Composed and performed by Gretchen Sleicher
Lyrics
Rising with the wings of an eagle
I take the high view, I take the long view
‘Cause the view from below’s full of trouble
Civilizations all in rubble
Let the winds sweep me up high
Where I can see there’s something on the other side
Of these times, ooh, we’re living through
These times, ooh, we’re dying through, these times
Seeking inspiration from the mountains
I take the high trail, I take the long trail
But I can see even mountains gotta come down
Glaciers crumble, rocks tumble
Let the river float me down
To the sea’s embrace on the other side
Of these times, ooh, we’re living through
These times, ooh, we’re dying through, these times
We can’t know what awaits on the other side
Or even what creatures might survive
But we can live with their presence in our hearts and minds
Give them a chance to have their time on the other side
Of these times, ooh, we’re living through
These times, ooh, we’re dying through, these times
Singing this song, for me, is a comfort
Gotta be real, let myself feel
The descent can be full of beauty
Coming together in rough weather
Let our songs reach out for life
And they may still be sung on the other side
Of these times, ooh, we’re living through
These times, ooh, we’re dying through
These times, ooh, we’re singing through
These times, ooh, we’re loving through, these times
Notes
Composed on the descent from snowy Hurricane Ridge on February 2, 2020, this song is for singing together during the great unraveling the world is now experiencing. It reminds us that the descent can be full of beauty, coming together in rough weather. Singing, especially with others (even on line!), can help us turn toward each other in these times of crisis. As Michael Dowd, says: Doom is not the end, it is the midpoint between denial and regeneration. Bring on the regenerative singing!
I’m deeply indebted to Samara Jade for her majestic work in bringing the arrangement of this song into being with her genius ear for instrumentation, harmony and rhythm. Full hurrah’s to her for all the instruments other than guitar and voice, plus arranging and mixing this song so that it may take wings into your heart. Check out her amazing music at www.samarajademusic.com.
Full Song
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