We Need Peace

by Gretchen Sleicher

Lyrics

Mantra: melody, high and low

We need peace, and we need hope
We need love in this world

Descant 1

When things fall apart we can rise up
We can come together
When things fall apart we can rise up
I will hold your hand

Descant 2

Cry with me, we will come together
Cry with me, I will hold your hand

Notes

This song was inspired by the sounds of a 5 year old child improvising on the piano, and tender thoughts of the challenging world he will face growing up. The three-part “mantra” expresses longing for peace, hope and love to come into his world, our world, while the two descants invite us to turn toward each other, to come together when things fall apart, and to cry together. The word “cry” can be replaced in successive repetitions of Descant 2 with “sing,” “dance,” “pray” or whatever feels right in the moment. A good song for bringing people together after grieving together.

Words and music by Gretchen Sleicher. Used with permission.

Full Mix and Song Parts