Uncovering Stones
Canto y Cantera
A Chain Unbroken
Music >>>
Click album on left to load tracklist + lyrics
Uncovering Stones was recorded Vanessa's in home in Austin, TX, which was temporarily converted into a studio called "Casa Animada." This album features an all-star cast of musicians. With a compelling mix of tempos and styles that embrace hints of urban, world, Latin, funk and pop, Lively’s songs fully capture her compassionate nature and love of community. Lively painted the album cover art on 42 canvases which are now in the homes of her music supporters and fans across the U.S.
Lyrics >>>
Click track name to read lyrics
1. Digging Up Dirt
Written by Vanessa Lively
In the morning, I’m feeling alright
Open my eyes and my wings will take flight
Hear the words in the wind blows my ear
All that I’m needing and wanting to hear
All the land just looks perfect to me
Things that I’m wanting to say and to see
Close my eyes ‘cause I’m feeling okay
There is no spinning in my head today.
And I’ll be digging up dirt, uncovering stones
Follow the dirt all way down to the bone.
Ay Hey Yeah
Maybe the only thing I need to hear
Is that silence again, it’s so near
Laying hands on the ground once again
Sift my fingers through dirt and through sand
Feel the coolness of earth underneath
See the roots, the branches, the trees
I am covered in stillness again
My heart is leaping with joy from within.
And I’ll be digging up dirt, uncovering stones
Follow the dirt all way down to the bone.
Ay Hey Yeah
In the morning, I’m feeling alright
Open my eyes and my wings will take flight
Hear the words in the wind blows my ear
All that I’m needing and wanting to hear
All the land just looks perfect to me
Things that I’m wanting to say and to see
Close my eyes ‘cause I’m feeling okay
There is no spinning in my head today.
And I’ll be digging up dirt, uncovering stones
Follow the dirt all way down to the bone.
Ay Hey Yeah
Maybe the only thing I need to hear
Is that silence again, it’s so near
Laying hands on the ground once again
Sift my fingers through dirt and through sand
Feel the coolness of earth underneath
See the roots, the branches, the trees
I am covered in stillness again
My heart is leaping with joy from within.
And I’ll be digging up dirt, uncovering stones
Follow the dirt all way down to the bone.
Ay Hey Yeah
2. Through the Veil
Written by Vanessa Lively
I hold your pipe in hand and smell your scent again.
Can you tell me now, is there a heaven?
Wherever you may roam, wherever you may fly
I will keep watching for you in the sky.
(‘cause I)
I need a sign
And I don’t know how to just get by
‘cause I need a sign.
On that day you left I could not find a way
To see through the veil to the light of day.
But I kept walking on, I’d listen for that song
And imagine you were saying “nothing’s wrong.”
(but I)
But I need a sign
And I don’t know how to just get by
‘cause I need a sign.
At night I try so hard just to fall asleep.
I imagine you are sitting there next to me
And I see the silhouette of your smiling face.
Close my eyes and let myself drift away.
Wherever you may go, wherever you may fly
I will keep watching for you in the sky.
I hold your pipe in hand and smell your scent again.
Can you tell me now, is there a heaven?
Wherever you may roam, wherever you may fly
I will keep watching for you in the sky.
(‘cause I)
I need a sign
And I don’t know how to just get by
‘cause I need a sign.
On that day you left I could not find a way
To see through the veil to the light of day.
But I kept walking on, I’d listen for that song
And imagine you were saying “nothing’s wrong.”
(but I)
But I need a sign
And I don’t know how to just get by
‘cause I need a sign.
At night I try so hard just to fall asleep.
I imagine you are sitting there next to me
And I see the silhouette of your smiling face.
Close my eyes and let myself drift away.
Wherever you may go, wherever you may fly
I will keep watching for you in the sky.
3. Estoy Volando
Written by Vanessa Lively
Estoy volando, estoy volando, estoy volando.
Estoy cantando, estoy cantando, estoy cantando.
Pero el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
Y el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
Estoy rezando, estoy rezando, estoy rezando.
Estoy llorando, estoy llorando, estoy llorando.
Pero el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
Y el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
>>> Translation: I Am Flying
I am flying, I am singing.
But the same people, they don't want you. And the same people, they don't want you.
I am praying, Iam crying.
But the same people, they don't want you. And the same people, they don't want you.
Estoy volando, estoy volando, estoy volando.
Estoy cantando, estoy cantando, estoy cantando.
Pero el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
Y el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
Estoy rezando, estoy rezando, estoy rezando.
Estoy llorando, estoy llorando, estoy llorando.
Pero el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
Y el mismo no te quiere, no te quiere, no te quiere.
>>> Translation: I Am Flying
I am flying, I am singing.
But the same people, they don't want you. And the same people, they don't want you.
I am praying, Iam crying.
But the same people, they don't want you. And the same people, they don't want you.
4. Men in White Hats
Written by Vanessa Lively
They march down the street, all the men in white hats
And no one can speak, not even a rat
Nobody will shoot, nobody will cry
Don’t you ask why. Don’t you ask why.
We’ve been chosen and blessed to live in this mess
Still in our heads is so much unrest
So we’ll cut them down, all the beasts in their minds
Let them lie in the street for all to see
Don’t you ask why.
They’re mommy and dad, their children well fed
They know how to work and weed in the bed
And all eyes can see that it’s meant to be
God made it this way so we can be
Just you and me raising our family
Don’t you ask why.
But what brought us here? Is it all the fear
Of what we don’t know? Of what we don’t hear?
Why are they crying? Who here is lying?
Saying God is with us, and not with them
That they are sin. Don’t you ask why?
They march down the street, all the men in white hats
And no one can speak, not even a rat
Nobody will shoot, nobody will cry
Don’t you ask why. Don’t you ask why.
We’ve been chosen and blessed to live in this mess
Still in our heads is so much unrest
So we’ll cut them down, all the beasts in their minds
Let them lie in the street for all to see
Don’t you ask why.
They’re mommy and dad, their children well fed
They know how to work and weed in the bed
And all eyes can see that it’s meant to be
God made it this way so we can be
Just you and me raising our family
Don’t you ask why.
But what brought us here? Is it all the fear
Of what we don’t know? Of what we don’t hear?
Why are they crying? Who here is lying?
Saying God is with us, and not with them
That they are sin. Don’t you ask why?
5. Honeybee
Written by Vanessa Lively
I see you smiling at me, my sister lost without a key
Come fly a little bit with me.
We’ll share our history and past, we’ll fill the time with things that last
We’ll change all tears into a laugh.
How brave and strong you would be, you crossed the waters o’er the sea
You left all things behind with me.
You went to teach the little ones, you gave them smiles in the sun.
You taught them all the right from wrong.
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Did they leave you in a tree, Oh Honeybee?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Is it not her and him and me?
I see you’re chasing the moon, it came around a bit too soon
You changed your life up in the June.
And if you did agree, where would the flowers be?
We all have jobs here, don’t you see?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Did they leave you in a tree, Oh Honeybee?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Is it not her and him and me?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Did they leave you in a tree, Oh Honeybee?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Is it not her and him and me?
I see you smiling at me, my sister lost without a key
Come fly a little bit with me.
We’ll share our history and past, we’ll fill the time with things that last
We’ll change all tears into a laugh.
How brave and strong you would be, you crossed the waters o’er the sea
You left all things behind with me.
You went to teach the little ones, you gave them smiles in the sun.
You taught them all the right from wrong.
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Did they leave you in a tree, Oh Honeybee?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Is it not her and him and me?
I see you’re chasing the moon, it came around a bit too soon
You changed your life up in the June.
And if you did agree, where would the flowers be?
We all have jobs here, don’t you see?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Did they leave you in a tree, Oh Honeybee?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Is it not her and him and me?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Did they leave you in a tree, Oh Honeybee?
Honeybee, Honeybee where is your family?
Is it not her and him and me?
6. The Lost Boys
Written by Vanessa Lively
Today we're gone, never coming home
They came to the town scattering us around
Mama went that went, Daddy went that way
Sister went that way, hey hey.
Soldiers in the night, they put up a fight
Had us running wild, each and every child
Brother went that way, Sister went that way,
Cousins went that way, hey hey.
Now we're joining in, let the walk begin
Were did our families go? Will we ever know?
But we will walk this way, we will walk this way,
We will walk this way, hey hey.
'Cause we are the Lost Boys, we are the prisoners
And we're gonna fight for our right to this life
'Cause we are the Lost Boys, we are the prisoners
And we won't stop ‘til we're done, no we won't stop ‘til we're done
No we won't stop until we're done.
So today we're gone, never coming home
And I'll walk with you ‘til my day is done
And we will walk this way, we will walk this way,
We will walk this way, hey hey.
Today we're gone, never coming home
They came to the town scattering us around
Mama went that went, Daddy went that way
Sister went that way, hey hey.
Soldiers in the night, they put up a fight
Had us running wild, each and every child
Brother went that way, Sister went that way,
Cousins went that way, hey hey.
Now we're joining in, let the walk begin
Were did our families go? Will we ever know?
But we will walk this way, we will walk this way,
We will walk this way, hey hey.
'Cause we are the Lost Boys, we are the prisoners
And we're gonna fight for our right to this life
'Cause we are the Lost Boys, we are the prisoners
And we won't stop ‘til we're done, no we won't stop ‘til we're done
No we won't stop until we're done.
So today we're gone, never coming home
And I'll walk with you ‘til my day is done
And we will walk this way, we will walk this way,
We will walk this way, hey hey.
7. Follow Your Heart
Written by Vanessa Lively
Follow Your Heart, don’t give into Fear
You never know when the time is here.
Follow Your Heart, don’t be afraid
The darkest time comes before the day.
So many walk through their days, searching for peace of mind, searching for praise.
They don’t know what to do, always looking outside, always finding a way
To stay trapped in the cycle of making excuses and avoiding the day
When they finally realize their own heart has got something to say.
Follow Your Heart, don’t give into Fear
You never know when the time is near.
Follow Your Heart, don’t you be afraid.
The darkest time comes before the day.
We all move through our lives sharing stories & tales, getting light from the well.
Then we give back by letting go of things that we hide, but are dying to tell.
As each day passes by, we move deeper within and go further inside
To a place where we find all the wisdom and truth that walks with us to guide.
Follow Your Heart, don’t give into Fear
You never know when the time is near.
Follow Your Heart, don’t you be afraid.
The darkest time comes before the day.
Follow Your Heart, don’t give into Fear
You never know when the time is here.
Follow Your Heart, don’t be afraid
The darkest time comes before the day.
So many walk through their days, searching for peace of mind, searching for praise.
They don’t know what to do, always looking outside, always finding a way
To stay trapped in the cycle of making excuses and avoiding the day
When they finally realize their own heart has got something to say.
Follow Your Heart, don’t give into Fear
You never know when the time is near.
Follow Your Heart, don’t you be afraid.
The darkest time comes before the day.
We all move through our lives sharing stories & tales, getting light from the well.
Then we give back by letting go of things that we hide, but are dying to tell.
As each day passes by, we move deeper within and go further inside
To a place where we find all the wisdom and truth that walks with us to guide.
Follow Your Heart, don’t give into Fear
You never know when the time is near.
Follow Your Heart, don’t you be afraid.
The darkest time comes before the day.
8. Learning to Breathe
Written by Vanessa Lively
A little child, she’s listening to the sounds
And all the while, she’s forming beliefs in the world.
She’s learning to breathe again. She’s learning to see again.
She’s learning to believe again. She’s learning to be.
Years they pass, the memories stay in the back
Of fragile mind, and slowly release with time.
She’s learning to breathe again. She’s learning to see again.
She’s learning to believe again. She’s learning to be.
Open wide the throat you close
Open wide the breath you hold
Open wide the arms you fold
Open wide the heart gone cold
And believe that you are free to be
Anything, Anything.
A little child, she’s listening to the sounds
And all the while, she’s forming beliefs in the world.
She’s learning to breathe again. She’s learning to see again.
She’s learning to believe again. She’s learning to be.
Years they pass, the memories stay in the back
Of fragile mind, and slowly release with time.
She’s learning to breathe again. She’s learning to see again.
She’s learning to believe again. She’s learning to be.
Open wide the throat you close
Open wide the breath you hold
Open wide the arms you fold
Open wide the heart gone cold
And believe that you are free to be
Anything, Anything.
9. Princess Song
Written by Vanessa Lively
There was a princess, she would fight
She had to stay up every night and wait until nobody was around.
She'd quietly slip into the hall and whisper all the names
She'd call, hoping that her darling could be found.
A year ago she lost her boy, and with his life he took her joy.
There is no one to carry her burden now.
All alone in this world, her great fear is now unfurled.
Voices haunt her earthly wedding vow.
Oh, Oh, Oh...
Names fall from pink lips below, of flesh and blood not yet be known
But with them comes a pull to find their love.
Oh Spirit World, release her now! The voices cry so very loud,
pleading her to walk between the worlds.
In the morning, she looked around and found her feet back on the ground.
Her darling paid a visit in the night.
"My sweet love, my baby see, there was some work for you and me.
Now all is done so rest your weary eyes.”
Oh, Oh, Oh...
So in this life, if you walk alone, do not forget who calls this home.
There are angels and spirits calling names.
They drift along, they whisper things. They gently slip into our dreams.
Their love pours out, it cannot be contained.
And it grows. And it grows. Oh...
There was a princess, she would fight
She had to stay up every night and wait until nobody was around.
She'd quietly slip into the hall and whisper all the names
She'd call, hoping that her darling could be found.
A year ago she lost her boy, and with his life he took her joy.
There is no one to carry her burden now.
All alone in this world, her great fear is now unfurled.
Voices haunt her earthly wedding vow.
Oh, Oh, Oh...
Names fall from pink lips below, of flesh and blood not yet be known
But with them comes a pull to find their love.
Oh Spirit World, release her now! The voices cry so very loud,
pleading her to walk between the worlds.
In the morning, she looked around and found her feet back on the ground.
Her darling paid a visit in the night.
"My sweet love, my baby see, there was some work for you and me.
Now all is done so rest your weary eyes.”
Oh, Oh, Oh...
So in this life, if you walk alone, do not forget who calls this home.
There are angels and spirits calling names.
They drift along, they whisper things. They gently slip into our dreams.
Their love pours out, it cannot be contained.
And it grows. And it grows. Oh...
10. Baile Conmigo
Written by Vanessa and Jason Lively
¿Que voy a hacer? No quiero pasar la vida sin ti mi amor.
En el día y mas en la noche nunca hay paz in mi mente ni en mi corazon.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Eramos tan felices con nuestras sonrisas
la vida fue simple y buena.
Los mejores amigos, mano a mano caminamos
dia a día amor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo amor.
Te echo de menos. Estás en mis sueños, me levanto sin ti mi amor.
Me siento sola en el mundo y quiero tenerte en mi vida amor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, amor mi testigo. Baile conmigo amor.
¿Que voy a hacer? No quiero pasar la vida sin ti mi amor.
En el día y más en la noche nunca hay paz en mi mente ni en mi corazón.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, estaré contigo. Baile conmigo amor.
>>> Translation: Dance With Me
What am I going to do? I don't want to be in my life without you, my love.
In the day, and even more so in the night, there is never peace in my mind nor my heart.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
We were so happy, always with our smiles. Life was simple and good!
Best friends, hand in hand we would walk from one day to the next, my love.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
I miss you so much. You are in my dreams, but I awake without you, my love.
I feel alone in the world and I want to have you in my life, love.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I will be with you! Dance with me señor.
What am I going to do? I don't want to be in my life without you, my love.
In the day, and even more so in the night, there is never peace in my mind nor my heart.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I will be with you! Dance with me señor.
¿Que voy a hacer? No quiero pasar la vida sin ti mi amor.
En el día y mas en la noche nunca hay paz in mi mente ni en mi corazon.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Eramos tan felices con nuestras sonrisas
la vida fue simple y buena.
Los mejores amigos, mano a mano caminamos
dia a día amor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo amor.
Te echo de menos. Estás en mis sueños, me levanto sin ti mi amor.
Me siento sola en el mundo y quiero tenerte en mi vida amor.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, amor mi testigo. Baile conmigo amor.
¿Que voy a hacer? No quiero pasar la vida sin ti mi amor.
En el día y más en la noche nunca hay paz en mi mente ni en mi corazón.
Baile conmigo, quiero estarme contigo. Baile conmigo señor.
Baile conmigo, estaré contigo. Baile conmigo amor.
>>> Translation: Dance With Me
What am I going to do? I don't want to be in my life without you, my love.
In the day, and even more so in the night, there is never peace in my mind nor my heart.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
We were so happy, always with our smiles. Life was simple and good!
Best friends, hand in hand we would walk from one day to the next, my love.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
I miss you so much. You are in my dreams, but I awake without you, my love.
I feel alone in the world and I want to have you in my life, love.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I will be with you! Dance with me señor.
What am I going to do? I don't want to be in my life without you, my love.
In the day, and even more so in the night, there is never peace in my mind nor my heart.
Dance with me, I want to be with you. Dance with me señor.
Dance with me, I will be with you! Dance with me señor.
11. Playing Games
Written by Vanessa Lively
I wanna know why my heart is playing games
And my mind, it cannot find a way
So I try to stay strong and not say a word
But all my voice wants to do is to be heard.
Ooh, Oh...
But I can’t let it out and I can’t let it go
Where is this coming from? I just want to know.
What is the problem here? What do I see is wrong?
And why do I want to run away? Is it ‘cause the road is long?
Ooh, Oh...
All I’ll cause is pain. All I’ll do is harm.
There doesn’t seem to be a reason, so don’t sound the alarm.
But my heart won’t quiet, and my mind won’t still.
Will someone understand and hold my hand?
I don’t know what I will
Do, Oh, Oh, Oh, Ooh...
I wanna know why my heart is playing games
And my mind, it cannot find a way
So I try to stay strong and not say a word
But all my voice wants to do is to be heard.
Ooh, Oh...
But I can’t let it out and I can’t let it go
Where is this coming from? I just want to know.
What is the problem here? What do I see is wrong?
And why do I want to run away? Is it ‘cause the road is long?
Ooh, Oh...
All I’ll cause is pain. All I’ll do is harm.
There doesn’t seem to be a reason, so don’t sound the alarm.
But my heart won’t quiet, and my mind won’t still.
Will someone understand and hold my hand?
I don’t know what I will
Do, Oh, Oh, Oh, Ooh...
12. Skeletons
Written by Vanessa Lively
We all got skeletons in our closet, no one need it, no one bought it so we better tie them up.
We all have closets full of keeping them, then we begin to tailspin.
We all got things we hide away that we don’t want nobody to see.
Got so much stuff that we stuff into corners...
Oooh ooh yeah hey hey hey, Let it out! Let it out! Let it all the way out!
There are so many things that hide away that we don’t know how to see.
There’s so much piled up on top of it, that it just cannot break free.
Well I’m saying now’s a mighty fine time to let it all catch a breeze.
So pull it out, let it pile up, the sun will plan a release!
Oooh ooh yeah hey hey hey, Let it out! Let it out! Let it all the way out!
Oooh ooh yeah hey hey hey, Let it out! Let it out! Let it all the way out!
Oooh ooh yeah hey hey hey, Let it out! Let it out! Let it all the way out!
Oooh ooh yeah hey hey hey, Let it out! Let it out! ...
Canto y Cantera is a tribute album to the life of Mercedes Sosa and the Nueva Canción movement in Latin America. While living in South America, Vanessa learned many of these songs and was introduced the music and voice of Mercedes Sosa. This E.P. features six popular songs from artists Violetta Parra, Atahualpa Yupanqui, Silvio Rodriguez, Victor Jara, Leon Gieco and Julio Numhauser.
Lyrics >>>
Click track name to read lyrics
1. Si Somos Americanos
Written by R. Alarcón
Si somos americanos / somos hermanos señores
tenemos las mismas flores / tenemos las mismas manos.
Si somos americanos / seremos buenos vecinos
compartiremos el trigo / seremos buenos hermanos.
Bailaremos marinera / resbalosa, huayno y son
Si somos americanos / seremos una canción.
Si somos americanos / no miraremos fronteras
cuidaremos las semillas / tiraremos las banderas.
Si somos americanos / seremos todos iguales
el blanco, el mestizo, el indio / y el negro son como tales.
>>> Translation: Yes We Are Americans - This song is about being Pan-Americans; North, South, and Central America as a political and economic unit. If we are all Americans then; we won’t limit ourselves by borders, we’ll nurture and take care of each other, and we’ll be equal in our neighbor’s eyes regardless of race or flag.
We will dance the Marinera / resbalosa, Huayno and the Son (types of dances)
if we are Americans / then we will be a song
If we are Americans / then we are Americans indeed
we have the same flowers / we have the same hands
If we are Americans / we will be good neighbors
we will share our wheat / we'll be good brothers and sisters
We will dance the Marinera / Resbalosa, Huayno and the Son
If we are Americans / then we will be a song
If we are Americans / will not see boundaries
we will take care of seeds / we will get rid of our flags
If we are Americans / we are all equal
white, mestizo, Indian / and black alike
Si somos americanos / somos hermanos señores
tenemos las mismas flores / tenemos las mismas manos.
Si somos americanos / seremos buenos vecinos
compartiremos el trigo / seremos buenos hermanos.
Bailaremos marinera / resbalosa, huayno y son
Si somos americanos / seremos una canción.
Si somos americanos / no miraremos fronteras
cuidaremos las semillas / tiraremos las banderas.
Si somos americanos / seremos todos iguales
el blanco, el mestizo, el indio / y el negro son como tales.
>>> Translation: Yes We Are Americans - This song is about being Pan-Americans; North, South, and Central America as a political and economic unit. If we are all Americans then; we won’t limit ourselves by borders, we’ll nurture and take care of each other, and we’ll be equal in our neighbor’s eyes regardless of race or flag.
We will dance the Marinera / resbalosa, Huayno and the Son (types of dances)
if we are Americans / then we will be a song
If we are Americans / then we are Americans indeed
we have the same flowers / we have the same hands
If we are Americans / we will be good neighbors
we will share our wheat / we'll be good brothers and sisters
We will dance the Marinera / Resbalosa, Huayno and the Son
If we are Americans / then we will be a song
If we are Americans / will not see boundaries
we will take care of seeds / we will get rid of our flags
If we are Americans / we are all equal
white, mestizo, Indian / and black alike
2. La Maza
Written by S. Rodríguez
Si no creyera en la locura / de la garganta del cirzonte
si no creyera que en el monte / se esconde el trino y la pavura.
Si no creyera en la balanza / en la razon del equilibrio
si no creyera en el delirio / si no creyera en la esperanza.
Si no creyera en lo que agencio / si no creyera en mi camino
si no creyera en mi sonido / si no creyera en mi silencio.
Que cosa fuera
Que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera
un amacijo hecho de cuerdas y tendones
un revoltijo de carne con madera
un instrumento sin mejores resplandores
que lucecitas montadas para escena
que cosa fuera -corazon- que cosa fuera
que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera
un testaferro del traidor de los aplausos
un servidor de pasado en copa nueva
un eternizador de dioses del ocaso
jubilo hervido con trapo y lentejuela
que cosa fuera -corazon- que cosa fuera
que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera
que cosa fuera -corazon- que cosa fuera
que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera.
Si no creyera en lo mas duro / si no creyera en el deseo
si no creyera en lo que creo / si no ceyera en algo puro.
Si no creyera en cada herida / si no creyera en la que ronde
si no creyera en lo que esconde / hacerse hermano de la vida.
Si no creyera en quien me escucha / si no creeyera en lo que duele
si no creyera en lo que queda / si no creyera en lo que lucha.
Que cosa fuera...
>>> Translation: The Stone Hammer - This song is full of symbolism and open to interpretation thus it is best interpreted within its political/historical context. Que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera? - What would the stone hammer be without the quarry? What change can be had if the hammer doesn’t strike the stone? You have to believe that you make a change and strive/fight to make it happen. If not, then you are simply part of the problem.
If I did not believe in the madness / from the mockingbird’s throat
if I did not believe that in the hills / hides the trill and the dread
If I did not believe in balance / in the reason for equilibrium.
If I did not believe in delirium / If I did not believe in hope
If I did not believe in what I’ve wrought / If I did not believe in my path
If I did not believe in my sound / If I did not believe in my silence
And what can be said?
What can be said of the mallet without quarry?
Naught but a paste made with strings and tendons,
a jumble of flesh with wood.
A tool with no greater splendour
then that of lights mounted for the stage.
What can be said, oh my love, what can be said?
What can be said of the mallet without quarry?
A figurehead of the traitor of the applause,
a servant of the of the past
who is poured in a new cup.
A perpetuator of the gods of the dusk,
a boiled delight served in rags and sequins.
What can be said, oh my love, what can be said?
What can be said of the mallet without quarry?
If I did not believe in that which is hardest / If I did not believe in desire
If I did not hold to my beliefs / If I did not believe in something pure
If I did not believe in every wound / If I did not believe in the one that’s coming
If I did not believe in what is hidden / by making oneself life’s brother
If I did not believe in those who hear me / If I did not believe what hurts
If I did not believe in what is left / If I did not believe in what fights!
Si no creyera en la locura / de la garganta del cirzonte
si no creyera que en el monte / se esconde el trino y la pavura.
Si no creyera en la balanza / en la razon del equilibrio
si no creyera en el delirio / si no creyera en la esperanza.
Si no creyera en lo que agencio / si no creyera en mi camino
si no creyera en mi sonido / si no creyera en mi silencio.
Que cosa fuera
Que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera
un amacijo hecho de cuerdas y tendones
un revoltijo de carne con madera
un instrumento sin mejores resplandores
que lucecitas montadas para escena
que cosa fuera -corazon- que cosa fuera
que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera
un testaferro del traidor de los aplausos
un servidor de pasado en copa nueva
un eternizador de dioses del ocaso
jubilo hervido con trapo y lentejuela
que cosa fuera -corazon- que cosa fuera
que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera
que cosa fuera -corazon- que cosa fuera
que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera.
Si no creyera en lo mas duro / si no creyera en el deseo
si no creyera en lo que creo / si no ceyera en algo puro.
Si no creyera en cada herida / si no creyera en la que ronde
si no creyera en lo que esconde / hacerse hermano de la vida.
Si no creyera en quien me escucha / si no creeyera en lo que duele
si no creyera en lo que queda / si no creyera en lo que lucha.
Que cosa fuera...
>>> Translation: The Stone Hammer - This song is full of symbolism and open to interpretation thus it is best interpreted within its political/historical context. Que cosa fuera la maza sin cantera? - What would the stone hammer be without the quarry? What change can be had if the hammer doesn’t strike the stone? You have to believe that you make a change and strive/fight to make it happen. If not, then you are simply part of the problem.
If I did not believe in the madness / from the mockingbird’s throat
if I did not believe that in the hills / hides the trill and the dread
If I did not believe in balance / in the reason for equilibrium.
If I did not believe in delirium / If I did not believe in hope
If I did not believe in what I’ve wrought / If I did not believe in my path
If I did not believe in my sound / If I did not believe in my silence
And what can be said?
What can be said of the mallet without quarry?
Naught but a paste made with strings and tendons,
a jumble of flesh with wood.
A tool with no greater splendour
then that of lights mounted for the stage.
What can be said, oh my love, what can be said?
What can be said of the mallet without quarry?
A figurehead of the traitor of the applause,
a servant of the of the past
who is poured in a new cup.
A perpetuator of the gods of the dusk,
a boiled delight served in rags and sequins.
What can be said, oh my love, what can be said?
What can be said of the mallet without quarry?
If I did not believe in that which is hardest / If I did not believe in desire
If I did not hold to my beliefs / If I did not believe in something pure
If I did not believe in every wound / If I did not believe in the one that’s coming
If I did not believe in what is hidden / by making oneself life’s brother
If I did not believe in those who hear me / If I did not believe what hurts
If I did not believe in what is left / If I did not believe in what fights!
3. Los Hermanos
Written by A. Yupanqui
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar,
en el valle, la montaña, en la pampa y en el mar.
Cada cual con sus trabajos, con sus sueños cada cual,
con la esperanza delante, con los recuerdos, detrás.
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar.
Gente de mano caliente por eso de la amistad,
con un rezo pa’ rezarlo, con un llanto pa’ llorar.
Con un horizonte abierto, que siempre está más allá,
y esa fuerza pa’ buscarlo con tesón y voluntad.
Cuando parece más cerca es cuando se aleja más.
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar.
Y así seguimos andando curtidos de soledad,
nos perdemos por el mundo, nos volvemos a encontrar.
Y así nos reconocemos por el lejano mirar,
por las coplas que mordemos, semillas de inmensidad.
Y así seguimos andando curtidos de soledad,
y en nosotros nuestros muertos pa’ que naide quede atrás.
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar,
y una novia muy hermosa que se llama libertad.
>>> Translation: Brothers - This is a political statement for all those who strive for liberty; especially those who live in exile while wishing that all their brothers were free.
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
In the jungle, in the mountains, in the highlands and in the sea
each with their own labors and each with their own dreams
with hope for the future and memories of the past
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
People with warm hands from their friendship
With a tear to cry, and a prayer to pray
With a limitless horizon, that always seems a bit farther
And with the drive to explore it with determination and will
When it seems like it's closer, is when it's actually further
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
And so we continue walking, covered in solitude
We get lost in the world and find ourselves again
And so we recognize ourselves by the distant look
By the songs that chew seeds of immensity
And so we continue walking, covered in solitude
And inside of ourselves we carry our dead, so no one is left behind
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
And a beautiful girlfriend named liberty
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar,
en el valle, la montaña, en la pampa y en el mar.
Cada cual con sus trabajos, con sus sueños cada cual,
con la esperanza delante, con los recuerdos, detrás.
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar.
Gente de mano caliente por eso de la amistad,
con un rezo pa’ rezarlo, con un llanto pa’ llorar.
Con un horizonte abierto, que siempre está más allá,
y esa fuerza pa’ buscarlo con tesón y voluntad.
Cuando parece más cerca es cuando se aleja más.
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar.
Y así seguimos andando curtidos de soledad,
nos perdemos por el mundo, nos volvemos a encontrar.
Y así nos reconocemos por el lejano mirar,
por las coplas que mordemos, semillas de inmensidad.
Y así seguimos andando curtidos de soledad,
y en nosotros nuestros muertos pa’ que naide quede atrás.
Yo tengo tantos hermanos, que no los puedo contar,
y una novia muy hermosa que se llama libertad.
>>> Translation: Brothers - This is a political statement for all those who strive for liberty; especially those who live in exile while wishing that all their brothers were free.
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
In the jungle, in the mountains, in the highlands and in the sea
each with their own labors and each with their own dreams
with hope for the future and memories of the past
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
People with warm hands from their friendship
With a tear to cry, and a prayer to pray
With a limitless horizon, that always seems a bit farther
And with the drive to explore it with determination and will
When it seems like it's closer, is when it's actually further
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
And so we continue walking, covered in solitude
We get lost in the world and find ourselves again
And so we recognize ourselves by the distant look
By the songs that chew seeds of immensity
And so we continue walking, covered in solitude
And inside of ourselves we carry our dead, so no one is left behind
I have so many brothers I can't count them all
And a beautiful girlfriend named liberty
4. Solo Le Pido A Dios
Written by L. Gieco
Solo le pido a Dios
Que el dolor no me sea indiferente
Que la reseca muerte no me encuentre
Vacio y solo sin haber echo lo suficiente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que lo injusto no me sea indiferente
Que no me abofeteen la otra mejia
Despues que una garra me arane esta frente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que la guerra no me sea indiferente
Es un monstro grande y pisa fuerte
Toda la pobre inocencia de la gente
Es un monstro grande y pisa fuerte
Toda la pobre inocencia de la gente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que el engano no me sea indiferente
Si un traidor puede mas que unos quantos
Que esos quantos no lo olviden facilmente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que el futuro no me sea indiferente
Deshauciado esta el que tiene que marchar
A vivir una cultura diferente
>>> Translation: I Only Ask of God - The lyrics are intended to shake people of their apathy. A summary translation of the sentiment of this song could be: I only ask of God that I not be indifferent to the pain, the injustice, the war, and the deception. I only ask of God that I not be indifferent to the future for hopeless is he who must march to live in a foreign land.
I only ask of God
that I am not indifferent to the pain,
that the dry death won’t find me
empty and alone, without having done anything
I only ask of God
that i won’t be indifferent to the injustice
that they won’t slap my other cheek,
after a claw (or talon) has scratched this destiny (luck) of mine
I only ask of God
that i am not indifferent to the battle,
it’s a big monster with a heavy step
all the poor innocence of the people.
I only ask of God
that i am not indifferent to deceit,
if a traitor can do more than a bunch of people,
then let not those people forget him easily.
I only ask of God
that I am not indifferent to the future,
hopeless is he who has to go away
to live a different culture.
I only ask of God
that i am not indifferent to the battle,
it’s a big monster with a heavy step
all the poor innocence of the people.
Solo le pido a Dios
Que el dolor no me sea indiferente
Que la reseca muerte no me encuentre
Vacio y solo sin haber echo lo suficiente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que lo injusto no me sea indiferente
Que no me abofeteen la otra mejia
Despues que una garra me arane esta frente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que la guerra no me sea indiferente
Es un monstro grande y pisa fuerte
Toda la pobre inocencia de la gente
Es un monstro grande y pisa fuerte
Toda la pobre inocencia de la gente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que el engano no me sea indiferente
Si un traidor puede mas que unos quantos
Que esos quantos no lo olviden facilmente
Solo le pido a Dios
Que el futuro no me sea indiferente
Deshauciado esta el que tiene que marchar
A vivir una cultura diferente
>>> Translation: I Only Ask of God - The lyrics are intended to shake people of their apathy. A summary translation of the sentiment of this song could be: I only ask of God that I not be indifferent to the pain, the injustice, the war, and the deception. I only ask of God that I not be indifferent to the future for hopeless is he who must march to live in a foreign land.
I only ask of God
that I am not indifferent to the pain,
that the dry death won’t find me
empty and alone, without having done anything
I only ask of God
that i won’t be indifferent to the injustice
that they won’t slap my other cheek,
after a claw (or talon) has scratched this destiny (luck) of mine
I only ask of God
that i am not indifferent to the battle,
it’s a big monster with a heavy step
all the poor innocence of the people.
I only ask of God
that i am not indifferent to deceit,
if a traitor can do more than a bunch of people,
then let not those people forget him easily.
I only ask of God
that I am not indifferent to the future,
hopeless is he who has to go away
to live a different culture.
I only ask of God
that i am not indifferent to the battle,
it’s a big monster with a heavy step
all the poor innocence of the people.
5. Todo Cambia
Written by J. Numhauser
Cambia lo superficial / cambia también lo profundo
cambia el modo de pensar / cambia todo en este mundo
Cambia el clima con los años / cambia el pastor su rebaño
y así como todo cambia / que yo cambie no es extraño
Cambia el mas fino brillante / de mano en mano su brillo
cambia el nido el pajarillo / cambia el sentir un amante
Cambia el rumbo el caminante / aunque esto le cause daño
y así como todo cambia / que yo cambie no extraño
Cambia todo cambia
Cambia el sol en su carrera / cuando la noche subsiste
cambia la planta y se viste / de verde en la primavera
Cambia el pelaje la fiera / Cambia el cabello el anciano
y así como todo cambia / que yo cambie no es extraño
Pero no cambia mi amor / por mas lejos que me encuentre
ni el recuerdo ni el dolor / de mi pueblo y de mi gente
Lo que cambió ayer / tendrá que cambiar mañana
así como cambio yo / en esta tierra lejana
Cambia todo cambia
>>> Translation: Everything Changes - The sentiment of this song is best explained by the feeling of sorrow of banishment from one’s country and the frustration of holding on to the memory while everything changes – including oneself.
The superficial things change / and so do things profound
our way of thinking changes / everything in this world changes
Climate changes with the years / a shepherd changes his flock
and since everything must change / that I should change is not strange
The finest brilliant thing / changes its luster from hand to hand
a bird’s nest can change / and so can a lover’s feelings
A walker changes their course / although it could cause harm
and since everything must change / that I should change is not strange
Change, everything changes
The sun changes in its path / when only night remains
a plant changes its garments / from the green it was in spring
Animals’ coats change / And the hair of the elderly
and since everything must change / that I should change is not strange
But my love does not change / no matter how far away I travel
nor the memory nor the pain / of my country and my people
What changed yesterday / will have to change tomorrow
just as I am changing / in this distant country
Change, everything changes
Cambia lo superficial / cambia también lo profundo
cambia el modo de pensar / cambia todo en este mundo
Cambia el clima con los años / cambia el pastor su rebaño
y así como todo cambia / que yo cambie no es extraño
Cambia el mas fino brillante / de mano en mano su brillo
cambia el nido el pajarillo / cambia el sentir un amante
Cambia el rumbo el caminante / aunque esto le cause daño
y así como todo cambia / que yo cambie no extraño
Cambia todo cambia
Cambia el sol en su carrera / cuando la noche subsiste
cambia la planta y se viste / de verde en la primavera
Cambia el pelaje la fiera / Cambia el cabello el anciano
y así como todo cambia / que yo cambie no es extraño
Pero no cambia mi amor / por mas lejos que me encuentre
ni el recuerdo ni el dolor / de mi pueblo y de mi gente
Lo que cambió ayer / tendrá que cambiar mañana
así como cambio yo / en esta tierra lejana
Cambia todo cambia
>>> Translation: Everything Changes - The sentiment of this song is best explained by the feeling of sorrow of banishment from one’s country and the frustration of holding on to the memory while everything changes – including oneself.
The superficial things change / and so do things profound
our way of thinking changes / everything in this world changes
Climate changes with the years / a shepherd changes his flock
and since everything must change / that I should change is not strange
The finest brilliant thing / changes its luster from hand to hand
a bird’s nest can change / and so can a lover’s feelings
A walker changes their course / although it could cause harm
and since everything must change / that I should change is not strange
Change, everything changes
The sun changes in its path / when only night remains
a plant changes its garments / from the green it was in spring
Animals’ coats change / And the hair of the elderly
and since everything must change / that I should change is not strange
But my love does not change / no matter how far away I travel
nor the memory nor the pain / of my country and my people
What changed yesterday / will have to change tomorrow
just as I am changing / in this distant country
Change, everything changes
6. Gracias a la Vida
Written by V. Parra
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me dio dos luceros que cuando los abro
Perfecto distingo lo negro del blanco
Y en el alto cielo su fondo estrellado
Y en las multitudes el hombre que yo amo
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado el oído que en todo su ancho
Graba noche y día grillos y canarios
Martirios, turbinas, ladridos, chubascos
Y la voz tan tierna de mi bien amado
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado el sonido y el abecedario
Con él, las palabras que pienso y declaro
Madre, amigo, hermano
Y luz alumbrando la ruta del alma del que estoy amando
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado la marcha de mis pies cansados
Con ellos anduve ciudades y charcos
Playas y desiertos, montañas y llanos
Y la casa tuya, tu calle y tu patio
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me dio el corazón que agita su marco
Cuando miro el fruto del cerebro humano
Cuando miro el bueno tan lejos del malo
Cuando miro el fondo de tus ojos claros
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado la risa y me ha dado el llanto
Así yo distingo dicha de quebranto
Los dos materiales que forman mi canto
Y el canto de ustedes que es el mismo canto
Y el canto de todos que es mi propio canto
Gracias a la vida, gracias a la vida
>>> Translation: Thanks to Life - The joy of life and all its experiences both good and bad. A journey as only music can express. The sentiment of this song is encapsulated in this verse: Thanks to life that has given me so much / It’s given me both laughter and tears / That’s how I know joy from loss / Both are integral to my song / And all of your songs which is of one song / And the song of all which is my only song
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me two bright eyes and when I open them
I distinguish perfectly the black from the white
and in the high sky its starred bottom
and in the crowd the man i love
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me ears open wide
they record night and day, crickets and canaries
hammers, turbines, barks, and rain showers
and my lover's tender voice
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me sound and a voice
with it the words I'm thinking and declaring
father, friend, brother and a light illuminating
the path of the soul that I am loving
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it has given me the march of my tired feet
with them I've crossed cities and puddles
beaches and desserts, mountains and planes
and your house, your street and your courtyard
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me my heart that flutters in its cage
when I see the fruit of the Human brain
when I see the good so far from the bad
when I see inside your clear eyes
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave the laughter and the crying
so I can distinguish happiness from sadness
both materials that form my song
and your song that is mine too
And the song of all which is my own song
thanks to the life that has given me so much
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me dio dos luceros que cuando los abro
Perfecto distingo lo negro del blanco
Y en el alto cielo su fondo estrellado
Y en las multitudes el hombre que yo amo
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado el oído que en todo su ancho
Graba noche y día grillos y canarios
Martirios, turbinas, ladridos, chubascos
Y la voz tan tierna de mi bien amado
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado el sonido y el abecedario
Con él, las palabras que pienso y declaro
Madre, amigo, hermano
Y luz alumbrando la ruta del alma del que estoy amando
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado la marcha de mis pies cansados
Con ellos anduve ciudades y charcos
Playas y desiertos, montañas y llanos
Y la casa tuya, tu calle y tu patio
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me dio el corazón que agita su marco
Cuando miro el fruto del cerebro humano
Cuando miro el bueno tan lejos del malo
Cuando miro el fondo de tus ojos claros
Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto
Me ha dado la risa y me ha dado el llanto
Así yo distingo dicha de quebranto
Los dos materiales que forman mi canto
Y el canto de ustedes que es el mismo canto
Y el canto de todos que es mi propio canto
Gracias a la vida, gracias a la vida
>>> Translation: Thanks to Life - The joy of life and all its experiences both good and bad. A journey as only music can express. The sentiment of this song is encapsulated in this verse: Thanks to life that has given me so much / It’s given me both laughter and tears / That’s how I know joy from loss / Both are integral to my song / And all of your songs which is of one song / And the song of all which is my only song
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me two bright eyes and when I open them
I distinguish perfectly the black from the white
and in the high sky its starred bottom
and in the crowd the man i love
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me ears open wide
they record night and day, crickets and canaries
hammers, turbines, barks, and rain showers
and my lover's tender voice
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me sound and a voice
with it the words I'm thinking and declaring
father, friend, brother and a light illuminating
the path of the soul that I am loving
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it has given me the march of my tired feet
with them I've crossed cities and puddles
beaches and desserts, mountains and planes
and your house, your street and your courtyard
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave me my heart that flutters in its cage
when I see the fruit of the Human brain
when I see the good so far from the bad
when I see inside your clear eyes
Thanks to the life that has given me so much
it gave the laughter and the crying
so I can distinguish happiness from sadness
both materials that form my song
and your song that is mine too
And the song of all which is my own song
thanks to the life that has given me so much
Chain Unbroken was recorded over the course of two months in Northern England. The majority of the songs that are on this album were written between 2006 and 2007 while Vanessa was either living in Ecuador or back home in Austin. It features an eclectic blend of alternative folk music accompanied by a variety of stringed and percussive instruments, balanced by expressive lyrics. Almost all of the recording artists on this record were local musicians from the Manchester area.
Lyrics >>>
Click track name to read lyrics
1. A Chain Unbroken
Written by Vanessa Lively
With words on my heart / People’s pain on my tongue / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things come undone / With lives passing by / All together we sigh for the hurt we see in their eyes / A reflection of all the lies
We keep telling ourselves / The water comes from no well / Source of life and we dispel / Cause we’re livin’ in a hell / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things still unspoken / Source of life is a chain unbroken / For all the things that we have spoken
So I wanna say
Hold her hand, hold his hand / Reach out and really take a stand / Breath on in to begin / One foot forward is how you start steppin’ in / Quiet lies, pass them by / Open hearts, minds to opportunity / Touch the water, make a sound / It all ripples ripples spinnin’ round and around
With words on my heart / People’s pain on my tongue / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things come undone / With lives passing by / All together we sigh for the hurt we see in their eyes / A reflection of all the lies
We keep telling ourselves / The water comes from no well / Source of life and we dispel / Cause we’re livin’ in a hell / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things still unspoken / Source of life is a chain unbroken / For all the things that we have spoken
So I wanna say
Hold her hand, hold his hand / Reach out and really take a stand / Breath on in to begin / One foot forward is how you start steppin’ in / Quiet lies, pass them by / Open hearts, minds to opportunity / Touch the water, make a sound / It all ripples ripples spinnin’ round and around / Around and around / Spinnin’ round and around (around and around) / Touch the water, make a sound / It all ripples spinnin’ round and (repeat)
With words on my heart / People’s pain on my tongue / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things come undone / With lives passing by / All together we sigh for the hurt we see in their eyes / A reflection of all the lies
We keep telling ourselves / The water comes from no well / Source of life and we dispel / Cause we’re livin’ in a hell / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things still unspoken / Source of life is a chain unbroken / For all the things that we have spoken
So I wanna say
Hold her hand, hold his hand / Reach out and really take a stand / Breath on in to begin / One foot forward is how you start steppin’ in / Quiet lies, pass them by / Open hearts, minds to opportunity / Touch the water, make a sound / It all ripples ripples spinnin’ round and around
With words on my heart / People’s pain on my tongue / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things come undone / With lives passing by / All together we sigh for the hurt we see in their eyes / A reflection of all the lies
We keep telling ourselves / The water comes from no well / Source of life and we dispel / Cause we’re livin’ in a hell / A mind, body and a spirit broken / So many things still unspoken / Source of life is a chain unbroken / For all the things that we have spoken
So I wanna say
Hold her hand, hold his hand / Reach out and really take a stand / Breath on in to begin / One foot forward is how you start steppin’ in / Quiet lies, pass them by / Open hearts, minds to opportunity / Touch the water, make a sound / It all ripples ripples spinnin’ round and around / Around and around / Spinnin’ round and around (around and around) / Touch the water, make a sound / It all ripples spinnin’ round and (repeat)
2. Shelly Fly
Written by Vanessa Lively
“Is there a light at the end of this tunnel,” she says / “‘Cause I don’t know why I keep hitting brick wall every time / I’m tryin’ to change my life, picking up pieces around / But something keeps coming my way and it’s bringin’ me down”
Life keeps on dealing her hands that she cannot refuse / The current is taking her down all the feeder streams / And history’s repeating itself each and every day / She’s desperately wanting someone who will take her away
But she wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly / She wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly
Well give her the strength to hold on to her own every day / Send her butterflies, flowers and winds that’ll show her the way / Whisper into her ear all those sweet nothings she’s longing to hear / Quietly drawing her into the mystery that you are near / ‘Cause I don’t know how to reach out and keep hold of her hand / But I wanna know she’s staying ready and willing to stand / I’ll close my eyes just long enough to know that you’re near / But she’ll close her eyes just long enough to start feeling her fear
But she wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly / She wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly
“Is there a light at the end of this tunnel,” she says / “‘Cause I don’t know why I keep hitting brick wall every time / I’m tryin’ to change my life, picking up pieces around / But something keeps coming my way and it’s bringin’ me down”
Life keeps on dealing her hands that she cannot refuse / The current is taking her down all the feeder streams / And history’s repeating itself each and every day / She’s desperately wanting someone who will take her away
But she wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly / She wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly
Well give her the strength to hold on to her own every day / Send her butterflies, flowers and winds that’ll show her the way / Whisper into her ear all those sweet nothings she’s longing to hear / Quietly drawing her into the mystery that you are near / ‘Cause I don’t know how to reach out and keep hold of her hand / But I wanna know she’s staying ready and willing to stand / I’ll close my eyes just long enough to know that you’re near / But she’ll close her eyes just long enough to start feeling her fear
But she wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly / She wants to fly / She doesn’t know why / She wants to fly, Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly / Fly Shelly fly
3. Dignificada
Written by Lila Downs, Paul Cohen and Armando Villareal
Soy una mujer que llora, soy una mujer que habla, soy una mujer que da la vida Soy una mujer que golpea, soy una mujer espiritual, soy una mujer que grita
Hay en la noche un grito y se escucha lejano / Cuentan al sur es la voz del silencio / En este armario hay un gato encerrado / Porque una mujer, porque una mujer defendio su derecho
De la montaña se escucha la voz de un rayo / Es el relampago claro de la verdad / En esta vida santa que nadie perdona nada / Pero si una mujer, pero si una mujer, pelea por su dignidad
Hay morena / Morenita Mia / No te olvidare Hay morena / Morenita Mia / no te olvidare
Te segui los pasos niña hasta llegar a la montaña / Y segui la ruta de dios que los animas acompañan / Y segui los pasos niña hasta llegar a la montaña / Y segui la ruta de dios que los animas acompañan
Hay en la noche una grita y se escucha lejano / Cuentan al sur es la voz del silencio / En este armario hay un gato encerrado / Porque una mujer, porque una mujer defendio su derecho
De la montaña se escucha la voz de un rayo / Es el relampago claro de la verdad / En esta vida santa que nadie perdona nada / Pero si una mujer, pero si una mujer, pelea por su dignidad
Hay morena / Morenita Mia / No te olvidare Hay morena / Morenita Mia / no te olvidare
Soy una mujer que llora, soy una mujer que habla, soy una mujer que da la vida Soy una mujer que golpea, soy una mujer espiritual, soy una mujer que grita
Hay en la noche un grito y se escucha lejano / Cuentan al sur es la voz del silencio / En este armario hay un gato encerrado / Porque una mujer, porque una mujer defendio su derecho
De la montaña se escucha la voz de un rayo / Es el relampago claro de la verdad / En esta vida santa que nadie perdona nada / Pero si una mujer, pero si una mujer, pelea por su dignidad
Hay morena / Morenita Mia / No te olvidare Hay morena / Morenita Mia / no te olvidare
Te segui los pasos niña hasta llegar a la montaña / Y segui la ruta de dios que los animas acompañan / Y segui los pasos niña hasta llegar a la montaña / Y segui la ruta de dios que los animas acompañan
Hay en la noche una grita y se escucha lejano / Cuentan al sur es la voz del silencio / En este armario hay un gato encerrado / Porque una mujer, porque una mujer defendio su derecho
De la montaña se escucha la voz de un rayo / Es el relampago claro de la verdad / En esta vida santa que nadie perdona nada / Pero si una mujer, pero si una mujer, pelea por su dignidad
Hay morena / Morenita Mia / No te olvidare Hay morena / Morenita Mia / no te olvidare
4. The Only Day There Is
Written by Vanessa Lively
Looking out the window today / All I see is loads of grey / And I think of yesterday But then again I know that I should be / A little bit of better company / ‘Cause there’s people right beside me
So I’ll look today as the only day there is / ‘Cause there’s no other way to go through life than this / And I’ll be right here in the moment (so) I don’t miss / A single thing waiting / Waiting like a kiss
But then again I feel I’m in a dream / Every day a bit of suffering / And I sit inside my house and sing / ‘Cause then I think of what the days will bring / I talk and talk about what’s up the stream / But here and now is just a part of my dream
So I’ll look today as the only day there is / ‘Cause there’s no other way to go through life than this / And I’ll be right here in the moment (so) I don’t miss / A single thing waiting / So I’ll look today as the only day there is / ‘Cause there’s no other way to go through life than this / And I’ll be right here in the moment (so) I don’t miss / A single thing waiting / Waiting like a kiss
Looking out the window today / All I see is loads of grey / And I think of yesterday But then again I know that I should be / A little bit of better company / ‘Cause there’s people right beside me
So I’ll look today as the only day there is / ‘Cause there’s no other way to go through life than this / And I’ll be right here in the moment (so) I don’t miss / A single thing waiting / Waiting like a kiss
But then again I feel I’m in a dream / Every day a bit of suffering / And I sit inside my house and sing / ‘Cause then I think of what the days will bring / I talk and talk about what’s up the stream / But here and now is just a part of my dream
So I’ll look today as the only day there is / ‘Cause there’s no other way to go through life than this / And I’ll be right here in the moment (so) I don’t miss / A single thing waiting / So I’ll look today as the only day there is / ‘Cause there’s no other way to go through life than this / And I’ll be right here in the moment (so) I don’t miss / A single thing waiting / Waiting like a kiss
5. Part of Me
Written by Vanessa Lively
Lying next to her / I feel the wind at my feet / I see the flakes in her hair / I see her bones and I weep / ‘Cause part of me wants to cry / And part of me wants to be / Locked up inside my car / Driving away at full speed / At full speed
And I don’t know why some of us get to leave / Some of us stay to fight / And some of us just breath / And I wanna be closer to them / I want them closer to me / And then I can fully be / I can fully be / I can, I can fully be
Walk across the street / there’s a gang of guys out there / They wanna wash your car / They wanna park you just right over there / But really all they want is to make an honest dime / And all they got on their bloodless hands is lots and lots of time / A lotta time
And I don’t know why some of us get by so free / Some of us try and try / And some of us just bleed / And I wanna be closer to them / I want them closer to me / And then I can fully be / I can fully be / I can, I can fully be
And what is it that we all want as human beings I mean / We wanna feel safe, we wanna feel free / But finding ways to make an honest dime isn’t as easy as it seems / When the whole world is against you and against your dreams / Against your dreams / Again and again and against your dreams
Lying next to him / I feel the wind at my feet / I see the flakes in his hair / I see his bones and I weep / ‘Cause part of me wants to cry / And part of me wants to be / Locked up inside my car / Driving away at full speed / At full speed
Lying next to her / I feel the wind at my feet / I see the flakes in her hair / I see her bones and I weep / ‘Cause part of me wants to cry / And part of me wants to be / Locked up inside my car / Driving away at full speed / At full speed
And I don’t know why some of us get to leave / Some of us stay to fight / And some of us just breath / And I wanna be closer to them / I want them closer to me / And then I can fully be / I can fully be / I can, I can fully be
Walk across the street / there’s a gang of guys out there / They wanna wash your car / They wanna park you just right over there / But really all they want is to make an honest dime / And all they got on their bloodless hands is lots and lots of time / A lotta time
And I don’t know why some of us get by so free / Some of us try and try / And some of us just bleed / And I wanna be closer to them / I want them closer to me / And then I can fully be / I can fully be / I can, I can fully be
And what is it that we all want as human beings I mean / We wanna feel safe, we wanna feel free / But finding ways to make an honest dime isn’t as easy as it seems / When the whole world is against you and against your dreams / Against your dreams / Again and again and against your dreams
Lying next to him / I feel the wind at my feet / I see the flakes in his hair / I see his bones and I weep / ‘Cause part of me wants to cry / And part of me wants to be / Locked up inside my car / Driving away at full speed / At full speed
6. This Small Little Town
Written by Vanessa Lively
The rain is falling / It keeps falling down / Soaking me to the core / The sky’s so grey I cannot see / And I cannot take much more
I walk up the hill clenching my teeth / Clenching my inner self / Can anybody possibly see me / Or am I somebody else
‘Cause the sun is hiding and it’s leaving no trace / And I can’t stand it anymore / Please, please won’t you show me your face / So I don’t walk out the door / Oh
So here you come to show yourself / And it’s not all I see / The sun shines the light on this small little town / And I see I’m suffering
‘Cause the people they talk about the same old thing / Everyone wanting more / And all I can do is just sit here and sing / So I don’t walk out the door
‘Cause the sun is shining and I feel the heat / And I can’t stand it anymore / Show me the reason that I came to this town / So I don’t walk out the door / ‘Cause now the sun is shining and I feel the heat / Please won’t you warm my heart / Show me the reason that I came to this town / ‘Cause you were here from the start / Oh...
The rain is falling / It keeps falling down / Soaking me to the core / The sky’s so grey I cannot see / And I cannot take much more
I walk up the hill clenching my teeth / Clenching my inner self / Can anybody possibly see me / Or am I somebody else
‘Cause the sun is hiding and it’s leaving no trace / And I can’t stand it anymore / Please, please won’t you show me your face / So I don’t walk out the door / Oh
So here you come to show yourself / And it’s not all I see / The sun shines the light on this small little town / And I see I’m suffering
‘Cause the people they talk about the same old thing / Everyone wanting more / And all I can do is just sit here and sing / So I don’t walk out the door
‘Cause the sun is shining and I feel the heat / And I can’t stand it anymore / Show me the reason that I came to this town / So I don’t walk out the door / ‘Cause now the sun is shining and I feel the heat / Please won’t you warm my heart / Show me the reason that I came to this town / ‘Cause you were here from the start / Oh...
7. What Do You Want?
Written by Vanessa Lively
Do you want me to give and then give some more / Give till there really is nothing much left of me / Do you feel you can just take and then take some more / Take till there almost is nothing inside of me / Why don’t I just lie down on the ground lie face down for you here and let you walk over me / Then you’ll stand there and say it’s not good enough, say you’ll have better, then turn and then walk away
Well I love you / And I wanna give / But oh no, no / I can’t take much more of this
Let me tell you right now I’m no good I ‘m no good I ‘m no good at this kinda thing / But all that’s gonna change ‘cause I’m willing to show you / That there’s a new side of me / So you better stop closing your eyes and believing your lies / Learn to just give some more / You might see that there’s joy in the giving, there’s much more to living your life with an open door
Well I love you / And I wanna give / But oh no, no / I can’t take much more of this / I can’t take much more of this / I can’t take much more of this / I can’t take much more of this
Do you want me to give and then give some more / Give till there really is nothing much left of me / Do you feel you can just take and then take some more / Take till there almost is nothing inside of me / Why don’t I just lie down on the ground lie face down for you here and let you walk over me / Then you’ll stand there and say it’s not good enough, say you’ll have better, then turn and then walk away
Well I love you / And I wanna give / But oh no, no / I can’t take much more of this
Let me tell you right now I’m no good I ‘m no good I ‘m no good at this kinda thing / But all that’s gonna change ‘cause I’m willing to show you / That there’s a new side of me / So you better stop closing your eyes and believing your lies / Learn to just give some more / You might see that there’s joy in the giving, there’s much more to living your life with an open door
Well I love you / And I wanna give / But oh no, no / I can’t take much more of this / I can’t take much more of this / I can’t take much more of this / I can’t take much more of this
8. Jesusa
Written by Vanessa Lively
Estoy leyendo sobre una mujer / Y viviendo su vida tambien / Y aquí estoy tan lejos de ti / Pero yo puedo ver todo qué sufriste
Y ahora mi corazon esta llorando / Porque no puedo entender ni cambiarlo / Voy a cantar, voy a bailar, voy a dar el amor / Voy a gritar, voy a marchar, voy a rezar
Jesusa, Jesusa, Jesusa
Vives la vida como animal / Buscando comida, tienes que luchar / No tienes hogar en ninguna parte / Solo el suelo ellos van a darte
Y ahora mi corazon esta llorando / Porque no puedo entender ni cambiarlo / Voy a cantar, voy a bailar, voy a dar el amor / Voy a gritar, voy a marchar, voy a rezar
Jesusa, Jesusa, Jesusa
Estoy leyendo sobre una mujer / Y viviendo su vida tambien / Y aquí estoy tan lejos de ti / Pero yo puedo ver todo qué sufriste
Y ahora mi corazon esta llorando / Porque no puedo entender ni cambiarlo / Voy a cantar, voy a bailar, voy a dar el amor / Voy a gritar, voy a marchar, voy a rezar
Jesusa, Jesusa, Jesusa
Vives la vida como animal / Buscando comida, tienes que luchar / No tienes hogar en ninguna parte / Solo el suelo ellos van a darte
Y ahora mi corazon esta llorando / Porque no puedo entender ni cambiarlo / Voy a cantar, voy a bailar, voy a dar el amor / Voy a gritar, voy a marchar, voy a rezar
Jesusa, Jesusa, Jesusa
9. Before Her Time
Written by Vanessa Lively
You were a flower cut before her time / It isn’t yours, it isn’t mine / To say how or when we return home / We need your love to warm our hearts / Send a light into the darkness in their minds they feel / A daughter torn
Oh Ashley look at what you’ve done for me / You want me to believe / You want her to believe / Oh Ashley can’t you see you set me free / A miracle to hold onto / A tiny glimpse for all to see / For all to see
So they need to know there was a time / A task undone, you were in line / To serve, to give the love / You love so free / To be an angel in disguise / We cannot see with earthen eyes / That by the love you gave / You set him free
Oh Ashley look at what you’ve done for me / You want him to believe / You want her to believe / Oh Ashley can’t you see you set them free / A miracle to hold onto / A tiny glimpse for all to see / For all to see
So we need your love to understand there was a time, there was a plan / And you had the strength to lend a hand / You pushed your life aside to be / A guiding light that all can see / And that is what you told me in the dream
Oh Ashley look at what you’ve done for me / You want him to believe / You want her to believe / Oh Ashley can’t you see you set them free / A miracle to hold onto / A tiny glimpse for all to see / For all to see
Oh Ashley / Oh Ashley / Oh Ashley / Oh Ashley / Ashley, Ashley
You were a flower cut before her time / It isn’t yours, it isn’t mine / To say how or when we return home / We need your love to warm our hearts / Send a light into the darkness in their minds they feel / A daughter torn
Oh Ashley look at what you’ve done for me / You want me to believe / You want her to believe / Oh Ashley can’t you see you set me free / A miracle to hold onto / A tiny glimpse for all to see / For all to see
So they need to know there was a time / A task undone, you were in line / To serve, to give the love / You love so free / To be an angel in disguise / We cannot see with earthen eyes / That by the love you gave / You set him free
Oh Ashley look at what you’ve done for me / You want him to believe / You want her to believe / Oh Ashley can’t you see you set them free / A miracle to hold onto / A tiny glimpse for all to see / For all to see
So we need your love to understand there was a time, there was a plan / And you had the strength to lend a hand / You pushed your life aside to be / A guiding light that all can see / And that is what you told me in the dream
Oh Ashley look at what you’ve done for me / You want him to believe / You want her to believe / Oh Ashley can’t you see you set them free / A miracle to hold onto / A tiny glimpse for all to see / For all to see
Oh Ashley / Oh Ashley / Oh Ashley / Oh Ashley / Ashley, Ashley
10. Lullaby
Written by Vanessa Lively
Another star, a lover down / Another stone falls at my feet / Sky is grey, stone as cloud / There there on another cold street / And the writing on the wall, all the letters to my feet / Whispering everywhere a note to catch another’s dream
And fall, fall, falling down / Tumbling to the ground / And rise, rise up again / The whispering’s in the wind / I said the whispering’s in the wind
On another sad day she wants to play a whispering game at my door / And the feeling’s in the air making me make me want more / And I’ll never drown, no I’ll never fall / ‘Cause falling is fallen down stairs / And there, there’s another step, there, there’s another place / There’s another stone over there / And there, there’s another step, there, there’s another place / There’s another stone over there
And fall, fall, falling down / Tumbling to the ground / And rise, rise up again / The whispering’s in the wind / I said the whispering’s in the wind
Crimsony poses, big and white roses / Weaving together sweet melodies / A story she knows so well, a tale she thought she’d never tell / Singing her songs at my feet / And floating in the wind they’re there whispering in other’s ears tales and tells of other’s lives slowly, gently waiting there / It’s a story I know well, a tale I thought I’d never tell / Singing my songs at your feet
And fall, fall, falling down / Tumbling to the ground / And rise, rise up again / The whispering’s in the wind / I said the whispering’s in the wind
Another star, a lover down / Another stone falls at my feet / Sky is grey, stone as cloud / There there on another cold street / And the writing on the wall, all the letters to my feet / Whispering everywhere a note to catch another’s dream
And fall, fall, falling down / Tumbling to the ground / And rise, rise up again / The whispering’s in the wind / I said the whispering’s in the wind
On another sad day she wants to play a whispering game at my door / And the feeling’s in the air making me make me want more / And I’ll never drown, no I’ll never fall / ‘Cause falling is fallen down stairs / And there, there’s another step, there, there’s another place / There’s another stone over there / And there, there’s another step, there, there’s another place / There’s another stone over there
And fall, fall, falling down / Tumbling to the ground / And rise, rise up again / The whispering’s in the wind / I said the whispering’s in the wind
Crimsony poses, big and white roses / Weaving together sweet melodies / A story she knows so well, a tale she thought she’d never tell / Singing her songs at my feet / And floating in the wind they’re there whispering in other’s ears tales and tells of other’s lives slowly, gently waiting there / It’s a story I know well, a tale I thought I’d never tell / Singing my songs at your feet
And fall, fall, falling down / Tumbling to the ground / And rise, rise up again / The whispering’s in the wind / I said the whispering’s in the wind
11. Alleluia
Written by Vanessa Lively
We’re gonna rise above and break the chains that bound / We’re gonna rise up singing and spread more love around / ‘Cause when we free ourselves freedom can be found / So we’ll raise our voice together and make a joyful sound / And we’ll be singing
Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna rise above / Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna fill the world up with love
We’re gonna rise above and open up our eyes / We’re gonna rise up singing and change each others lives / ‘Cause when we reach out and take another’s hand / We’ll raise our voice together as we walk across this land / And we’ll be singing
Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna rise above / Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna fill the world up with love / Alle Alleluia Come on and take another’s hand / Alle Alleluia We’ll join you in this land / We’ll join you, I said we’ll join you in this land
We’re gonna rise above and break the chains that bound / We’re gonna rise up singing and spread more love around / ‘Cause when we free ourselves freedom can be found / So we’ll raise our voice together and make a joyful sound / And we’ll be singing
Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna rise above / Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna fill the world up with love
We’re gonna rise above and open up our eyes / We’re gonna rise up singing and change each others lives / ‘Cause when we reach out and take another’s hand / We’ll raise our voice together as we walk across this land / And we’ll be singing
Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna rise above / Alle Alleluia / We’re gonna fill the world up with love / Alle Alleluia Come on and take another’s hand / Alle Alleluia We’ll join you in this land / We’ll join you, I said we’ll join you in this land