Boots on the Ground, Skin on the Line A Winter 2021 Singing Playlist

Thank you for joining us! We are grateful to have your voice with many of us from around the world, learning these potent songs in service to our resilience, courage, and justice for all.

Thank you for respecting the artists and the integrity of this project by not sharing this document or the playlists with others. We will open the songs up widely for public release later in 2021.

You now have free access to the full playlist as well as a bonus playlist. Enjoy! A tech-support guide is at the end of this document.

A few days after each Zoom call, we’ll post video recordings for you to enjoy here. Meeting links for next Zoom sing can be found here too: https://thebirdsings.com/winter2021playlist-zoom. At the bottom of the page you’ll also find supplemental materials.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SOUNDCLOUD PLAYLIST: https://soundcloud.com/thebirdsings/sets/boots/s-xfoBTYpS9nb

CLICK HERE FOR THE BONUS PLAYLIST: https://soundcloud.com/thebirdsings/sets/boots-bonus/s-wwmnW8XA1Wh

CLICK HERE FOR THE MP3 FILES FOR BOTH PLAYLISTS (IN GOOGLE DRIVE): https://tinyurl.com/winter-playlist2021

Zoom Calls

While entirely optional, you will receive email invitations and are encouraged to join us at six Zoom calls. There you’ll have a chance to meet the songwriters, hear more about the background of the songs, imbue them with greater relevance and meaning, learn each and every harmony line, and meet others who are singing these songs alongside you. If it feels comfortable, the artists will love to have you join with your camera on – thank you!

The first three calls will give you a nice long drink of each song, with each songleader from the playlist sharing more about themselves, the song’s backstory and teaching us all the parts. The fourth call will offer a chance to meet and sing with our Bonus Playlist songleaders, and the fifth and sixth calls will offer a final celebratory chance to sing the songs we’ve learned with our playlist songleaders one more time.

Find the recordings from past Zooms PLUS the meeting links to join future Zoom sessions here: https://thebirdsings.com/winter2021playlist-zoom.

Sunday, January 31 – Noon-1:30pm Pacific/ 3-4:30pm Eastern/ 8-9:30pm London Featuring MaMuse, Arnaé Batson, Debbie Nargi-Brown, Mark Growden, Alexandra Blakely, (Ahlay) & Itai Gal

Wednesday, February 10 – Noon-1:30pm Pacific/ 3-4:30pm Eastern/ 8-9:30pm London Featuring Melanie DeMore, Maggie Wheeler, Lea Morris, & Pauline Pisano

Sunday, February 21 – Noon-1:30pm Pacific/ 3-4:30pm Eastern/ 8-9:30pm London Featuring Samara Jade, Ben Gould & Britta Gudmunson, Te Martin, & Marilyn Power Scott

Sunday, March 7 – Noon-1:30pm Pacific/ 3-4:30pm Eastern/ 8-9:30pm London Featuring all the artists from the Bonus Playlist

Final Zoom Celebration Singalongs: Tuesday, March 16 – 6:30-8pm Pacific/ 9:30-11pm Eastern/ 2:30-4am London & Sunday, March 21 – Noon-1:30pm Pacific/ 3-4:30pm Eastern/ 7-8:30pm London (Note this date is after the US daylight savings but before the UK’s) Eight songleaders will join us for each date for one more chance to bask in each song together.

2 Lyrics & Credits

The World is Turning Words and Music - Maggie Wheeler Instrumental Arrangement by Mick Kiely Produced by Maggie Wheeler & Mick Kiely

Lyrics The world is turning (x3)

Do you feel like your heart’s breaking? Do you feel like your soul’s shaken? Do you feel like the earth’s quaking under your feet?

Well it must be the world turning, Must be the systems burning, Must be the truth yearning to be set free.

Do you feel like your heart’s breaking? Do you feel like your soul’s shaken? Do you feel like the earth’s quaking under your feet?

Well it must be the Hope reaching, Must be the young ones teaching, Must be the people marching to fill the streets.

Do you feel like your heart’s breaking? Do you feel like your soul’s aching? Do you feel like the earth’s quaking under your feet?

Well it must be the mothers crying, Must be the children dying, Must be the fathers taken from their families.

The world is turning (We are the turners ) The system’s burning (We are the burners) The Truth is yearning to be set free! The hope is reaching (The hope is reaching) The young ones teaching (The young ones teaching ) The People Marching to fill the streets! (x2)

3

Do you feel like your heart’s breaking? Do you feel like your soul’s shaken? Do you feel like the earth’s quaking under your feet?

Well it must be the world turning, Must be the systems burning,

Must be the truth yearning to be set free Well it must be the hope reaching to let us be In a world of Peace, Justice and Equality!!!!!!

A Note From the Songleader: This song came as a response to the cries of outrage and mourning in the months after George Floyd’s death. We watched as the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement led the charge and the youth of our nation took to the streets to demand justice and change. in the face of undeniable racism and police violence many began to wake up to a deeper understanding of the work that needed to be done. The Truth is yearning to be set free.

Our People’s Gonna Rise Words and Music by Emma’s Revolution Performed by Emma’s Revolution with Reggie Harris © 2020 Pat Humphries/ Sandy Opatow, Moving Forward Music/ BMI https://emmasrevolution.com

Lyrics Our people gonna rise, our people gonna rise Listen to our cries Through the pain and lies Our people gonna rise

Our people gonna sing, our people gonna sing In spite of everything Hear our freedom ring Our people gonna sing 4 Our people gonna fight, our people gonna fight For what we know is right We’ll march into the night Our people gonna fight

Our people gonna grieve, our people gonna grieve Whatever you believe, We have the right to breathe Our people gonna grieve

Our people gonna pray, our people gonna pray Take our rights away See you on Election Day Our people gonna pray

Our people gonna rise, our people gonna rise Listen to our cries Through the pain and lies Our people gonna rise

A Note From the Songleader: When George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin, it was as if the country—and the world—finally took notice of the long-standing pandemic of racism, white supremacy and police violence against people of color. Generations have fought racial injustice but it took a global health pandemic to bring the attention that might finally result in deep change. That day—May 25, 2020—people began to pour into the streets from Minneapolis to Portland OR to Washington DC to demand accountability and an end to a police system that had its start in the slave patrols of the 1700s. Demonstrators wore masks and risked the virus because they knew the risk of letting one more person of color be killed by police without accountability was no longer something they could tolerate.

Sandy is one of the people in our pod who has underlying health risks to COVID, so while we did attend a few rallies, we weren’t demonstrating or singing in the streets like we had done in prior years. But our work as activist musicians is to support justice movements through song, whether those movements are in the streets or online. Pat got the idea for “Our People Gonna Rise” when we were asked to sing at a Unitarian Universalist service in support of the Poor People’s Campaign. We invited our friend, songwriter and activist Reggie Harris, to lend his beautiful, foundational voice and heart to the song and video. “Our People Gonna Rise” has since been played in numerous progressive online gatherings and, now, with the inauguration of the Biden-Harris Administration, the work will continue. 5 We commit to working beside our BIPOC friends and loved ones to create the beloved community that MLK dreamed of. In this song, “our people” refers to all who are willing to put their skin on the line and their boots on the ground because when our people are treated unjustly, everyone is affected. We hope this song will keep you energized, inspired and activated to do your part to answer what activists of color have been calling for for generations and what President Joe Biden called in his Inaugural address, "A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making.”

The Spark Composed and Performed by Micah Hendler, Danielle Williams, Malinda Reese, and Miranda Bogen

Lyrics A spark - to fan into a flame Tend the flame Gather and be warmed by our light Breathe and become

A Note From the Songleader:: The four of us were sitting (distanced) around a campfire, and decided to write this song inspired by the fire itself, and our relationship to it and to one another. We feel that if we are to continue to do connective social change work in the world in the face of an onslaught of challenges, we must breathe, tending to the sparks of inspiration within each one of us to keep the fire lit.

When the Battle is Won Words & Music by Arnaé Batson ©2020

Lyrics It’s not over – IT’S NOT OVER The job is not done – THE JOB IS NOT DONE It’s not over – IT’S NOT OVER The battle’s not won – THE BATTLE’S NOT WON

Everybody stay calm – STAY CALM Stay strong – STAY STRONG Stay woke – STAY WOKE Stay close – STAY CLOSE 6 Let’s stay TOGETHER As one AS ONE Let’s stay TOGETHER In song IN SONG Let’s stay TOGETHER ‘TIL WE SEE A NEW DAWN

That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON

Stay calm – STAY CALM Stay cool – STAY COOL Stay calm – STAY CALM Stay cool – STAY COOL

Stay strong – STAY STRONG Hold on – HOLD ON Stay strong – STAY STRONG Hold on – HOLD ON

Stay steady – STAY STEADY Stay ready – STAY READY Stay steady – STAY STEADY Stay ready – STAY READY Stay woke – STAY WOKE Stay close – STAY CLOSE Stay woke – STAY WOKE Stay close – STAY CLOSE

Let’s stay TOGETHER As one AS ONE Let’s stay TOGETHER In song IN SONG Let’s stay TOGETHER ‘TIL WE SEE A NEW DAWN

That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is won – THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON 7 That’s when the battle is... THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WON That’s when the battle is... THAT’S WHEN THE BATTLE IS WO-ON-ON-ON The battle is won WON-NNNNNNN

A Note From the Songleader: When The Battle Is Won began taking shape on the evening of Tuesday, November 3rd and was finished by the early morning of Wednesday, November 4th. Not having a television did not spare my senses of the global frenzy that was Election Day 2020. I needed a creative way to occupy my time and my mind. Turning to song was the healthiest and made the most sense. The voting outcome was unimportant to me. I wanted to keep folks aware - through song - that election results are not the end of the line; rather, they are the starting point for advancing coalition political power. The 2022 mid-terms are right around the corner; there is much to be done.

The song reminds us to stay calm, especially when our nerves are constantly being tested with the uncertainty of what’s ahead (rock steady, baby!); to stay strong and resolute with the truth that informed voting DOES make a difference (hey Georgia!); to stay woke and engaged with continued organizing and mobilizing for social justice and true democracy (‘vote-sleep-rinse-repeat’ is cancelled!) and, finally, to stay close through singing together and deepening our connections and collective objectives (neither blatant voter suppression, nor treacherous identity politics or ‘RONA will stop us!).

The song’s format is call-and-response unison with harmony sprinkled in. Additional elements are simple head-to-shoulder choreography with hand claps and finger snaps. Skin is very necessary; boots are optional.

I do believe we will see a new dawn when this nation - of many folks with different backgrounds and cultures – finally commits to creating and enforcing human rights laws that are people-centered. The battle will be won when we are able to truthfully sing about liberty and justice guaranteed for all. Raising our voices will make that possible. We have everything we need. Right now. Let’s go! � p.s. WTBIW contains double musical Easter eggs - there are hints of two 70s hits that I was directly inspired by. Brownie points if you can hear what I hear!

8 Circle Round Written and performed by Sarah Nutting and Karisha Longaker "MaMuse" on January 13th, 2021. It was recorded at SoundWell Studio by Dave Greenberg. Thanks to Patrick Numair for additional studio/recording support. Always a very humble and heartfelt thanks to our Muses for the inspiration and magic that bring our songs to life.

Lyrics I have a circle around me of people I love, I have a circle around me of care. I have a circle around me of people I love, so I can stand up in the face of fear. Stand up in the face of fear.

One step in front of the other, one step back. One love, One for each other. Keeping the circle intact, Keeping the circle intact.

Let me be the circle around you in love. Let me be the circle of care. Let me be the circle around you in love, so you can stand up in the face of fear. Stand up in the face of fear.

That you stand with me gives me the strength. That you are here with me oooh. That you stand with me gives me the strength, to do what I am called to do. Do what I am called to do.

Be my circle, surround me in love. Be my circle of care. Be my circle, surround me in love, so I can stand up in the face of fear. Stand up in the face of fear.

One step, in front of the other, one step back. One love, one for each other. Keeping the circle intact. Keeping the circle intact.

I have a circle around me of people I love. I have a circle around me of care. I have a circle around me of people I love. I will stand up in the face of fear. I will stand up in the face of fear. I will stand up in the face of fear. I will stand up in the face of fear.

A Note From the Songleader: With a spritz of rose water, some prayers to the Muses, a few fist pounds on the table keeping a good beat, and a lot of longing in the heart for strength, courage and a circle of community... "Circle Round" is born. Our friend Dave was there to help record

9 the moment. May this song serve the movement, reminding us that in order to show up for big and scary things, we need a community to hold us through it. We (Sarah and Karisha) live in a community in Miwok and Pomo Territory (Sebastopol CA), near the majestic Pacific waters. We have been touring and making music together for 13 years. It is our joy to bring song and play, grief and praise to the emergence of each and every moment.

Now That I Know Words, music & recording by Alexandra Blakely (Ahlay), https://alexandrablakely.com

Lyrics Part 1 Now that I know what I know to what will I dedicate my life?

Part 2 There is no unknowing, there is no unseeing.

Part 3 Now that I know, Now that I know.

A Note From the Songleader: This song was caught on Duwamish land (Seattle) inside a jail cell right before Covid became a global pandemic. 28 of us had been arrested inside a Chase Bank (number one funder of fossil fuels in the world) where we held a grief ceremony with an additional 200+ people for all we had lost, all we were losing and all we were yet to lose due to climate change and environmental racism. On the altar in the center of our ritual was a sign that said something like, "knowing what is happening to the planet, to what do I devote my life?" by Dahr Jamail. As I sat in the jail cell for hours and hours, this song came through. This song is calling us into our greatest good, our greatest service asking, “Will we be able to tell our children from our death beds that we did as much as we could to return the curse of extinction and exploitation?”

10 Ready Words, music & recording by Ben Gould and Britta Gudmunson

Lyrics Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to sing Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to dance Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to see Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to stand

In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live

Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to grieve Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to give Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to love Don't know 'bout you, but I'm ready to Be

In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live Take off your shoes (x2) Take off your shoes and shackles and you'll Stand in your truth (x4)

And I'm ready to live

Don't know 'bout you, but I'm not gonna run Don't know 'bout you, but here's where I belong Don't know 'bout you, I'm swallowin' my pride We just don't know and the limit is the sky

In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live

11 In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live In Truth (x3) And I'm ready to live (x6)

A Note From the Songleader: Through the discomfort, swallowing of pride, ego stories and confusion that comes with anti-racist work emerges the real goal: to create bridges of understanding, empathy and truth about who we are and who we can be with one another. Lifting the veil is uncomfortable, yet allows for a much more powerful connection to occur. This song invites us to get out of our own way and to courageously, vulnerably, powerfully, stand in our truth.

Ben and Britta are beloveds, songwriters, songleaders and co-directors of the inCourage Chorus in Santa Barbara and Ojai, CA. They’ve been making music together for over 7 years and find solace, delight and communion in the tapestry of musical expression.

Standing on the Shoulders Written by Theresa Martin Recorded by Austin Willacy Arranged by Theresa Martin and Austin Willacy

Lyrics Part 1 Rise up, rise up, rooted in the ground

Part 2 This battle is not a new one, we’re standing on the shoulders of those before us

Part 3 We will rise up, rooted and strong. We’re standing on the shoulders of those before us

Part 4 Rise up, stay strong – we’re standing on the shoulders of those before us

12 A Note From the Songleader: This song came to me while I was in a grove of Monterey Cypress trees in san francisco, on Ramaytush Ohlone land. I was thinking about the theme of this playlist, "Boots on the ground, skin on the line."

When taking action for racial justice and healing, I want to return again and again to honoring and acknowledging that "[I’m] standing on the shoulders of those before [me]". The racial uprisings of 2020 were not isolated events -- both in the sense the injustice is not isolated from the longstanding system that upholds anti-Black racism and white supremacy ("this battle is not a new one") AND in the sense that recent uprisings are building on the work of many generations of community organizers. When I think of the uprisings of this past year, I also think of Michael Brown, and of Black organizers in Ferguson; I think of SNCC and other student movements; I think of bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and the work of so many Black womxn; I think of white allies and accomplices in the Civil Rights Era, and today. As a community organizer myself, I know that there is SO much behind the scenes work. There are meetings, late nights, texts, and phone calls that go unnoticed to make what DOES get noticed possible. I want to stay rooted in this knowing -- that the work is long, and I won’t necessarily get to see the results in my lifetime -- but sometimes I will; and when I do get to see the results, it might be because someone else didn’t get to. I want to remember on whose shoulders I stand.

We All Live Words, music and recording by Melanie DeMore

Lyrics Parts 1 & 2: We all live, we all live we all live in the same house. we all live, we all live we all live in the same house!

Part 3: Make some good good trouble. Keep on moving’ ahead. Make some good good trouble. Don’t let anything hold you back!

13 Part 4: Good trouble, necessary trouble hmmmmm, keep goin’. Good trouble, necessary trouble Don’t let anything hold you back!

It’s Time Words and music by Marilyn Power Scott

Lyrics Part 1 The time for speaking up is now, The time for speaking up is now, The time for speaking up is now, Speak up, speak up, speak Up!

Part 2 And do it clearly and strongly, Truthfully and with kindness. And do it clearly and strongly, Truthfully and with kindness.

Part 3 It’s time to be clear, It’s time to be strong, It’s time to be truthful, It’s time to be kind.

A Note From the Songleader: More verses can be added by changing Line 1, if you’re moved to: Speak up, Speak out, Stand up, Show up. It can be sung as a round or as a layer song, your choice.

This song rose up in response to the growing personal sense of urgency in the face of the huge wave of violence, division injustice, imbalance, greed, waste on so many fronts that feels like it surrounds us all now--a simple call to take action, no matter how tenuous at first, no matter how shy or silent one has been till now. It’s time, for all of us who can, to be part of the change toward wholeness, holiness.

Marilyn Power Scott is a round, song and chant catcher based in Santa Barbara, CA. Many of her songs and rounds are sung by Threshold Choir chapters far and wide. More info about her and her songs and stories can be found at www.gesundheitpublishing.com. 14 Too Much At Stake Music, lyrics, audio production by Samara Jade

Lyrics Part 1 Too much, too much is at stake to keep making the same mistakes too much, too much is at stake to keep making the same mistakes to keep living in fear and hate

Part 2 May the walls of separation become undone like a murmuration, we move as one our minds are one

Part 3 When the tower tumbles we start anew When the system crumbles we stand as one we know just what to do

A Note From the Songleader: Too much is at stake to keep living complicitly and complacently with the system that we know is toxic to the oppressed, the earth, and ultimately all of us. I can’t claim to have any answers or be living my life in a way that is actively undoing said systems, but I do see how destructive divisiveness is, and strive for everything I do to move further away from separation and hatred, and closer to respectful interconnectivity. We need many boots on the ground striving for that if we want to build a better world! And truthfully, the part about that that overwhelms me is "What does that actually look like?" And there doesn’t feel like there’s a clear answer to that. When I was marching with the BLM protests in Seattle last summer, it gave me the feeling of being part of a movement with its own momentum - a murmuration. But then again, I wonder how "effective" any of that is/was, when BIPOC continue to be subject to police violence and hateful racism continues to be justified by our "leaders." So like I said, I REALLY don’t claim to have answers. Which is why I felt silly attempting to write a song that fit this theme. But I’ll strive for showing up, learning to be an ally, and hoping and praying for comm-unity.

15 Hope Is the Light Within You Words & Music - Debbie Nargi-Brown Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Bill Brown

Lyrics Hope is the light within you Hope is the light within

I'm praying for a miracle, praying for a miracle, come here today

I got the light, I got the light You got the light, You got the light And together we shine bright

Shine bright, Shine bright, Shine bright, Shine bright We got to get it together, oh yeah We got to get it together, yeah yeah (repeat)

I'm praying for a miracle, praying for a miracle, come my way I'm praying for a miracle, praying for a miracle, come here today I'm praying, I'm praying, I'm praying, I'm praying

I got the light, I got the light You got the light, You got the light And together we shine bright

Shine bright, Shine bright, Shine bright, Shine bright We got to get it together (x4)

Hope is the light within you Hope is the light within

(Guitar Chords: E/G/A/E)

A Note From the Songleader: Now is the time to infuse the world with hope and light so we can begin to create a world where everyone feels safe and where everyone has equal opportunity. Hope is the spark that ignites faith. It inspires us to have the courage to be better and do better. In these challenging times, we are being called to dig down deep to find that light that shines within us and shine it brightly. This is not an easy task. When we acknowledge and celebrate the light that shines in others, our light shines even

16 brighter. We are being called to celebrate the light that lives in each one of us so that we create a world for all people to have the same opportunity to live life to its fullest!

Debbie Nargi-Brown started singing and dancing on the day she was born! A gifted community song leader, an award-winning dance teacher, and a talented songwriter, she offers her songs with love, compassion, and the hope of bringing joy and healing to others. Debbie’s lyrics and melodies are sung all over the world. She writes songs for the heart, healing, transformation, love, grief, and all that connects us as human beings. Bringing people together in dance and song is one of her greatest joys in life! To learn more, please visit http://debbienargi-brown.com/

Honor the Dark Words, music & recording by Lea Morris

Lyrics

Honor the dark As you do the light Receive the gifts that come to us by day and by night I choose to honor the dark Uncertainty and change Deliver us from fear Until only love remains

As the butterfly slips free from her dark cocoon As the evening sky reveals the light of the moon Sometimes, fear surrounds us Sometimes, there will be pain Let the darkness heal you until only love remains

A Note From the Songleader: While enjoying a friend’s beautiful song honoring the Light, it occurred to me how few there are that lift up the blessings in the dark. Then, I got to thinking about the cultural associations as they pertain to skin color and good/evil... Down the rabbit hole to where the song was waiting at the bottom. :) In order to make sure our boots are headed in a desirable direction, we have to know where we’re trying to go. A more equitable, just, respectful society that honors all of our contributions, voices and experiences.

17 My Strength and Your Song Itai Gal: voice, piano, guitar, composition, production Melanie Blatt: voice

Lyrics Ozi v'zimrat Yah Vayehi li l'yeshua

And then Miriam and the women took their timbrels in their hand And they stepped into the water and they walked across the sand Who is like You, Shekhinah, full of wonder, full of praise My strength and Your song will get me through the days

Translation of the Hebrew: My strength and God’s song will be my redemption

A Note From the Songleader: I wrote this song as a prayer to find courage and resilience in these difficult times. The Hebrew words are from the Song of the Sea in the Torah, and they are used in Jewish liturgy. In our escape from slavery in Egypt, we reach the Sea of Reeds. On one side is water, and on the other, Pharaoh’s army is trailing closely behind. What to do? One man, Nakhshon, decides that he has nothing to lose and steps right into the water. He continues to walk in the sea until it is as deep as his nose. Then, a miracle happens and a path opens in the middle of the sea, only for us and not for the army. The Israelite people walk safely to freedom and our leader Moses sings a long victory song praising the Source for this miracle. Then, his sister Miriam the Prophetess and the women all of a sudden come up with musical instruments and sing – Moses’ words, but less - perhaps implying a shorter, more communal song. How is it that all these women knew, and prioritized, to bring instruments when they needed to begin the journey on such short notice? They knew that even on a long and dangerous trek through the desert, there will come a time to celebrate liberation. They also knew that we need music to survive this. We do not know what is and is not possible. But action from a belief that the world we want to see is possible is itself the prayer.

18 We Got You Words and Music by Mark Growden Performed by Mark Growden

Lyrics Like water got wet, Like sugar got sweet, Like sky got high, Like boots got feet.

(Chorus) We got you, yes we got you. We got you, yes we got you. We got you, yes we got you. We got you.

Like your eyes got shine, Like your heart got beat, Like your hands got hold, Like your grin got teeth

Chorus

When the day goes dark, And your wax goes wane, When you’re feelin’ broken, We can mend this pain.

Chorus

A Note From the Songleader: I love it when I’m having a tough time and my friends look at me and remind me, "We got you." I want to put my boots on the ground and my skin on the line with communities that know how to support each other well.

Mark Growden (https://markgrowden.org) is a composer, performer, recording artist, record producer, music educator, poet, visual artist, mental health advocate and the Artistic Director of The Calling All Choir in San Francisco, CA. He is available for private voice, musicianship, composing, and songwriting lessons. His choral works have been performed on four continents by over 200 choirs. He has several published choral works available here: https://www.swirlymusic.org/composer/markgrowden/

19 Courage Written by Pauline Pisano & The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival including Arelis Figueroa, Charon Hribar, Eric McEuen, and Nick Domberg, and Yara Allen. Recorded and produced by Pauline Pisano.

Lyrics Courage to rise up Courage to lift up Courage to speak up And sing

Courage don’t turn Courage to shut it down Courage to stay all night Courage to set it right

Courage to make a choice Courage to use our voice Courage to end the greed And demand the things we need

Together (we’re rising) Together (we’re lifting) Together (we’re speaking) Together (we’re singing)

It's a moral revolution

A Note From the Songleader: During the fall of 2020 The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival initiated a series of "song brews,’’ virtual spaces where cultural organizers could gather to share and pull inspiration from what was on our hearts and minds while reflecting on the events of the summer of 2020, and also demands put forth in the Poor People’s Jubilee Policy Platform. During one of the song brews, a melody and word rose up from me when discussing the first of five principles in the policy platform “We need a moral revolution of values to repair the breach in our society. Where harm has been done, it must be acknowledged and undone.” I thought to myself to acknowledge and undo harm, you need to have courage. Courage to not only face what is true in your mind, but the courage to face what is true about the nation.

20 This song was truly born out of experiences in marches where our collective power was forced to confront the power of the state. The protests of the summer and the police brutality in them, was nothing new to those of us on the ground, but as the people started winning the violence of the NYPD skyrocketed. I remember having a baton at my back, terrified of being arrested in the middle of a pandemic, and decided to start singing a song by The Peace Poets. Other people joined in. It grounded us. When I came to the PPC:NCMR song brews I had this in my heart, "Remember, Pauline, no matter what militarized force you are up against, you have courage in your heart and that will stay with you."

I hope this new song offering, Courage, is another vehicle, another tool we have, in the struggle for collective liberation. Whether we need courage when we are in our rooms, isolated, feeling disconnected, battling anxiety and depression, or if we are marching in the streets with our boots on the ground. I want us to know in our hearts, we are not alone, the movement is with us, has been with us, and it and its ancestors are singing alongside us.

21 ~ Bonus Playlist ~

Set It Right Again Lyrics inspired by Sojourner Truth, tune and recording by Ana Hernandez

Lyrics Call: There’s a great trouble in the land. Response: We’re gonna set it right again. (x3) All: We’re gonna set it right; set it right again.

Call: Trouble’s been brewin’ too many years. Response: We’re gonna set it right again. (x3) All: We’re gonna set it right; set it right again.

Call: People need healing all over the world. Response: We’re gonna set it right again. (x3) All: We’re gonna set it right; set it right again.

Call: We need clean water and healthy food. Response: We’re gonna set it right again. (x3) All: We’re gonna set it right; set it right again.

Call: We must have housing, we’ve a right to thrive. Response: We’re gonna set it right again. (x3) All: We’re gonna set it right; set it right again.

Call: There’s a great trouble in the land. Response: We’re gonna set it right again. (x3) All: We’re gonna set it right; set it right again.

22 A Note From the Songleader: Set it right again was written as a call and response for the NYS Poor People’s Campaign for use at a mourn-in where we highlighted the interlocking evils of poverty and militarism. Those verses were "They’d rather wage war than work for peace/they’d rather buy guns than pay for food/they’d rather build bombs than build us homes/we send our poor to fight and die/we’re built for love yet we pay for hate/death." The possibilities seem endless.

Ana’s a composer, activist song leader, and contemplative musician committed to creating tunes to lift us up, make more love and deepen our spirits.

Doubling Down Words & Music by Arnaé Batson for The SSING Network ©2020

Lyrics Section 1 - VAMP Doubling down - Doubling down Doubling down - Doubling down Doubling down - Doubling down Doubling down - Doubling down

Section 2 - Verse You can’t stop me You can’t turn my head around You keep me activated - motivated My feets are on solid ground That’s why I’m

Section 3 - Chorus Doubling down - Doubling down Doubling down - Doubling down Doubling down - Doubling down Doubling down - Doubling down

Section 4 – Ancestral Holla/ Holla Back Ohhhhhhh Ohhhhhhh Ohhhhhhh Ohhhhhhh

23 Repeat Sections 1-4

Section 5 - Chant (repeated 8 times each) Group 1 - I’m doubling down - doubling down - doubling... Group 2 - I’m doubling - I’m doubling dow-own... Group 3 - I’m doubling down - down - down - down - down...

Repeat Section 4 Repeat Sections 1-5 ending with Chant

A Note From the Songleader: Doubling Down: to take a further risk in a situation or passionately re-commit one’s efforts to a cause or course of action.

“Doubling Down” is a serious in-yo-face serenade of empowerment and audacity. The song was written in response to MAGAts who were brazenly showing up at targeted polling sites with the intent to spark fear and intimidation. I imagined all of the waiting voters responding to them with this:

“You can’t stop me” from participating in a civil right that was won with Ancestral blood, sweat and tears

“You can’t turn my head around” with gaslighting messages suggesting voting doesn’t matter

“You keep me activated, motivated” to stay the course and insure that my voice is heard

“My feets are on solid ground” with all-in commitment, resilience and resolve

“That’s why I’m doubling down...” and showing up whenever and wherever justice is needed.

The Ancestral Holla /Holla Back is based on a melody I remember my grandmother humming. It represents, in this context, a call/response acknowledgment with her and other Ancestral guides, that their once repressed voices can now be heard through mine.

While "Doubling Down" was composed with voting in mind, the song is useful for myriad progressive issues where courage of conviction is called upon. In light of the January 6th US Capitol insurrection, it is absolutely needed right now. Let’s all double down in our commitments for social justice activism to build a nation that nourishes everyone. 24 We Will Be Here Words, music and recording by Sarina Partridge

Lyrics We will be here the day after the storm We will be here, we will be here

And I will stand by you

A Note From the Songleader: As we approached the general election, my friends and neighbors and family were all moving through huge anxiety - and so was I, of course. So much at stake, so much on the line. But also, I wanted us to think about what comes after the big election day, after the big storm - we will still be here, fighting and working and pushing and growing, and taking care of each other. That’s what this song came out of, a reminder to not get totally lost in the chaos of the big moments but to know that "we will be here the day after the storm" - and yes, we are still here, with great work ahead of us.

In this song, I am thinking about how we continue to show up for each other and for the movements we care about beyond just the big events and critical moments; in the daily, gritty, less glamorous moments that come after that. I think a lot these days about how to be an activist beyond the ways that are public or performative, and to sustain the work beyond big and exhausting events. I intend for this song to be encouragement to sustain ourselves so that we can sustain the work that comes "after the storm."

May Our Hearts Be Filled Music and Lyrics by Elise Witt, © Non Si Sa Mai Music ASCAP

Lyrics Sing Part 1 Sing Part 1 with Part 2 Melody Sing Part 1 with Part 2 Melody & Harmony Sing Part 1 with Part 3 Melody Sing Part 1 with Part 3 Melody & Harmony Repeat each cycle as many times as desired

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Part 1 May our hearts be filled May our souls be filled May our lives be filled May our world be filled

Part 2 Joy and Justice Love and Peace Equity and Compassion And Kindness

Part 3 With Music Lots of Music So much Music With Music

A Note From the Songleader: As we passed into the New Year, I started signing my correspondence: "May the new year be full of joy and justice, love and peace, equity and compassion, kindness, and lots and lots of music." It felt like it wanted to be a song, and I tried several versions before landing on this layered mantra.

Feel Better Composed by Pacia Platzek Arr. and performed by Mark Growden

Lyrics I feel better when I walk outside, I feel better when I see the sky.

I feel better when I lift my voice, CLAP I feel better; it’s a choice. CLAP-CLAP

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I feel better when I simplify, I feel better when I beautify.

I feel better when I lift my voice, CLAP I feel better; it’s a choice. CLAP-CLAP

Better… I feel better Better… I feel better Better… I feel better when I lift my voice, CLAP I feel better; it’s a choice. CLAP-CLAP (3x’s)

I feel better when I breathe in deep, I feel better when I get good sleep.

I feel better when I lift my voice, CLAP I feel better; it’s a choice. CLAP-CLAP

I feel better when I sit in peace, I feel better when my tears release.

I feel better when I lift my voice, CLAP I feel better; it’s a choice. CLAP-CLAP

I feel better when I walk outside, I feel better when I see the sky.

I feel better when I lift my voice, CLAP I feel better; I feel better; I feel better; it’s a choice. CLAP-CLAP

A Note From the Songleader: I created this song walking outside, and thinking how much better it made me feel. When you feel better yourself, then you can be an instrument to help others.

27 I Believe In Us Katie Sontag (songwriter, vocals, guitar, banjo) Beau Eastlund (drums/percussion)

Lyrics I know that it’s hard Not knowing what’s coming next And yet, here we are We will try our best

We can touch our dreams They’ve already begun So let’s plant the seeds Of what we can become

Chorus I believe in the dreams we are making I believe in the risks we are taking I believe in the world we are creating I believe in us (x2) Oooooooooooooo

Sometimes I am a jerk And maybe you are too And there’s a lot of work We have left to do

So let’s find our wounds And let’s hold them dear Cradle them with love That exists right here

Chorus

Step by step, day by day With every act of courage and kindness on our way We can achieve the world we truly need Where everyone is free and we all have what we need I know this is who we can be And we are and we will ‘cause

Chorus

I believe in us 28 A Note From the Songleader: Despite the immense craziness happening in the world, I deeply believe that at our core we all have the same basic needs and longings. There is grave mental illness, hardship, and terrible things that have caused immense suffering and deprived many of us of these simple, universal needs. And yet, what if we all had our basic needs met? Food, healthcare, home, shelter, belonging- what kind of world would that be?

I hope this song can touch the place within us that believes in our collective power to create the world we know is possible. Our belief coupled with our action means our skins are on the line. To invest in our dreams and rely on each other, despite the risks, requires such vulnerability. But our boots are on the ground. We are in community, tending the seeds of our dreams, as we sing together. We are rooted in reality while devoted to our beliefs of something more. I believe in us.

Keep Believin’ Karly Loveling with sound support from Timothy Michael Shaw

Lyrics I’m gonna show up next to you With my heart open wide I’m gonna keep believin’ in the Love that prevails As we go side by side

Through the highs and the lows The ins and the outs The fear and the grief The rage and the doubt Through the laughter and hope Through the joy and the tears I’m gonna be here next to you

A Note From the Songleader: I was feeling particularly low as the election was approaching. I feared the violence that might unfold and felt helpless in my desire to make an impact. Then I heard Dr. Cornel West speak to the history of domination and oppression in the United States and in the history of humanity. Angels began singing as he shared that “No matter how pervasive the domination is, it tends not to completely suffocate Love, tenderness, struggles for justice, fighting for the poor, fighting for the vulnerable… the 29 sparks of the love of truth, the sparks of the love of justice, the sparks of the love of beauty, the sparks of the love of something bigger than oneself.” This acknowledgement restored my strength. Later that day this song slipped in as I went down for a nap. May it anchor the remembrance of this truth support all of us in keeping their boots on the ground and skin on the line, even when it feels hopeless and terrifying.

I lead songs every Tuesday morning and Wednesday night. For more info, contact me or sign up for my newsletter at http://singingheartchoir.com.

Wild Ride Words & Music- Debbie Nargi-Brown Recording, Mixing & Mastering- Bill Brown

Lyrics We're gonna take a deep dive Get ready for a wild ride It's a deep dive Hold on to each other to survive Whoa, Whoa Whoa, it’s a roller coaster ride Yearning, churning, crashing, burning Our world turned upside down Searching, learning, spinning, turning Feet firm on the ground

Strength, Courage, Trust, Allow Guide our Way

(Guitar Chords - Am/C/G/D, Capo 2nd fret)

A Note From the Songleader: Life is a rollercoaster ride. In an instant your life can be turned upside down. We have all experienced this in the past year on so many levels. May we find the strength and courage to do the work that needs to be done to make this world a better place for all. This cannot be done alone, we need to help and support each other to work together harmoniously to create the world we want to live in. May we surrender and trust in the knowing that we can be guided during this time of great upheaval.

30 We Will Sing Words, music, and arrangement by Angela Gabriel

Lyrics I will sing with you again, my friends, I will sing with you again. We’ll stand next to each other And we’ll lift our voices up! We’ll sing our joys and sing our sorrows, Come one of these tomorrows We WILL sing, And I know this to be true.

A Note From the Songleader: I wrote this song when I was feeling especially nostalgic for singing with others. Before Covid shut everything down, I was singing weekly with people living with Parkinson’s, people living in the state of homelessness, with assisted living residents, and a weekly community singing experience open to the public.

Singing used to be something I was afraid of, and I used to think of myself as a “bad singer”. But over the last several years not only have I learned to recognize myself as a singer and love my voice, I have adopted the mission of empowering others to express creatively and vulnerably with their voices. I believe that when people are liberated in their voices they are liberated in their lives.

31 Tech Support Guide Winter 2021 Singing Playlist

We hope this guide helps you enjoy this playlist to the fullest extent possible! Please contact [email protected] if this guide doesn’t answer your questions and you continue to experience difficulty listening to the playlist on your devices.

Listening to the Playlist

Listening on Soundcloud

Both the main playlist and the bonus playlist are available as private playlists on Soundcloud. They are not available to the general public (and cannot be “saved”). This is still the easiest way to listen, but requires you to save the following links:

Main Playlist on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thebirdsings/sets/boots/s-xfoBTYpS9nb

Bonus Playlist on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thebirdsings/sets/boots-bonus/s-wwmnW8XA1Wh

How do I find easy access to these playlists in Soundcloud again?

Browser Users If you are primarily accessing these playlists through a browser on your computer, bookmark the page in your browser.

Instructions for creating, editing, and viewing bookmarks on CHROME: https://tinyurl.com/y28kdm5u

Instructions for creating, editing, and viewing bookmarks on WINDOWS EDGE: https://tinyurl.com/yyoru4fv

App Users Download the Soundcloud app: at iTunes: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soundcloud-music-audio/id336353151

32 or Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soundcloud.android&hl=en_US&gl=US and create a free profile.

Soundcloud doesn’t allow you to save private playlists in your favorites, however you can go through each track and click the © (heart) icon so save all the tracks in your “likes”, making them easily accessible from your Soundcloud homepage.

Can I listen to the songs offline? Soundcloud does have a paid option to make the songs accessible whether or not you are in wifi or cell range. The first month is free and it’s $12.99/month thereafter. To access this option, go to the playlist in the app on your device and look for a circle with a little down arrow inside. Click that and the paid options will pop up. If you’d like a free option, we suggest following the instructions below to listen with Google Drive or with iTunes.

Ads keep popping up so I can’t see or access the songs! Look for a small “x” in the corner of the ad. Click on that to remove the ad from your screen so you can see and play the songs again.

Listening with Google Drive on your Phone If you’d like to be able to access the songs from your phone, first go to the app stoer and download the Google Drive app. Then, open this PDF in your phone and click here to open the playlist in Google Drive: https://tinyurl.com/winter-playlist2021 You’ll have the option to download each individual song file on your phone if you wish.

33 Listening with iTunes We have also made the files available for local storage, to be able to listen to them on iTunes. Note: This is a two-step process that begins on your desktop or laptop computer.

To listen with iTunes:

1. From your computer, visit https://tinyurl.com/winter-playlist2021 2. Click on each track of the playlist while holding the Command key, until all 14 tracks are selected. 3. Right-click and select Download

4. Unlock the screen of your device, and connect it to your computer using a USB cable. 5. Launch iTunes, choose File > Add to Library, and synch your iPhone.

Listening on Spotify These playlists are not officially supported via Spotify. However, if you are tech-savvy, you can follow Spotify’s instructions for linking Local Files by downloading the playlist from Google at https://tinyurl.com/winter-playlist2021 and then following the steps in this support article: https://support.spotify.com/us/article/listen-to-local-files/.

34 Zoom Call Troubleshooting & Support

Troubleshooting Common Technical Difficulties • System requirements for Windows, macOS, and Linux – Zoom Help Center: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for- Windows-macOS-and-Linux includes computer resources, supported operating systems, and bandwidth requirements. • Zoom Technical Support: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362003 includes complete listing of options, including self-service keyword search. • I can’t find my Zoom window - If a user “loses” Zoom on a desktop or laptop computer, the most common reason is that it’s become inadvertently minimized or hidden behind other applications. Toggle between active screens by clicking Command + Tab on Mac OS or Alt + Tab on Windows. • I can’t hear (or be heard) - If a user can’t hear or be heard, they should first verify the mic and speakers in use under Audio settings. Opening a music app to see if other applications will play sound is often a good way to make sure that speakers are working and volume is turned up. o Resetting sound on the Mac: https://www.mactip.net/fix-cant-adjust-sound- level-mac/ o Troubleshoot sound on the PC: https://www.pcworld.com/article/226898/how_to_troubleshoot_audio_problem s_with_your_pc.html o Allow microphone access on iPhone: https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how- to-change-the-microphone-settings-on-an-iphone o Allow microphone access on Android: https://phandroid.com/2019/07/18/how- to-change-app-permissions-android-m/

Gifting the Playlist If you’d like to share the playlist with a friend or family member, you can purchase another copy of the playlist online then forward them the email with the download link. Be sure to send us their email address if they want to receive email invitations to the Zoom singing events.

Thanks for spreading the love!

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