Concept: "Wise ones" recommend to *always* be seeking. At the point you form a too-strong opinion, then that branch of growth is closed. When I read this, I felt validated because I've long felt that keeping an open mind was of utmost importance!  In fact, I'd already written a song about it, lol!   :)
Lyrics:
I have learned with time – to keep an open mind.
C                     F 	  C      	      F        am	G
The flow of life may change – we adapt and rearrange.  
C               	F	C            	      F  	     am	G
For no one knows it all – we stumble and we fall.
    dm    	   C       	G       	dm    	F        G
Our struggles are like a test – as we learn to try our best.
    	       F          am	G                 dm         F       	G
 ----Chorus-------
An open heart and mind will help you find
    	       F          	G         	am
A path that leads you to -  your best you. 
            am                  G               F 	G
Each step brings you someplace new
  Am          G                	F
If we're brave enough to be - open to possibility.
            	dm      	C      G               dm  F	G

Verse 2 ------
I want my mind to shine – with everything it finds  
My curiosity – sparks luminosity    
To unlock who I can be - the key is positivity!       
With my heart now open wide - compassion is my guide  
 
Verse 3 ------  
Wise ones always know - there's so much they don't yet know!
Now it is my turn  -  I've got so much to learn
I listen and I care - about stories you share
I hope to understand – so I’m ready to lend a hand  

CODA after Chorus 3  – 
Where an open mind can accept – We are stronger when we all connect!

Open Mind - Demo

Demo: This was only the third song I wrote, trying to capture the joys of my childhood (and still today): running and exploring!  I tried to capture my inner child's feelings of freedom and stretching myself, finding courage exploring outdoors on my own, the "big" thoughts I was thinking at the top of a pine tree... and encouraging today's kids to GO OUTSIDE PLEASE.  :) Including my own!

LYRICS:
Run and jump and climb and swing. Run and jump and climb and swing
I can’t wait to play outdoors, to see the world, let’s go explore!   
 My feet can take me anywhere. Come along it’s fun to share.      
Run and jump and climb and swing.   	I just have to try new things!	
And I’ll grow as I go…

I spring from the earth and rise with the wind.     
(background:  Come with me, my friend!)
Find my courage to jump high, for a moment I can fly
With the wind, with the wind, I can run as fast as the wind!       (Interlude)
   
Part 2
Run and jump and climb and swing. 	Climb on up to see new things!

Please take me to my favorite tree.  Hang on tight -- what will I see?
I’ll be brave and face my fears!         The view is new and crystal clear.        	                 	                                                                                            	                    	                                                                                                                    	         	                     	
Run and jump and climb and swing. 	I feel I’m flying when I swing…  
[Oh what joy this brings]

Feel my dreams take flight, as I glide on golden sunlight.    
[My heart is bursting – with delight!]
Feel the wonder of new sights – as I reach for  new heights
…I see farther, my spirit’s bright…   That far horizon shines with light
    	                  
CODA: Let me share my dreams with you - Imagine all I can become      	                      
 It begins right here, as I run…  
   Oh….   Run and jump and climb and swing…

Run and Jump - Demo

A song to plant a seed: it's so important to see the perspective's of others, what we have in common and also celebrate the unique!

If I Could Walk A Mile...

This is a REPEAT-AFTER-ME song!  Each line of a verse is repeated so children can sing along easily.  (The choruses are straight through.)  This helps them with the listening skill called "audiation." Enjoy!

Honeysuckle child 
Running in the wild
Flowers burst with spring time  
Birds singing 'til dreamtime          
In a gentle rainstorm,
Breezes turning sweet and warm.
Sunshine breaks through – 
a rainbow shines for you
       
Summertime child
Wind-blown and wild  
Laughing and free                 
All day climbing trees
The hot sun is going down
We’re still chasing all around                     
Catching fireflies 
Starlight in your eyes

Chorus (only after 2nd and 4th verse)      
Oh, I am thankful for this day
Sharing the seasons of life with you 
Oh, I am thankful for this year
Seeing the world through your eyes, my dear
Finding joy and wonder in the beauty of the earth, 
Walking this journey with you

Sweet Autumn child …
Little pumpkin smile                                        
Leaves are swirling
We’re dancing and twirling
Oh the colors are so bright
In the clear sunlight
Moments, fixed in time      
Are treasures of my mind
            
Snowflake catchin’ child    
Imagination wild
Like an otter sliding     
You’re sledding, skating, gliding               
The whole view is white and blue
All sparkling and new
Snowballs are so fun
I think you’d (I’d) better run!

Honeysuckle Child--a REPEAT-AFTER-ME song

A jazzy little tune with big questions.

What if We Could (make things better)

Verse 1
What if we could make things better?
What if we could all take part?
What would we choose - with an open mind?
How would we act - with an open heart?

Chorus 
Believe, believe in the Power of Hope 
Believe, believe we can learn and grow
Choose each step with a kind intent
Show all life respect, as we learn to connect

Verse 2
What if we could care for each other?  
Learning to share so all can thrive?
We can solve (m)any problem(s) together
When we share we live our best lives


Verse 3
What if we could care for our planet? 
We've only got one Earth to share.   
All choices matter - we need to stand for it.
The future we need is there if we care

Verse 4
What if we could learn to get along?
What if we could live in harmony?
Everyone's equal in our song,
Powerful truth of inclusivity.

What If We Could...?

Child of the Earth     LYRICS (below)        

Concepts: My heart wants to do the most good when I take on the broadest identity.  I'm not *just* a member of my family, or cheering for the Cavaliers or an American... I'm a lifeform on this planet we share. I am a Child of the Earth!  I hope any child who hears this will see themselves in the context of the bigger picture.  For then we are more likely to make choices which benefit everyone and all life, instead of only the self or a small circle.  
Big change starts with a 'big' identity.
-------------------------------------------------
Verse 1
I remember beauty through a child’s eyes, 
As the sunset melted into starry skies.
As one by one the brightest stars appeared, 
Then a multitude, I’m feeling small down here –
But not alone.   As life across this land sings along with my song…
 
Chorus:
I am a child of the earth - from the moment of my birth
My first cry tasted air - shared by all life everywhere 
We are truly one, underneath the same bright sun
Let our hearts open to care for this earth-home that we share
We are children of the earth, come and shine for all we’re worth
We rise together!

Verse 2:
I love adventures, even small ones on my own. 
Birds are singing, so I’m really not alone.
In a quiet spot, I watch and listen, 
filling up my soul - as rain drops glisten
When the light breaks through, sunbeams make gems on leaves and a rainbow for me & you.
  
Chorus

Verse 3
Exploring this world shaped me through and through –
 now my strength – I give to help you. 
What can I do?  I must protect you – 
The earth inspires, when we connect with you
The time is now – the change we hope to bring - grows here, as we sing!!

- Chorus -

Child Of The Earth

I wrote this while hiking in the Pacific northwest, near the Elwha River. I asked for a song and this came to me, drumbeats keeping the time of my footsteps and those who had walked there for centuries. I hope songs like this will shine a light on our interconnectedness with each other and every aspect of our home planet. When we see that "what is true for one is true for all," then more of our choices will benefit the greater good.

One People, Connected

The Truth of You                                            by  Katrina Heinzen    
A song for processing difficult times and/or negative emotions.  What happens in those moments after a big cry that sends someone on a path of having more compassion for others ---OR the *other* path to replicate the harm that was done to you? This crossroads is SO important. Let's give children more tools to choose compassion instead of cruelty.  Compassion for themselves as well as others.  Namaste.

VERSE 1
              	
Today my heart feels hurt, life piled on the pain
Let the tears pour out, oh how I need this rain.                                                             
When I cry so hard, feels like I’m broken
Deep as the ocean - my heart has spoken                           
And if I listen well, a door will open – 
To the crossroads of life:  will my heart grow, or will it hide?   
This path becomes my truth.

CHORUS:         
I tried to hide the hurt in my heart
But it’s too lonely in the dark
The gift of sorrow is we’re stronger tomorrow
Choose love and change the world
The truth of you                                                     

Verse 2
The next time you cry, I’d like you to try    
To see your true self more, through this opening door
When you can breathe again and wipe the tears away
Think of all you learned on a difficult day
With care and time, shape the paths in your mind           
Fear can stay in the past - Your Love is what will last
  This choice becomes your truth

Verse 3
After the rainstorm, here comes the sun
Warm light and joy for you, dear one
Give an encouraging word to your inner self                                            
Like a tiny bird – shaking away the shell
Let your new voice sing - as you stretch your wings
Rise up and take flight  – after the storm, bring back your light    
I see your truth!

Truth Of You

Set to a tune that sounds comfortingly old, explore what some say is the meaning of life: to become our best selves, so we are better able to help others.  Can a childhood song provide a shortcut to this wisdom, for kids to grow up on?  I hope it helps!

Lyrics  
 
Chorus:
I want to be the best me I can be, so I can be the best help I can be.
Oh, I hope to be the best me I can be, so I can be the best help I can be.

--VERSE 1--
If we all could share one vision, we’d uncover ancient wisdom 
If we all could let resentments go, yes let resentments go,  then more love can flow!
For if everyone, yes everyone, works to make things better 
Then I believe oh, so many things, start getting better for everyone!

VERSE 2 
My heart can care for one and all - When I take down the wall, of thinking I am small
Feel the spark which can connect my heart - and see the larger me through inclusivity. 
This means you and I and everyone -  share this planet under one bright sun  
As perspective grows then one circle shows -                        
All life's connected, sharing tomorrow                   

VERSE 3 
Take my hand, let’s work together, make a difference, sisters and brothers.
Reach down deep and let your heart forgive, then you are free - to truly live.
For if everyone, yes, everyone works to make things better…
Better for every life, not just for one Self, then we can change the world, yes, we can change the world!
...And it starts by being my best me!

My Best Me - demo

The journey begins: bringing messages to grow caring hearts and strong minds. For a better tomorrow. 
Hop onto the path at SunbirdSongs.com

Sunbird Songs

Popular tracks