How Episode 11 Productions Accidentally Created the Guardians of the Children Theme Song for Mooresville-Unofficially
When Episode 11 Productions committed to providing full video production support to the Guardians of the Children – Mooresville Chapter, we knew we were stepping into something powerful. This wasn’t just about covering events or capturing highlight reels. It was about telling the stories no one else sees—the early morning court appearances, the quiet moments of mentorship, the emotional weight behind each ride.
But what we didn’t anticipate was that somewhere between the camera setups, edit sessions, and tear-jerking interviews, we’d write a song. Not for attention. Not as a marketing gimmick. Just… because it happened.
Now, that song—the one that started as a spontaneous late-night jam in the editing suite—has become something deeper. A musical heartbeat of this chapter’s mission. A non-official, but emotionally charged anthem that’s now woven into every highlight video, rally recap, and testimonial we produce for GOC Mooresville. You can listen here:
It Started With a Chord… and a Cause
The idea came about the way most creative things do at Episode 11: completely unplanned. Randy Davis, our co-founder and longtime director (and an Air Force vet with a soft spot for outcasts and an occasional harmonica), picked up a guitar during a long night of editing Guardian ride footage.
“I remember saying, ‘Man, these folks ride like thunder, but show up like angels,’” said Davis. “Then I played a few chords that sounded like both.”
From there, lyrics began to form—lines that felt more like testimonies than verses.
“They ride so a child can sleep.”
“They stand when the room goes quiet.”
“They show up when no one else will.”
Beth Davis, Episode 11’s co-owner and post-production lead, added her usual blend of editing precision and creative soul, helping shape the structure, tone, and feel. What started as background music for a B-roll sequence evolved into something far more emotional.
“There’s something about matching powerful visuals with sound that brings out truth you didn’t even realize was there,” said Beth. “This wasn’t just music. It became part of their story.”
Music: The Missing Ingredient in Mission-Driven Messaging
What’s fascinating is how organically this happened—and yet, how much it aligns with what modern research tells us: music and storytelling combined are one of the most powerful tools in nonprofit advocacy.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Nonprofit and Public Sector Marketing found that music-based emotional framing in nonprofit video campaigns significantly increases viewer empathy, donation likelihood, and memory recall of the message (Lee, S., & Kim, H., 2023). In short: when people feel it, they remember it—and they act.
That’s exactly what Episode 11 observed with the song.
“We’d show early cuts of the video to volunteers or new recruits, and they’d say, ‘Wait—what’s that song?’” said Randy. “Some people teared up before the footage even ended. That’s when we knew it was more than just a melody. It was resonance.”
A Song with No Title—But a Big Impact
The track doesn’t have a formal name. No sheet music. No Spotify link. It was never created for commercial release. But it shows up like a loyal friend:
•In the background of ride footage
•During documentary-style interviews with Guardians
•As a subtle build under a survivor’s voice sharing their story
•And at every turn where emotion meets action
•Or even if you just want to blast it during your commute
While the Guardians of the Children Theme Song was never formally adopted it as an anthem, members have begun to refer to it affectionately as “their song.” And to Episode 11, that’s more than enough.
“We didn’t write a jingle. We wrote a mirror,” said Beth. “It just happens to be in 4/4 time.”
The Power of Showing Up Creatively
For Episode 11 Productions, supporting GOC Mooresville isn’t a line item on a community outreach plan—it’s a full creative investment in a cause that matters. From filming courtroom support moments and community events to editing recruitment videos and promotional campaigns, the company has committed a full year of video production support—free of charge.
The addition of a Guardians of the Children theme song wasn’t part of the plan. But as the saying goes: the best stories write themselves. And the best partnerships create art that no one saw coming.
So while this song may not win a Grammy (yet), it’s doing something more valuable: helping a child feel seen. Helping a volunteer feel called. And helping a community understand what Guardians do—not just through a camera lens, but through sound, feeling, and soul.
Below are the lyrics to the song:
““We Ride for the Silent” A Tribute to Guardians of the Children – Mooresville, NC Genre: Acoustic Rock / Americana / Inspirational
[Verse 1]
Down in Mooresville, where the engines hum, There’s a chapter of warriors who don’t come undone. Leather and steel, hearts made of gold, They carry the stories that never get told. They don’t wear suits, no polished shoes, But they show up strong when a child’s been bruised. Through the fear, through the pain, They’re the thunder rollin’ in the rain.
[Chorus]
They ride for the silent, the lost, the unheard, They speak for the broken with action, not words. Guardians of the Children, strong and bold, In a world gone cold, they never let go. They don’t back down, they don’t retreat, They stand in the gap ‘til the hurt feels peace. With leather vests and open hearts, They’re the light when the darkness starts.
[Verse 2]
You won’t see medals, you won’t hear fame, But every child they hold learns to trust again. A patch on their back, a name on their chest, They fight for the ones who deserve the best. Courtroom silence, trembling hands, These riders become a child’s stand. One by one, they rewrite fate — And love becomes what heals the hate.
[Chorus]
They ride for the silent, the lost, the unheard, They speak for the broken with action, not words. Guardians of the Children, brave and true, Doing what too many just don’t do. They don’t ask why, they just step in, They ride so a child can live again. With thunder in the pipes and fire in the soul, They bring hope where the shadows roll.
[Bridge] Sometimes angels wear tattoos, And ride with scars like battle truths. They show up when others won’t — And promise kids they’re not alone.
[Final Chorus]
They ride for the silent, for healing and grace, For the tear-streaked cheeks and the haunted face. Guardians of the Children — Mooresville’s pride, With every mile, they turn the tide. So when you hear that rumble on down the line, Know a hero’s near, and the kids are fine. Because love don’t whisper — it rolls deep — And rides wide-awake while the world’s asleep.”
About Episode 11 Productions
Founded in 2007, Episode 11 Productions is a full-service video production company with offices in Charlotte, Burlington, and Morganton, NC. The company specializes in corporate video, nonprofit storytelling, 3D animation, and aerial cinematography. With a psychologically driven and emotionally intelligent approach, Episode 11 helps organizations across the Southeast tell stories that inform, inspire, and transform.
About Guardians of the Children – Mooresville Chapter
Guardians of the Children is a national nonprofit made up of motorcycle riders who serve as advocates for children who have been abused or neglected. The Mooresville Chapter offers unwavering support, safety, and mentorship to children in crisis—often riding, standing, and showing up for them in ways that restore trust and hope. As of now, the Guardians of the Children Theme Song exist, even if it’s only for the Mooresville chapter and even if it’s only unofficially.
Media Contact
Director & Co-Founder, Episode 11 Productions
📞 (704) 451-5073
📧 info@episode11productions.com
🌐 www.episode11productions.com
Citation:
Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2023). The Sound of Giving: Emotional Framing and Music’s Role in Enhancing Nonprofit Video Engagement. Journal of Nonprofit and Public Sector Marketing, 35(1), 22-39. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2022.2048167
