Five Songs That Changed My Life: Lava

Finding My Way Back to Music Through Simplicity and Aloha

The Pixar short Lava, with music written by James Ford Murphy, tells the story of two volcanoes patiently waiting for love, separated by time and distance. On the surface, it’s a sweet and simple tale—but beneath that simplicity is something deeply moving. Inspired by the Hawaiian Islands, the song carries a sense of place, warmth, and quiet hope that has always resonated with me. It’s a story about longing, perseverance, and the belief that connection will come when the time is right.

Lava was the very first song I wanted to learn to play on the ukulele. Its cute, gentle melody and four-chord progression made it feel accessible at a time when I needed music to feel welcoming rather than intimidating. I practiced it over and over and over, letting the repetition build both muscle memory and confidence. Because of its simplicity, the song became a safe place—something I could return to whenever I felt unsure of what to play.

There’s also something deeply comforting about how Lava embodies the spirit of Hawaiʻi. The song feels unhurried and grounded, reminding me that music doesn’t need to be complex to be meaningful. It allowed me to reconnect with music in a way that felt joyful and low-pressure—more about feeling than perfection. In many ways, it gave me permission to start over.

Now, Lava is my go-to warm up song when I don’t know what to play, a familiar friend that always brings me back to center. I especially love performing it with my son, who gets to “erupt the volcano,” adding playfulness and connection to the performance. What began as a beginner’s song has grown into something much more: a reminder of where I started, how far I’ve come, and how music continues to bring joy, family, and storytelling together.

Looking back, Lava wasn’t just the first song I learned—it was a doorway. It opened me back up to music, performance, and shared moments, setting the foundation for everything that followed.