"Missing Pieces" Mark Leland (A song written for Autism Awareness)

"Missing Pieces" (Lyrics)
Mark Leland/Tim Calhoun
Mallory Records/Nashville 2005
Verse 1:
It was a mid December evening,
in a room of heavy breathing,
When I looked into my little baby's eyes,
And like the ships that sail the ocean,
he had captured my emotions,
and wrapped them up just like a gift
at Christmas time,
I thanked the Lord above that he was mine
I prayed to God that everything was fine,
Verse 2:
After months we saw him changing,
Nathaniel's speech was rearranging,
So we took him back to see what they could find,
And after ironing out the creases,
They came up with missing pieces,
And they told us that Autism's on the rise,
I looked into my little baby's eyes,
I promised him to find the reasons why,
Chorus 1:
Now I lay him down to sleep
I pray the Lord my son could speak,
And make him strong, where he is weak,
This I ask of YOU...
And just like him, there's many more,
That need out help to win this war,
Cause who knows what might lay in store,
To help them make it through.
Bridge:
The doctor says, there's so much more to do,
to put the pieces back together,
but it's up to me and you
Chourus 2:
So now we lay them down to sleep
And pray the Lord they all could speak,
Make them strong, where they are weak,
This we ask of You..
Cause now we know there's so many more
That need out help to win this war,
And who knows what might lay in store,
To help them make it through.
Yes, who knows what might lay in store,
The missing piece is me and you...
I love you daddy (spoken by Nathaniel Calhoun)
This music video is about autism awareness. Shot on location in Winnsboro, Louisiana and Salt Lake City, Utah. The storyline takes you through many stages of the child's life and also the struggles the parents can sometimes face. This song is not about the children having missing pieces in their lives, but rather society for not trying to better accept and understand what autism really is. These children are very beautiful and unique in their own person. The numbers are still climbing higher in diagnosis, so please get involved in whatever way you can to help spread the word for autism awareness. Thank you!

[@lynnereed8914]

I have autism and I am proud of it.

[@charliebaker966]

I'm autistic I'm 15 and need to learn how to speak I have learnt to type thanks to my single mum who is ill she has never given up and I can't help my brother has gone but I am trying to talk just for her and my brother thankyou for never giving up now someone help I need to learn everything

[@markleland]

Hello Everyone... This is Mark Leland and I wanted to stop and thank you all for the comments that you took the time to leave. I want to also clear up the fact to those that listen to the song that the "Missing Piece" isn't the child with autism, it's me and you. I would never write a song to belittle anyone and only wanted to help make autism more aware to the public through music. I will always support the cause and have been blessed to meet so many beautiful people. God bless and keep you.

[@wildcosmiacollective]

This is so far my favorite Autism song. My son has Autism, he was also born in december, has speech delay, and so many missing pieces yet to put together.... excellent song... thank you

[@BabyBunch]

the sad thing is this was 2007 and its now 2016 and its 1 in 62 children and 1 in 59 boys. my son included. God bless the warrior families to take care of these miracle beautiful kiddos. thank you for this song

[@markleland]

I appreciate all of your comments. I would really enjoy coming to Australia in the near future and helping you guys raise more awareness for the cause of autism. Keep your head up and never give up. Thank you for your dedication...

[@zachmighty2754]

Growing up i was the weird kid, and was bullied throughout school. I struggled in school behavior wise, and no one really knew why. I was kicked out of school and had to go to an inbetween school (inbetween Juvi and Public school) It was only until 4th grade i was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I was going to school half days rest at home. I worked my way up to all day which was in Freshman year of high school. Undoubtably the worst year ever. I was bullied even more because of how i acted, the fact that i played soccer was what they said,"gay." I got in two fights and since then i have attempted to commit suicide atleast 5 times. Now i'm on a road to recovery, its been a long time coming. I am going to college to study Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. I will use this to do ASD research as well as help kids with ASDs, especially early on so its not so hard on them.

[@armandorodriguez1844]

I've heard many autism songs but missing pieces is the one I like. My son is now 27 years old and autistic.

[@quadgon]

Words truly fail me. Thank you for this heartbreaking video Mark. I cried through almost the entire video. I have an 7 year old daughter with autism and the song really struck my heart and described so much what we have been going through. Thank you so very much for spreading awareness about this almost mysterious syndrome called autism. God bless you! Kjell Gudim Norway

[@roadkill420]

i;m 52 with autism, you'll make it through. going to be tough but keep up the good fight.

[@dgskings07]

this song is really good and really emotional i am currently being tested for autism and i love the idea that there is so many people that care about kids like me (if i do have autism)

[@carolinebesnard1235]

I have autism thank you to do this for autism people like me 😊

[@mcgkcc]

Mom to a 13 yo young man living with Asperger's. Beautiful song !!

[@mcgkcc]

As I watched my adult sized 13 yo son nap today in the car on the 3 hr drive home from his 2ND psych hospital admission.....I see that little baby boy in this beautiful video. Even our high functioning autism kids and teens struggle and they are so often misunderstood. And families like ours struggle to secure them the therapies they need due to finances. We are close to filing bankruptcy..and all we are trying todo is help our precious son.

[@autismom6]

What you are doing for families with children struggling with the daily challenges of autism, like our family, is awesome. Thank you again for all you are doing, you are truly a blessing from God.

[@trainsfacepaint4876]

This is a beautiful song. G-D bless all with autism.❤️💛💚💙💖💜

[@RockinFilmGirl]

I have autism and I love it! I am so proud of my autism! It is the best gift from God! No one in my family hurt! When I was diagnosed, my mother felt relief! I refuse treatment or therapy. Instead, I advocate that the neurotypicals learn about us and understand us instead of trying to "fix" us! We are awesome! We are the future! Stop trying to destroy our autism! #AUTISMPRIDE

[@tmventresca]

In my opinion, these kids are great. my son has autism and is vocal because he worked HARD to accomplish that with my help. There are some kids that need therapies that are not paid for. Others like my son, need understanding. my true war is to help make people understand. Marc I loved the song. I am glad to see someone trying to make a change.

[@indomitablefae]

Mark: This is such a beautiful song. It brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of my own son who lives with PDD-NOS. It is so heartfelt. Thank you.

[@mliscom]

My nephew has autism. My sister (his Mom) told me about this song and warned me that I would cry. She was right! Thank you for the beautiful story you have told with this song.

[@lindawooster5453]

Omg i haven't gotten done with the song but thank you so much mark I've have autism its sucks I'm srry for how much I did here its took me a long time to start talking I didn't tell ten but my ty so much bless ur heart

[@AutismBaristaMa]

This is such a beautiful song and it makes me tear up each and every time I hear it. What a poignant song that keeps the message of autism and it's awareness in the hearts of everyone who hears it. Being the mom of an almost 9yo boy who has autism, it's amazing to look back and see where we came from and finally be at a point where we can look forward and see where we are heading. My son has a bright future thanks to wonderful people like you who are raising the awareness of autism. thank you!!

[@crystaljudy8765]

I just heard this for the first time. my son turned 3 in August and he was diagnosed with Autism back in January of this year. It has had it's rollercoaster moments. But, I will continue to give everything that I am to make sure he succeeds including school and tons of therapy. He has come so far in the past few months.. I couldn't be happier. Thank you for this song. It brought tears to my eyes :)

[@bookwormwonder]

I am glad kids got places and things they can be done to help em. I was born in 86 and my parents had to figure out how to get me to talk, learn what kids my age know in school, how to balance, and raise my older brother and sister. Doctors didn't listen to them that I needed help until I was 9 and it took a year for them to know I had autism and bipolar for years.

[@kimleathers3213]

I have a little one who is soon to be 5 and he is highly functional autistic.I thank God every day for angel

[@rickylesende]

I have my little missing pieces running around right now. He hugs me and kisses me when he hears this song. I can't stop crying!!! May God bless you for this song!

[@smallvillenews]

My son is 12 and only recently diagnosed with H.F.A. at 11. He was misdiagnosed at age 5 with A.D.H.D. and its been a constant battle since to get a diagnosis, as we knew there was more to Joe's difficulties. Finally we met a wonderful specialist named Jenny, who diagnosed our Joe with Autism. I actually cried with relief! Now after years of battle, we can start getting the help we have needed for so long for our son. It has changed our lives! There needs to be more awareness of this condition.

[@nataschapacitto]

i am a mom who has a son with autism and this song brought me to tears

[@carinagillon]

I love the song. My little guy is five and non verbal yet. I cant give up on him talking one day. I guess I never will. God Bless your family for I know what a day in the life is like.

[@ilsebommels]

My son Nino is 16 now....still my little Boy. Thanxs Mark 4 this song. #Cry Europa-Amsterdam

[@locotte]

god you make me cry and men are no suppost to cry . god bless you and you voice . i have the same thing . i have my own missing pieces at home . thnak you for the great song.

[@blissfulbonds]

Beautiful song, which clearly matches so many of our feelings. We fight for our children every single day and we can't give up. There are days I say to my husband, "I can never die". Who will take care of our son? Thank you, Mark and Tim, for creating such a heartfelt song that speaks to all of us.

[@jaydenrareproto]

I have a seven yr old with aspergers syndrome, and I appreciate the sentiment in this song..and all your doing for the autism community

[@mommyfrost]

this video will stay imprinted in my mind forever, i am a single mother of a son with autism and he is my everthing, its nice to knwo their are ppl oout there doing their part in awareness, very touching video....thank you soooo much

[@waldingerz]

I cried....good luck to you and God bless!

[@rebeccacolvin8538]

Wow! This song just hit everything I have been feeling. Our 2.5 yr old was just diagnosed with autism. I pray everyday he just starts talking to me someday. Sometimes he will stare into my eyes like mom... I'm right here. What a beautiful song. Thank you

[@jyvonnep]

God bless you fro making this video. Our son is 8 yrs old, he's high functioning and because he is HF, poeple either froget he's autistic or expect more from him. Your very touching video and song, made me cry like a baby. Thank you fro making people aware.

[@MsMary54321]

i have a five year old austic daughter what a beautiful song...

[@lochnessysplace]

What a beautiful song... well done. My son Ben has Autism/PDD/ADHD and he is still yet to say much. I know just what this song is about... Thank-you Mark

[@autismskye]

I'm autistic and I love this song

[@sheriffkitcarson]

A perfect song showing the hope to autistic population. I really love it. This song is the perfect anthem of all autism organizatons. Like "We Are The World" by USA for Africa. This song is perfect for any autistic chidren support. With horsepower breaking barriers, beating obstacles and trancending limits. Kit Carson from Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico

[@patriciastanhouse4158]

i have autism im 24 soon 25 and i know it gets hard but im blessed because i know i was made special and i fight to communicate with others and sometimes it gets frustrating and some of the things others can remeber to do i struggle to but i keep trying and i know im blessed that and im glad im able to speak and help other kids but it does effect me mentaly and i thank god every day i can learn and grow to try to socialize though it isnt easy and sometimes i cant some days but im truely blessed by god to know he made me special

[@susiesev73]

I have shared it too, and with the Asperger's pages and Autism pages too!

[@artofages539]

This is such an amazing song. I am still crying, remembering the lyrics. I myself, having autism, I have to deal with mental pain so strong it actually, physically hurts me on the inside. I just wish it would go away... Thank you, Mark, for making this beautiful song.

[@destinykulp1383]

I have a 3 year old who has severe autism she is non verbal and alot of times hates herself and the world cause she can't communicate it hurts me everyday

[@pinkkrissy66]

1 of those 88 is mine, 3.5 year old James! I just bought your single on Itunes and enjoy listening to your singing, brings tears to my eyes...thank you for all you do, and my son with autism is a true gift that I treasure and don't take his dx as a bad thing but a journey I will travel with great pride and find comfort in my path with music like this:)

[@yanettesainz1868]

How can some one not like this song maybe they must not have or know some one i have a 7 yr old and before he did not talk but now he talks all in time have faith and love and you see all in time

[@stargatesg1girl1]

Thank you so much Mark we self diagnosed our son Gabriel and then the doctors confirmed when he was four he is now six this song means so much to us God Bless you and your family with love The Brotzman Family

[@pvillines]

What a great song, my 4 year old son is living with Autism.

[@NKKPPAS]

Keep your head up, stay strong! You did nothing wrong, and you are blessed to have such a wonderful gift. My son is almost 6yrs. with autism, everyday I thank the Lord for him, there's an innocence about him, dispite the challenges, that is incomprensible. In fact my username, comes from him, this is the way he insists his name is spelled, he has actually been an inspiration to myself. I know the first while after diagnosis is difficult, Stay strong, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

[@bukslayert]

What a great song! I want to hear it on the radio!!! Well done.

[@bashful670]

I love this...great work

[@FolkShowREDLIN]

Dzięki za piosenkę. Pozdrowienia z Polski !!!

[@memt2remmy]

Love this song and my son with autism listen to it all the time. Makes me cry!!

[@jessiewright6062]

What a great song.

[@cherylkeaton6806]

This song touches my heart. As a mother of a special little girl who lives with Autism every day of her life. It can be a struggle but more often than not it brings a smile to my face . Just to look in to those butiful big blue eyes looking back at me warms my heart. God chose me to lead her threw this world I wouldn't have my life any other way.

[@Catkidd67]

I am a Dad with a 18 yr old Autistic son non verbal, was a single dad for 9 1/2 yrs raising him and his 4 other brothers and sisters, a wonderfull lady came into our lives and married her 2 yrs ago, and she has been a angle to mine/our Autistic son and my other children. This song was greatly written and sung. Thank you

[@SpanishWrangler]

U made me cry man. My son is Gabriel. He is 3.5 yrs old and non-verbal. I pray to God everyday that He can speak. I am still morning the fact....It's a cruel world out there...Thank You.

[@a4x4romanceangel]

Thank you Mark!! We need to shine the light on the children & adults that deal with Autism & many other development delays! My sweet girl is 26 she turned 26 yesterday on Easter 2009! She is our ray of sunshine! Love and Hugs to all!! I can so relate to what is "normal"! I always say quote normal! No one is normal!

[@juliet222]

WOW I cry everytime! Thanks for such a great song!

[@Sam785100]

I am autistic . And I am only 19 years old. but have that have autism. That are yonger than me. and you tell a story for all people with austim.And it was Beautiful

[@barnabasjosettefan]

Your song is the best I have ever heard to support autistic children and their parents :)

[@SIG442]

I have Asperger Syndrome and a slight form of ADHD myself (27 years old now), I got the results out just before x-mas 2009. So I know what it is to have autism. My whole childhood got basically destroyed thanks to not knowing about it, however I do have big advantages now being much smarter then the average person (IQ of 145 minimum, most likely higher) My deepest respect for the author of this song, it really is a beautiful song and hit me deep inside.

[@Purpl3yHeart]

Thank you for this video I have been fighting for years now to get services for my grandson who is autistic. He was diagnosed at the age of 3 when he came to live with me and he is 8 now and still can't get the services he needs. It's a everyday battle for him and me trying to get the things he needs like a tracker as he's a flight risk. Still fighting for that for him. It breaks my heart.

[@bethtidwell79]

This blessed me so very very much!! My daughter has Asperger's

[@mommybecky35]

thank you for this song..very touching my son is 6 and he has Autism/Aspergers....its been a tough road!!!!

[@Senrysa]

I have no words but thank you for capturing the emotions perfectly.

[@AJSPINK1]

God bless you! Thankyou for such a perfect song!

[@PEECHESLV]

Thank you! My son has pdd/nos Autism. God bless you all dealing with Autism. xoxoxo

[@muscadinejelly]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a 23 year old son with autism, who is developmentally 3 years old. There is so much more available now for these children than when my son was diagnosed at 4 years old. Back then, it was 1 in 10,000 -- now it is 1 in 150! Keep pushing for research and answers. I applaud the warrior parents out there. Lastly, love these these special children. They are truly gifts from God. Pray for their future, pray for their caregivers, pray for a cure.

[@alangaffey2113]

Love dis song my little man has autism he is 6 life can b hard but I wouldn't change him, he is my unique x

[@maggiejaskolski7122]

I just found this song and I want to say thank you. After a day like today with our son , this song really helped , thank you and God bless.

[@Howboutthatshnitzel]

Aw! I love you Mr. Mark! Can't wait for you to come back to town! This song is great, Sam told me to come watch it on here. I know he's proud of his dad! It's such a touching song.

[@johnsonfamily2700]

Thank you Mark and Tim for this song! I had a brother who had autism. He passes away on October 12, 2009. This song always makes me cry bc Chris was non-verbal. For the past 6 yrs, we have had a "Walk for Hope" in Lafayette, LA and they always play this song. It has become the anthem for all those affected by Autism. Would love if we could get you out here one year to perform it. Thank you again for a wonderful song!!!

[@S4ndy71]

really lovely song,thanks!

[@kddboston]

Thank you. Thank you. xoxox

[@TheDeviantMom]

This song brought tears to my eyes. My daughter was diagnosed with mild autism this past spring.

[@princessjerseygirl04]

I was lucky enough to be blesses with the one in that 150! Some days are hard but I wouldn't trade my day day for anything!

[@whovianwolf]

i have ADHD and autism and it really does affect me mentally but i always push through as i have just started my GCSE's now and doing well

[@ediann]

wow what a powerful and emotional song! it really hits home! thank you for such a beautiful tribute song! it brings tears to my eyes whenever i hear it!

[@deadstormelf]

this is beautiful. thats all i can say its beautiful. my little girl was just diagnosed with aspergers syndrome.

[@cindymerten2473]

Thnk u! Anyone who would misinterpret this is not here for the right reasons. This song gets me through every April...Autism awareness month. I faithfully post it on my facebook page as a tribute to my son. It is SO true to the emotions of a parent of a child with autism. I cry every time I watch am regenerated with the the energy to go forth with the fight to help him make progress in the everyday tasks most people take for granted. Thank you Mark Leland to taking a stand for Autism!

[@phuongKTS1976]

wooh... i am crying... thank you for such a beautiful song ! God bless children with autism & their family !

[@pigdogang]

Very Nice!

[@songsnsuch]

Awesome song and video Mark - and a great message! My daughter (who has Autism) and I also spread awareness and education through music.. best wishes to you with your music and awareness efforts!

[@Carkar69]

Beautiful! I cried all the way through. Very touching. Made me think of my daughter that is autistic. Awesome job Mark!

[@TjarvanDortmont]

very very nice and touchy!

[@juliet222]

WOW makes me cry each time.Thanks for making such a great song. God bless you and bless all the other families touched by autism. As for me PROUD mother of a fantastic 7year old daughter with autism :)

[@colbysmum04]

shed tears while watching this... God bless you xo

[@YazzminRxx]

Lovely song

[@dakotabryson]

Mark this is just BEAUTIFUL... my lil Bryson is Autistic and we have struggles everyday.... thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for sharing this.... very heartwarming song and video.... hope you dont mind i shared it on my fb page

[@jperry5135]

Great song I have two adult boys with autism!!!

[@mummyhanna19]

my daughters 3years old and after a long fight we have a finially diagnosis of autism. Thankyou for your song touches me deeply. it it lovely to hear

[@Carkar69]

Beautiful song, very touching, I cried the whole song through. Made me think of my 6 year old daughter who is autistic. Awesome job Mark!

[@autismecostablanca3730]

Que Dios le bendiga! This song and your speach first are beautiful... we need you... My son is 13 and autism is keeping him in a secret part...

[@jackiemiddleton9001]

This is very beautiful. I have a son with autism. This song made me cry. Thank u it was beautiful.

[@FolkShowREDLIN]

Good job! Greetings from Poland !!!

[@MrNelson2011]

Mark, thanks for spreading the good word about autism."Missing Pieces" is one beautiful song and you sure sing it well! I have a son with autism and was also inspired to write a song.

[@MrNelson2011]

Wonderful song, thanks Mark for helping to raise funds for Autism.

[@kellyneclef82310]

This song made me cry

[@StarbucksCoffeeFreak]

Thank you for this video; I have a 4 1/2 year old daughter with autism; she is a very happy, sweet girl; I just wish she could talk to us.