SongTalk: Haunting of My Heart
The Loneliness of Loss
In this third exploration of lyrics written by Tim Tedder, we consider the painful memories of lost love by imagining the experience of a woman, alone in her house, after her husband has left their marriage. It is the third episode in our series focused on abandonment after an affair. (See Runaway Husbands Part 1 and Part 2 episodes for more on this topic.)
All lyrics to the songs in the “SongTalk” series are written by Tim, who uses online tools to craft the music around them.
In this episode of The Recovery Room, I’m joined by Betsy Prentice to explore The Haunting of My Heart—a song I wrote from the perspective of a woman left behind after her husband walked away from their marriage. Together, we unpack the lyrics and emotion behind the piece: the lingering presence of lost love, the ache of betrayal, and the quiet courage it takes to hope again.
From empty chairs to phantom touches, the song captures what it means to grieve something that still echoes in every corner of the home. Betsy and I talk about the writing process, the inspiration behind the verses, and how music can give voice to the brokenhearted.
If you've ever lived with the ghost of what once was, or longed for the day the haunting ends, this one’s for you.
Episode Notes
00:00 Introduction
03:05 Tim and Betsy talk about the song’s message of abandonment, loneliness, and hope
27:20 The complete song: Haunting of My Heart
Links & Extras
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Betsy Prentice
After over a decade in public health, Betsy earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her background gives her a unique lens to view mental health and relationship issues within broader family, community, and policy systems.
Betsy has worked with couples facing infidelity, distress, and other relationship challenges, as well as families, teens, and adults navigating difficult seasons. She brings both professional and personal experience to each session, creating a welcoming space for healing.
Lyrics: Haunting of My Heart
© 2025 Tim Tedder
A shadow in the moonlight, a spirit in the dawn
The ghost of love still lingers, but all of you is gone
Your footsteps echo softly when I walk up the stairs
I feel the warm beside me when you're not really there
Your touch is just a phantom passing through my skin
Memories of embraces I will never feel again
I call to the quiet, I whisper your name
But silence won't answer, it's always the same
Chorus:
You’re the phantom of my soul, haunting of my heart,
A spirit of the promises that have been torn apart
You were once the angel, embraced me in your wings
Here's how the breakers fall
Here's how the broken sing
Alone at the table, remembering the day
You sat down beside me, asked if I would stay
But now your chair is empty, no questions anymore
I'll put away my dishes
I'll lock up all the doors
(Chorus)
One day the laughter filled up this room
One day the silence seeped through the gloom
One day the love will light up again
The hurt will be over, the haunting will end
(Chorus)
Someday the love will light up again
This hurt will be over, this haunting will end
This haunting will end
