Lyrics

This Is How You Love

this is how you grow, pause take it slow
find a spot of sun, where you can come undone
take yourself out there breathe a new air, this is how you grow
this is how you walk, one step at a time
though the wind may blow, though the wind may howl
take your aching heart out into the blue, that’s all you need to do
its not easy knowing what to do, when voices in your head are drowning you
sometimes its hard to find… your way to the light of day
but here’s a thread… to hold onto, every question has its answer due
just give it time…it will float up to you

this is how you find, a way to let go
go down to the sea, she loves company
dive into her waves… cause she know how to save, how to save souls
and when you’re there let go, darling just give in
let her waves break over you, give into the flow
you have to surrender, let her turn what’s hard to tender…just let go
its not easy knowing what to do,
but you can’t mend what you holding tightly to
rancor and hate… burns no-one else but you,
be a kindness, speak with warm intent, be love’s language not it’s accent
give love… cause a ripple effect

this is how you find, a way to yourself
find out who you are, your ancestry
celebrate each life living inside you, love, love them all
and once you love them all, each and every face
open up your eyes turn your gaze outside,
see family in every face you meet, this is how you love
boundless love touches on one and all, with no favor for the great, the small
bias and hate… burns no-one else but you,
be a kindness, speak with warm intent, be love’s language not it’s accent
give love… cause a ripple effect

this is how you love, open up your heart
open hearts receive, closed hearts they bleed
vulnerable and brave, speak the words and say, I love you
this is how you love, cast your fears aside
open wide your arms be a love guide,
vulnerable and brave, the only way to be, this is how you love
vulnerable and brave, the only way to be
this is how you love
this is how you love
this is how you love

© 3 June 2017 Bettina Schouw Rondebosch 7700 Cape Town South Africa ℗ Tick Tock Productions CC

How To Do This

here we walk down this road much sooner than expected
how could i know, how could you know
here i watch you stumble; watch you fall but try as i might i can’t catch you
my arms are tied how do i keep from breaking inside
loving you as i do, i’m torn in two as you travel solo down this winding path
like to be the guide to set aside the confusion and pain circling your eyes
wish i could wind back the clock make this stop
ease this heaviness fix it with a kiss
but i don’t know, i don’t know how to do this

here i watch a wisdom grow much sooner than expected
how could i know, how could you know
here i watch you stumble and fall again
but this time around you catch yourself
you’re finding your way, something tells me that you’ll be okay
loving you as i do, i’m torn in two as you travel solo down this winding path
like to be the guide to set aside the confusion and pain circling your eyes
wish i could wind back the clock make this stop
ease this heaviness fix it with a kiss
but i don’t know, i don’t know how to do this

so i conjure us a courage, rally faith to our side
i kiss your face your eyes your ears and i wrap my arms around you
and i hold you yes i hold you and tell you that i love you
plant the words into your skin, so when doubt and fear arise
just close your eyes and you’ll feel love bloom within
everyday an array of visitors come calling, knocking, beating at the door
cloaked in disguise, it’s no surprise why at first we can’t see the blessing
take a deep breath, inhale exhale, relinquish all control
could this be could it be the learning?
as you go i hope you know i’m still here, always here for you
as you go i hope know wherever you are that’s where i’ll be

here we walk down this road, much sooner than expected
this letting go, it’s not easy no
let’s take it slow, cause you’re learning how to do this
let’s take it slow, cause i’m learning how to do this
let’s take it slow, cause we’re learning how to do this

[© 18 Jan 2013 Bettina Schouw Rondebosch Cape Town South Africa ℗ Tick Tock Productions CC]

 1. TICK-TOCK

Something crazy happens deep down inside of me

In the dark blue rooms of this restless soul

When i’m with you a bewitched and bewildered woman

With an aching thirst and hungry eyes loses control

Look at her eyes see how they shine

Must be the warmth of the sweet mulled red wine

No it’s the light of a thousand fireflies

Dancing in the shadows of her eyes

And tick-tock, tick-tock, goes this heart

Tick tock tick, when you start

Tick tock tick, to look at me

Tick tock tick, surely you can see that i like you

One day to my surprise you walked right in

And i found you, found you wandering my mind

I smiled and said hello and let you look around

Thinking soon the way out you’d find

But the woman inside of me she sighed

And she cried and something inside of her died

She said i can feel you inside

I can feel you, i can feel you, i can feel you

And tick-tock, tick-tock, goes this heart

Tick tock tick, when you start

Tick tock tick, to look at me

Tick tock tick, surely you can see that i like you

You might find, baby i’m out of line

But in time, you’ll see baby that we were meant to be

Only time will tell us which way to go

But till then, i really need to be closer to you, you see

I really, really, really like you

Something crazy happens deep down inside of me

In the dark blue rooms of this restless soul

When i’m with you a bewitched and bewildered woman

With an aching thirst and hungry eyes loses control

Look at her eyes see how they shine

Must be the warmth of the sweet mulled red wine

No it’s the light of a thousand fireflies

Dancing in the shadows of her eyes

And tick-tock, tick-tock goes this heart

Tick tock tick when you start

Tick tock tick to look at me

Tick tock tick surely you can see that i like you

Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock….

2. MISS JONES FROM FISH HOEK SAYS

Browsing through the daily papers The headlines jump out at me

I usually kill gunman tells his victim

Father and son smile at the camera lucky to be alive

after being abducted by a hijack gang

What’s going on around here, a state of fear abounds here

And everybody’s running, running scared

Someone asks you for help, you stop to lend a hand

And the next thing you know somebody’s breathing down your neck

With a gun to your head or you’re dead

You turn the page hoping that there’s some good news

That will relieve your aching head

But you’re out of luck you read that child abuse is on the rise again

How many of you here, have felt the small child’s fear

And who of you here have meted out this shame

If you’re a guilty one, go on get help go run

And may god in his mercy keep you and protect you from these angry hands

My body’s numb I’m feeling tired as i heave a deep sigh

In quiet desperation I close the page then a tele-letter captures my eye

Miss Jones from Fishhoek says hear ye well

We have to stand together to combat the crime

Then I see through her eye the wealth of her advice

And I realise that we can make a difference but we’re running out of time

Don’t give up there’s always hope

Where there’s hope there must be light

Where there’ light there must be a way

Find that light within yourself, spread that light amongst each other

And together we will find a way

3.YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL (song for Jeanine)

You don’t have to climb a ladder to the sky to pluck a star for me

The smile in your eyes is all Ineed to see

And you don’t have to tie rainbows in my hair, just to show you care

Of your precious love I’ve always been aware

You don’t know just what your love has done for me

No you don’t know the half of what you’ve given me

You were light when i was in shadow, you were bow to my broken arrow

I mean you, i mean you

Your embrace given tenderly, helped me face the demons within

It was you, yes you came through

So don’t tell me that you’re not strong or say you don’t belong

Look what you’ve given me, now give it to yourself

Look to your heart and see, that you’re beautiful to me

Time has passed and we’ve both changed in so many ways

And with it comes the pain of knowing that light and darkness is the same

It lives in you, it lives in me in so many ways,

It is always there, the trick of it all is just to be aware

Take the time to listen to the message of your heart

Then start to love the one you are

You are light you are shadow, you are bow you arrow

I mean you, i mean you

The strength i have now has its source in you

So look to your strength let it shine, just for you, let it shine

So don’t tell me that you’re not strong or say you don’t belong

Look what you’ve given me, now give it to yourself

Look to your heart and see, that you’re beautiful

You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful look and see

You are, you are beautiful,

You are, you are beautiful

You are, you are beautiful, just look and see

4. MOTHER NATURE’S EYES

I see a woman walking down the street

She walks with pride as she swiftly strides by

I see a woman walking down the street

She is the guide to places deep inside

And nothing can hold her back, no nothing can hold her back

She’s strong, she is wise, she’s got mother nature’s eyes

And written in the stars above, the heavens call her child of love

She’s grace she is power, she’s the moment, she’s the hour

And she sings hey na na na, hey na na na

She’s strong, she is wise, she’s got mother nature’s eyes

Hey na na na, hey na na na

She’s grace she is power, she’s the moment, she’s the hour

I see a woman walking down the street

She’s the amazon, she fears no one

I see a woman walking down the street

And the fire in her eyes lights up the darkened skies

And nothing can hold her back, no nothing can hold her back

She’s spirit’s, she is fire, she can climb a mountain high

See her on that mountain peak, watch her run, watch her leap

She dives into the sky, she’s an eagle she can fly

And she sings, hey na na na, hey na na na

She’s spirit’s, she is fire, she can climb a mountain high

Hey na na na, hey na na na

She dives into the sky, she’s an eagle she can fly

I see a woman walking down the street

And the sky cries here comes the sunrise

I see a woman walking down the street

And her face aglow shines on the earth below

And nothing can hold her back, no nothing can hold her back

She is Neptune’s child, riding waves free and wild

And hidden in the ancient sea, lies her magic mystery

She is the chosen one, she is blessed by father sun

And she sings, hey na na na, hey na na na

Everywhere that she goes, it’s clear everybody knows

Hey na na na, hey na na na

She is the chosen one, she is blessed by father sun

5. I’M LOOKING AT YOU

Lying here in the afterglow of love, I feel the presence of you

Lying here I feel a sense of peace, oh sweet release here at your side

Sweet love you have caressed me, sweet love you have blessed me

And my old alibi dressed in stars and night sky, smiles at me as I say

I have this feeling that something good is coming my way

Oh and I can’t contain this feeling or try to hold it at bay

Cause when you are near, you are the source you’re the pointer

That reveals loves true north, so I’m taking my cue

What else can I do, I just have to pursue what my soul’s set to do

I’m stubborn that way, but I’m happy to say I’m looking at you

Like the honeybird drinking from the mouth of the flower

The devourer becomes the devoured, that’s the nature of love

Sky and sea which one contains the gentle hue of blue

Where does sky end and where does sea begin

Which one is mirror which one’s the reflection in

Sweet love you have caressed me, sweet love you have blessed me

And the wind passing by settling down with a sigh, smiles at me as I say

Oh that I have this feeling that something good is coming my way

Oh and I can’t contain this feeling or try to hold it at bay

Cause when you are near, you are the craft

On the waters moving straight through my heart

As I carry you through my private bayou, I’m looking at you

Take it from me you’re in all that I see

I’m looking at you, oh believe me when I say

You’re the moon in my hand, you’re the hand round my heart

You’re the heart that I wear on my sleeve, you are my silent prayer

On my lips you’re the kiss, in my ear you’re the tune

In my soul you are the howl that I cry when it’s full moon

I tell you it’s true no one else will do, I’m looking at you

I’m looking at you, I’m looking at you

6. PICASSO PAINTED THE SKY TODAY

I have a story that I’d like to share with you

It’s all about God, a painter and the big blue

All that you need is an open heart

I’ll give you a minute, then I’ll start

You see it happened one day while God was having his nap

He was awoken by a soft persistent tap

This better be of import’ he thought as he crossed the floor

Saying who goes there as he flung wide the door

But nobody came forward, so he turned around

Then from the shadows he heard a sound

Show me your face, come on into the light sire

And tell me what it is that you desire

A thousand pardons my lord, for disturbing your sleep

It is I Picasso and my need is deep

One minute of your time is what I need today

And then dear lord I’ll be on my way

You see I cannot let go of a certain kind of sadness

That overcomes me when I watch the world’s madness

I’ve come to ask a favour of you

‘bout something that I would like to do

I’d like to give a gift to humanity

That might bring a moment of lucidity

And God in his wisdom nodded his head

As he listened to what Picasso said

You have my blessing go do what you must do

And may the big brilliant blue be kind to you

After Picasso left god stood there for a while

Then slowly he walked back to his room with a smile

Well it was just another as I walked by the sea

The sky was blue, the sun was sinking slowly

The day had been hard and I was feeling al down

When suddenly I looked up and joy was all around

There was Picasso at work and at play

I saw Picasso paint the sky today

The fire of his yellow, orange and red

Filled me with a passion that went straight to my head

Pinks and purples and shades of violet too

Were splashed everywhere like a colour zoo

The hues he used were so exquisitely fine

It filled me with a blessing so divine

I saw Picasso at work and at play

I saw Picasso paint the sky today

So if you’re free come take a walk with me

Who knows tomorrow we may see, I think tomorrow we may see

Who knows tomorrow we may see, Modigliani

7. ME AND MY PERFUME AND THE MAN IN THE MOON

I think it’s only fair to tell you

Don’t want you thinking that I’m underhand no, no

Cause ‘though I’m not there, I still have designs on you

I’ve been down to dark blue places met Persephone and Hades

In the halls of Dis I walked the all-time low

To put out the glow that is you

So I did myself a favour, I found me two friends

and I asked them to use their influence

“cause as long as your love’s inside of me

I’m not letting you off that easily

So me and my perfume and the man in the moon

Have woven a timeless spell around you

Yes me and my perfume and the man in the moon

Won’t let you forget about me, won’t let you off that easily

And late at night when you’re led by sleep to your lonely bed

My scent will creep through your duvet and circle ‘round your head

And the perfumed dreams of me, will be the only dreams you see in your head, ooh yeah

And the man in the moon, has promised that when he’s full bloom

Like the tide you’ll be affected

The ache you feel inside will be connected to and only satisfied by me

Well you might think that I’ve gone crazy, you might think that I’m insane

You’re probably right but here we come again

Three against one, I know that’s not fair

But as long as your love haunts me, you’ll have to pay the fare

For me and my perfume and the man in the moon

Have woven a timeless spell around you

Yes me and my perfume and the man in the moon

Won’t let you forget about me, won’t let you off that easily

Me and my perfume and the man in the moon (X3)

8. WATERS OF MARCH

A stick a stone, the end of the road

The rest of the stump a lonesome road

It’s a sliver of glass it is life it’s the sun

It is life it is death it’s a trap it’s a gun

The oak when it blooms the fox in the brush

The knot of the wood the song of the thrush

The woo of the wind, a cliff a fall

A scratch a lump it is nothing at all

It’s the wind blowing free it’s the end of the slope

It’s a bean it’s a void it’s a hunch it’s a hope

And the river bank talks of the waters of march

It’s the end of the strain it’s the joy in your heart

The foot the ground the flesh and the bone

The beat of the road a sling shot stone

A truck load of bricks in the soft morning light

The shot of the gun in the dead of the night

A mile a must a thrust a bump

It’s a girl it’s a rhyme it’s the cold it’s the mumps

The plan of the house the body in bed

And the car that got stuck it’s the mud it’s the mud

Afloat adrift a flight a wing, a cock a quail the promise of spring

And the river bank talks of the waters of march

It’s the promise of life it’s the joy in your heart

A point a brain a bee a bite, a blink a buzzard a sudden stroke of night

A pin a needle a stain a pain, a snail a riddle a wasp a stain

A snake a stick it is John it is Joe, a fish a flash a silvery glow

And the river bank talks of the waters of march

It’s the promise of life it’s the joy in your heart

9. HOWLING AT THE MOON

With you phaetons of light from the sun they come shining through

Oh with you, I could be a mountain

Reaching the sky oh way up high

You might find that I’m afraid to move in your direction

But ultimately I know, there’s nowhere else to go,

But to you I give all the love I have inside

Unashamedly I give to you all

All that I am all that I’ll ever be

Maybe I’ve gone crazy, maybe I don’t seem to care

That you don’t really love me that you’re not really there

Like a raving lunatic I’m running round and round in circles

Saying I love you

I’m howling at the moon, my song is out of tune

My sharps have turned to flats, that’s just about where it’s all at

Somebody please help me find the major to this minor key

Cause I find that I can’t stop this howling at the moon

Now that our song is out of tune

I find that i can’t stop this howling at the moon

I’m howling at the moon (x3)

10. THE CHILD IN YOU

I remember when I was a child, after spending the day running wild

I’d retire to my aunt’s room, I’d wear her jewellery and I’d smell her perfume

And I’d say,I want to be grown-up and big like you

I want to do the things that grown-ups do

I want to wear lipstick and tease my hear

Paint my toe-nails red and make people stare

She’d say slow down hear what I say

Your time will come to be a woman someday

Just treat yourself with more love and more care

Love the child you are inside that’s a dare, that’s a dare

Now I’m big I do the things that grown-ups do

I don’t get chicken pox I just get the flu

I spend my time running around all day

There’s time for work but there’s no time for play

I am exhausted Tina stress is my name

Being an artiste it comes with the game

Dear Doctor Grimwood says take some time out

He obviously doesn’t know what my life’s about

He says slow down hear what I say

You’ve got to find time there must be a way

To treat yourself with more love and more care

Love the child you are inside that’s a dare, that’s a dare

Old William Shakespeare once put it this way

To thine own self be true as night follows day

Though canst not then be falls to any man

Take heed of the picture take heed of the plan

Look to yourself in that there lies the key

Everything you are is what life can be

Love lives inside you it’s your shining sun

Open its doors and this love will reach everyone, will reach everyone

This thing called life moves by so fast, before you know it it’s gone in a blast

And just the other day I nearly died, when a drunken driver crashed into my side

Well that got my attention I was quite wired, at the thought that I had nearly been retired

I made a promise to myself I’ll be nice, and I will heed the good doctor’s advice

Slow down hear what I say

You’ve got to find time there must be a way

To treat yourself with more love and more care

Love the child you are inside that’s a dare that’s a dare

Look into yourself in that there lies the key(x3)

11. THIS GIRL AT HER VOLCANO

Here I am, back on this winding path again

I feel my heart give a start again as the old familiar fear settles in

Nobody told me that it would be so hard

And I brace myself, as I face myself, this girl at her volcano

I’m standing at the eye of the crater wide-eyed I’m looking in

I feel a thousand angry flames reach out and scratch my name on the surface of my skin

What dark and angry demon dragged me down to this wretched place

There’s no way but to go through the flames this I know

There is no way but to go through the flame

Come see the pyre, burn high and higher

Can you feel the heat, rising through your feet

Feed your desire, jump through the fire

Purge yourself of shame, purify your name

Dance with your demon, look it the eye

Recognise its strength, but never say die

Feel claim your courage don’t be discouraged

Let the battle begin, you can win

I’m standing here inside of the crater and my eyes look from within

And my spirit present here feels no pain and feels no fear

There’s a strength in me I feel, it says death has no dominion

And like a phoenix I know I will rise

There’s no way but to go through the flame this i know

There’s no way but to go through the flame

Jump, jump, jump, jump

12. THE GUARDIAN AND THE KEEPER OF THE FLAME

As I awoke early one winter’s morning

I heard a voice so clear I heard it calling

Come, come it said, come walk with me, there’s so much here for you to see

And so it was the morn I went a-journeying

Dear mother and dear father walked with me

And taught me how to embrace the journey

Then as I opened my arms wide, they smiled and slowly left my side

And so alone I carried on a-journeying

I rambled down that road, many a mile

Then chanced upon a woman and how she made me smile

We sang and danced, we said adieu, when that one road had become two

And so alone I carried on a-journeying

One night while resting at an open fire

I met a man, he filled me with desire

I learnt to laugh, I learnt to cry, I learnt a bitter-sweet goodbye

And so alone I carried on a-journeying

I travelled, down that road narrow and wide

Hoping to fill a need so deep inside

And then one day I heard the sound of footsteps treading on the ground

And so I stopped and slowly turned around

Who walks with me, who travels by my side

Show me your face do not in darkness hide

Then suddenly a light appeared and that sweet voice so clear I heard

Came calling, calling, calling out to me

Fear not I come in love, it is my name

I am the guardian and the keeper of the flame

I am the light that shines your way, I live in you, I’m here to stay

No longer feel alone, for I am near

Then darkness it descended all around

And a silence settled over me and I was ground

No longer did I feel alone, for I had found my true heart’s home

And so again I carried on a-journeying

And now with pride I can sing out my name

I’ll shout it from the mountains, again and again

For though I‘ve stilled my heart’s yearning

Still will I keep a-journeying with the guardian and the keeper of the flame

Yes I have found the guardian and the keeper of the flame

[All songs © of Bettina Schouw]

 

 

(from the children’s album The Goodnight Songs)

The sun has gone the moon is here wearing stars in her hair
Everyone turn out your light its time to say goodnight
Goodnight teddy bear, goodnight bed and chair
Goodnight roof and floor, goodnight creaking door
Goodnight howling wind, goodnight birds that sing
Goodnight trees and fleas, no more biting please
Goodnight twinkling star, goodnight broken car
Goodnight man in the moon, sleep tight see you soon
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.

1. WINDS CALL

 

Listen to the sound of my wings

Listen to the son g my heart sings

Listen to the sound of my cry,I am eagle, the all-seeing- eye

I am watching, watching you

I am waiting for you to walk with time

hand in hand, journey this unknown land

I am the presence rustling the leaves

I am the air your heart breathes

I am the echo I am the space, I lie beneath the mask of your face

I am the eagle soaring the sky, I am the elders dancing the fire

I am the star-walkers charting your course

The ancestors of your life force

I am earth rebirthing you, I am fire baptizing you

I am water cleansing your soul,I am the winds call

 

2. BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

Every day I celebrate beautiful woman, beautiful me

Every day I celebrate beautiful woman, beautiful me

I celebrate, I recreate, everything I am, everything that’s me

The God of sky shining through my eyes

Says the world is mine, sweet law divine

Everyday…

Oh sacred tribe of women past, you have circled me, you have blessed this child

Oh royal red running through my veins, dance with me and sing my soul again

Everyday…

My sister friends, my angel guides, you are the mirror to my truth inside

Each of you a flame in me, shining bright, we light the galaxy

Everyday …

 

3. JANUS

Who are you, why do you shadow me?

I do not recall a request for company

What’s the reason for your daily call?

Have we met somewhere? Do I know you at all?

Are you from near or afar? Have you come to heal or to harm?

Are you friend or dreaded foe? Should I stay, should I go, I don’t know

I’m the darkling I’m your shadow twin

I know the sacred sites of your soul’s skin

The Janus twins we are looking left and right

Love and fear the tools, what will you choose tonight?

I come from within not afar, I can heal and I can harm

I am friend disguised as foe, I‘m the door step inside, its open wide

No more will I run, no more will I hide

Face to face we stand, finally we collide

You walk me thru the mire of the valleys deep

And there you grow me wings to soar the mountain steep

Now I see the gift you bring darkness leads to light within

Yin and yang, each has its place

We are one, we are the same face

I choose love, I choose grace , I choose trust, I choose faith

That’s the risk that I take,

I choose hope, I choose belief, I choose gratitude, I choose love

That’s the choice that I make

Love, love, love, I choose love

 

4. IN THIS MOMENT NOW

I’m looking out through the window with these new born eyes

And magic calls to me from heaven’s skies

Diving off the mountain an eagle cloud swoops down

Falling, tumbling, whirling to the ground

Flying low it showers the mountainside

The gift is clear present here in this moment now

Here I stand, everything as it should be, perfect in this moment now

Here I stand looking out on the brand-new day, perfect in every way

I’m looking back through the window of my loaded past

Goodbye tired patterns I am free at last

Waiting on the future could be the key, but I’m not fine with inactivity

Being right feels good to me somehow

I sing this song and I belong in this moment now

History has fashioned me but I’m the writer of my story

And prisoner of the past or future I’ll not be

I trust every step I take as the step I need to make

Perfect  synchronicity happening to you and me

Here I stand…

 

5. INSIDE (dedicated to Smithee)

I looked for love in many different places

I searched for love in the company of strangers

I walked for love in wild and open spaces

Hoping to find the footprint of loves traces

Every time my searching lead to nowhere

Every time I’d look up and ask where?

And the silence rolling in like a roaring sea

Carries the question floating soundlessly to settle on, settle on me

What do I know, what do I know

Sweet elusive love, thought you had eluded me

All this time, sweet love divine, you were waiting here inside just for me

I yearned for love, the yearning made me needy

It stained my eyes with fear and many soon did leave me

I cursed at love, the cursing only hurt me

I grabbed at love, it wrestled to be free

Now I know the search must be inside me

And any loving that I’m gonna do must begin with me

And the silence rolling in like a roaring sea

Carries the question floating soundlessly to settle on, settle on me

What do I know, what do I know

Sweet elusive love thought you had eluded me

All this time, sweet love divine

You were waiting here inside just for me (X3)

 

6. SEVEN OF THEM

The snow falls out of the blue bowl of the sky

And slowly powders the ground and the bodies lying side by side

One two three four five six , watching the distant horizon

Then all at once the messenger wind heralds a change in the air

Then in unison they rise to their feet standing in attention

To the stranger moving in their direction, his presence huge and strong

He eyes frame a quiet declaration, I come to speak my name

I stand and witness a scene so surreal I’m frozen, suspended in disbelief

I watch a polar bear walk up to a dog

Who’s crouching down and wagging its tail inviting the bear to play

I watch the bear reach out and stroke the dog’s head

Who licks his face, they smile then they embrace love

Seven nights he walked the path, walked the path right to their door

He brought love who needs anything more

Seven nights they watched and waited for him to come and play

When love calls can you turn away

The snow falls out of the blue bowl of the sky

And slowly powders the ground and the bodies lying side by side

One two three four five six, now seven of them, watching the horizon

 

7. TELL THEM I WAS HERE

He chose the outstretched arm of a weeping willow tree

And hung himself where everyone would see

And one by one passersby by in the traffic

Turned their heads from this dream reality

The eyes of leaves witnessed this quiet desperation

And the moaning wind echoed his plea

Tell them I was here, tell them I came

Tell them I was here, tell them my name, then take me home

Miles and miles we walk, crossing man made borders

Fleeing the fists of hate and the heel of poverty

Hopeful still to build a new dream, in a new land

But when we get there still we’re not heard and we’re not seen

Black river weaves and winds its weary way, it knows not how to stay

And the moaning wind echoes his plea

Tell them I was here, tell them I came

Tell them I was here, tell them my name, then take me home

Not long ago you and I walked this road of degradation and pain

And we vowed never, never will it happen here again

Unmask your fears and face them now so you can find your humanity

You become human only when you gift another dignity

There but for you go I, mark your sister, mark your brother

When will we discard the lie that each of us is “other?”

They cut down that tree, as if to punish the accomplice?

But it takes more than that to erase a memory?

And still today its broken limbs lie spread out on the earth

And she recalls cradling his body in her arms

The eyes of leaves witnessed this quiet desperation

And the moaning wind still echoes his plea

Tell them I was here, tell them I came

Tell them I was here, tell them my name, then take me home

Take me home, take me home

 

8. PALMIST KISS (song for Michael)

I have to say after all this time, my heart still reaches for your hands

I have to say after all this time, they still speak the words I understand

Palm to palm is holy palmist kiss, Shakespeare knew how to say it best

Hand to hand, heart to heart, blessed union, sweet communion

I have to say looking in your eyes is like opening the window to love’s skies

I have to say your cheek dancing mine feels heady and sweet like ruby wine

Palm to palm is holy palmist kiss, Shakespeare knew how to say it best

Hand to hand, heart to heart, blessed union, sweet communion

Side by side in bed at night, hands find hands in sensual delight

Fingers inked in love write words, patterning our skin

Inspired by the bard, let the art of love begin

Side by side in bed at night, hands find hands in sensual delight

Fingers inked in love write words patterning our skin

Inspired by the bard let the art of love begin

Let the art of love begin, let the art of love begin

Palm to palm is holy palmist kiss (X2)

 

9. NOT LIKE YOU (song for Mika)

Not even stars with twinkling eyes can shine like you

The magic moon can’t cast a spell the way you do

No not the stars no not the moon

No, no not Venus or Neptune

Can hold a flame to the essence of your name

And your name, Mika gift from God

Is the key to the joy that you are

The Seven Wonders of the World may be magic to behold

But not like you, not like you

I never knew love so beautiful

I never knew love so rare

I ‘d travel far and wide and reach the other side

But nothing could compare

Turn off the sun, put out the stars, switch off the moon

Dry up the sea, fold up the sky and end this tune

All these gifts I will forego, I need nothing this I know

Not like you, not like you

The worlds a gift that’s rare it’s true

But not like you, not like you, not like you

 

10. EQUAL GRACE

The hands of the Moon has lovingly traced the lines on every face

and she smiles on all with equal grace

The Sun know no other way to greet the day

but to spread its arms out wide and encircle all to its heart inside

Show me a star that will not light the ancient sky

Show me a bird that will not sing that will not fly

Show me a wave that will not shower a blessing on you

And I’ll show you the air that will not breathe life in me and you

The River weaving through the land

Hears the call of every woman child and man

And she answers all, none is denied

The Mountain standing true and tall

Gives shade to all, in his cave you will find rest

His generous nature all will attest

Show me a flower that will not offer its nectar wine

Show me a rose that will not share its scent divine

Show me a sky that will not paint its canvas blue

And I’ll show you a dawn that will not bring the gift of dew

Sky and sea, you and me

Moon and Sun, Alone All One

We are different yet the same

Echoing each other’s name

Show me a star that will not light the ancient sky

Show me a bird that will not sing that will not fly

Show me a wave that will not shower a blessing on you

And I’ll show you the air that will not breathe life in me and you

So be like the sky and be like the sea and be like the river giving endlessly

And be like the mountain give shade to all, be like the flowing waterfall

Be like the sun with arms spread out wide, encircle all to your heart inside

And be like the moon that sees every face

And smiles on all

With Equal Grace (X3)

[All songs © of Bettina Schouw]