'The Hug' captures a journey through time: growing older, realising the natural shift, from childhood, into adolescence and parenthood. The song celebrates the mother/daughter - or child/parent relationship - through various changes from childhood through to independence. There are challenges, acceptance, strength, encouragement, loss, love and comfort.

The core of the song is the gentle refrain, which reminds us that no matter what we're faced with, there are always open arms waiting: "a hug, from me to you". We all need these reminders sometimes: that our loved ones - be it family, friends, or the communities of people in our lives - remain a constant, a soft place to land.

Hugs and human connection are so important. Especially in our society today, where we've all so recently lived through a time of enforced separation and isolation, where hugging itself was discouraged or even forbidden! Hugs are and can be a lifeline.

Yes - I am hugging! - Love Michele x

Listen up.