the poetry I’d been writing for years was really just music waiting to happen. That’s when everything clicked, and I found my voice again—literally and creatively.

I don’t play an instrument, but I do sing, and I’ve always had a strong feel for how music works—how rhythm, layers, and emotion come together to tell a story. I’m inspired by all kinds of sounds: country, blues, 80s rock, pop—basically anything with a great beat and something real to say.

My songs are all about emotion—falling in love, falling apart, finding yourself again, and working through grief. Music has always helped me say the things I couldn’t quite put into words, and I hope my songs do that for someone else too. Whether it’s a stripped-down vocal or a track full of gospel harmonies and grit, I’m all about truth, healing, and connection.

New tracks tagged #SurrealSongwriting