Stand By Me

This video, a cover of Stand by Me by Ben E. King brings both tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.

Musicians, literally from all over the world came together to produce this memorable tune and videos.  The organization, Playing for Change, is a “group of artists and inspired people who have come together to connect the world through music.”

Waiting

Waiting on the World to Change.

If you haven’t heard this John Mayer tune, you need to.  The video, from youtube is below.

I gave the CD from which the song originated, Continuum, to my daughter, Sarah, last Christmas.  I hadn’t heard it, but after listening to it with her, it was “ripped” to my iTunes directory for my listening pleasure.

Listening to the first song, Waiting for the World to Change, reminds me of words I would have used 40 years ago.  Those same words also bring tears to my eyes, as I see the dreams of my children.  I can’t help but see my daughter, Sarah, and feel hopeful, when I hear this verse of the song.

One day our generation
Is gonna rule the population
So we keep on waiting (waiting)
Waiting on the world to change

It’s A New World

Back in July 2008, about 100 of us singers in the community joined together to create the video below.  The song, It’s a New World, was written by two guys incarcerated in Warren Correctional Institute near Lebanon, Ohio.

The video, which is a little over 9 minutes in length, features a diverse group of Cincinnati singers; children and adults, from various ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs.  We came together to make beautiful music to help bring needed change in this country.  The video contains words from Barack Obama, but regardless of your political choices, enjoy the music.

Oh, by the way, you can find me in some of the footage from 2:10 to 3:12.  That’s me, wearing a black t-shirt with Voices of Freedom (my choir) singing away and clapping my hands.

It’s a new world!

Sunrise Sunset

After writing yesterdays’ post, Time, I am reminded of the song, Sunrise Sunset from the musical Fiddler on the Roof.

(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

(Golde)
I don’t remember growing older
When did they?

(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he get to be so tall?

(Golde)
Wasn’t it yesterday
When they were small?

(Men)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

(Women)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears