I wrote this for International Women's Day (8 March 2022) in response to the theme 'Break the Bias'.  

'Raisins are Sweeter than Grapes' is a tribute to all souls - especially for sisters, mothers and daughters - but in particular, a celebration of advancing age and wisdom - in a world that too often places a higher value on the new and shiny!       

Please close your eyes.

(C) Other Theresa, 03 March 2022

Raisins are Sweeter than Grapes

This is the vocal-only version.  Having tried it with a backing track, I've come round to thinking 'Raisins...' should be served raw!  An ode for the old - and for those who think they're young!

Raisins Are Sweeter Than Grapes (vocals)

Written in response to artist Alke Schmidt's 'Tangled Yarns' exhibition, performed on the opening night at The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow.  
This is the second track in OT's 'fast fashion trilogy'.  Following the Rana Plaza Factory Collapse 24 April 2013, this piece counts the true cost of fast fashion; the real 'fashion victims' being the factory workers - their plight juxtaposed with privileged (and blissfully oblivious) end-users.
Music arrangement and production by Genius John.

A Stitch In Time

Well - men have it hard ;-) Thank Heaven's God made me a Woman!

Piano accompaniment by Lauren Reed.  A jam in the lounge, 2010.

Theresa van Straten's Album

Thank Heavens God made me a Woman

Misfits is a track inspired by the following quote by world famous author, JK Rowling.  

'Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light'.

A flash of inspiration during times of poverty and depression, propelled her to work on her ideas for the Harry Potter books.   

This track was written during my own dark 'spell', after the unexpected deaths of two beloved family members: my 'little' brother, confidant and 'partner in crime' Tim Rendle (d. June 2018)- and the unsung hero of my childhood: 'The Great Inventor' Uncle Peter Jefferies (Oct 2018), who took his own life.

The track is a narrative, where the internal voices of hope (peace, belief, release, relief) battle with their negatives (blame, pain, fear and grief, amidst the recurring message 'turn your light on'.   

I'm a believer in 'paying it forward' and I hope this piece uplifts and inspires.  Heartfelt thanks to all people - especially friends and family - who listened, gave support, were patient and understanding and never gave up on me.  It's taken a while, but I'm getting my imp back! 

My words are below:


Misfits

We are the misfits hiding in the shadows 
of the shadows of ourselves
Crouching in cracks in the rafters
Crying out for laughter; 
Cut from the act of happy ever after
We are the outsiders, spiders
Caught in the webs of our own thoughts
Tried in our own courts;
Getting rough justice 
We’re tough judges.

We’re the idealists
Tricked by deceivers
Misled followers
Fooled by leaders
Peaceful people
Dying to be equal
Knackered from the battles
Of good versus evil
Drained by Dementors:
They threaten to diminish us -
‘Til our worst fears
Are spears that finish us…
 
Hungry fiends and a big black hound
Loom in the gloom of a hunting ground
Doom consumes to the tuneless sound
Of white noise looping, round and round.

Bombed by monotone: heartless, spiritless
Dogged by a drone that’s giving us tinnitus
Purging our pains in grains of medicine.  
Numbing our brains til we can’t feel anything.

     Peace, Belief, Release, Relief  x2
     Pain, Blame, Fear, Grief x2 
     Treating our symptoms, not what's 
     underneath)

All we need is illumination
Rays of hope and a flash of inspiration
Faith in a future; it’s gonna be all right – 
Plus a little bit of magic to ping on the light.


(c) Other Theresa
Lyrics and vocals by Other Theresa
Music arrangements and production by Paul Dogra  
March 2019

Misfits

In loving memory of the 'good old days' of trash TV fight clubs, the crazy fools who 'starred' - and the hosts who curated them.  

...then entered the UK's very own piggy-back rider, the notorious, inglorious Jeremy Kyle! (not featured in this track).

Day-bauchery

Thank Heavens God Made Me A Woman - (2008 live)

"My mate drives a Hilux motor
The car in front is a Toyota
His other one's an Aston Martin
Which he likes to pull a 'tart' in..."

4x4 Twat

Not about a credit card (the old 'Access' strapline)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usZBhHr4EE4

A Flexible Friend

'God's gone out of Fashion' - first recorded version of the fast-fashion trilogy, after the 2007 Primark riots at the launch of its flagship Oxford Street store.

God's gone out of Fashion (and the Devil is in Retail)

Trump Dump Punk

The song's protagonist might never hear this, but they'll recognise themself if they do!  I'm doing the non-binary reference - as I don't feel the need to do an expose.  The truth is here in all the glorious colour of sound.  Suffice to say, it's done me a world of good to get this one out of my head and onto The Cloud.

I See You

This is about a recent and hard-'won' battle - for justice, reparation, truth and honour. 
The lyrics of this 'spong' (spoken word/song) can apply to any situation where a 'brother' or 'sister' (either literal or as a reference to another human being) has done a wrong, which they refuse to acknowledge and/or rectify.  
It isn't a 'victory' song, as the so-called 'win' comes at a significant cost.  The 'lines' in the title are the words aimed at the 'enemy' - a tenacious reminder that this battle won't end until their 'debts' are settled.

Enemy Lines

www.othertheresa.com   Other Theresa is Mother, Daughter, Sister, Spoken Word Artist, Poet, Singer and Teacher. NOT to be confused with ex-PM Theresa May; a deceased Albanian Nun or Theresa Green/Brown - or Bare.

Other Theresa

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