Oooh, I like this one very much. I like the question of "will the trees remember our names", especially within the context of a wood we know so well. The rebirth at the end with the saplings is a great reminder that fire doesn't only bring destruction, but in some cases, is necessary for new beginnings to quite literally take root.

love the folk structure and premise of this song, great lyrics to tell stories and bring gratitude to trees! Nice collaboration!

Really beautiful, I like the point and perspective of the lyrics and your melody is reassuring and comfortable.

“Been Here All Along” is a gentle yet uplifting indie-folk song about the quiet arrival of inspiration and the threads of creation woven through us. Beginning in soft intimacy with acoustic guitar and whispered imagery, the song grows into a radiant, layered chorus of strings, harmonies, and light percussion. It carries the message that what we seek outside has always been within, waiting to be remembered.

Been Here All Along

Right down to it

Copyright Erin Wolf 2020
Piano recorded at All Saints Episcopal Church, Appleton, WI

*Cordolium (noun): Heartache; grief or sorrow*

sitting here in the dark
twinkle light's contrast is stark
quiet envelops me
holding on so tenderly

i heard the choirs singing Silent Night
so close yet so distant and i can't quite
find the words to say all i feel
this holy night beckons me to heal

Cordolium

"Protest Song" (#427, 201227)

You deserve better than what you been gettin'
Oh and it's long overdue
Respect and understanding patience and grace
Everyone who knows you knows it's true

She needs compassion and he needs the same
Both wonder where to find a friend
Maybe we'd feel different if we'd act like everybody
Is doin' the best they can

I have no right to protest my thoughts are uninformed
My voice has no authority to claim
But I cannot stand idly by when human hearts are hurting
So still I stand in protest just the same

We teach each other how to treat each other
And sometimes we get it wrong
There's no need to panic we're in this thing together
Just tryin' to walk each other home

Tonight we need no army to fight for what is right
Only what we carry in our hands
A candle to shine mercy on the ones who need it most
Might it help us understand

Week 53 - Protest Song (201227)

This is a song for when you have a friend stuck on a path of suffering but you can only do so much to help them.  I found writing the song helped me empathize with, or reconcile, the combination of what the outside world sees of this person's choices and what they can't see for themselves.  How many of you have been there with a loved one on a dangerous road with their blinders on?

I carry that rock
All over town
Someday I’ll bury it
Deep underground

I carry that rock
All over town
Someday I’m gonna bury it
Deep underground

The good book says
I’ll take my lumps
The story goes
Gotta turn another cheek

The good book says
In sickness and health
One day I will find out, just for myself

My friends all tell me
I’m losing my self
My dreams that were golden
Look mighty gray

When I’m awake, I make many dreams
But I just sleep, all damn day

I’m not who I was, but what was I anyway?
I’m not who I was, but who am I anyway?
The sun shall set, and my colors may fade.
The sun shall set, and my colors may fade.

Carry that Rock (The Good Book Says)

NIKKI DEAN

WHERE ARE YOU?

Will the Trees Remember Our Names
by Tamora Wilson and Laurie Easterling © 12/20/2020 New York, NY and Oak Ridge, TN

Photo by Tamora Wilson, Appalachian Trail near NYC

I’ve been a part of this forest
As long as I can remember
I know every brook and tree
Hiked through her valleys and hills
January through December
She feels like a mother to me

I’ve learned how to read wildfires
Fighting flames far from my home
Now I teach all I’ve seen
As I lead a group up the ridge
I see the smoke and grab my phone
Not too late to call in the team

Chorus:
Will the trees remember our names
We fight to save them from the flames
Hold us in their memories
As the years become centuries
Will the trees remember our names

We all don our gear and grab shovels
The fire grows like it’s alive
My students tremble at the sight
Branches start to burn overhead
As the rest of the team arrives
We will battle through the night

Chorus

Bridge:
Though scarred the forest will survive
She nurtures saplings through the winter
Whispering stories of history
Rebuilding the network together

Chorus

Tamora Wilson and Laurie Easterling - Will The Trees Remember Our Names - 1:1:21, 4.15 PM

They Sang Alleluia
by Erin Wolf (ft. the Meta Wolf Singers), Laurie & David Easterling © 12/31/2020 Little Chute, WI and Oak Ridge, TN

In true Easterling fashion, video: https://youtu.be/Ll_W3b1FgHc

Rose made her last trip to carry water from the river
The day before the well was installed
The people gathered round, waiting for the sound
Water gushed up and rained down on them all (They sang)

Alleluia
Allelu
Alleluia
Allelu

Mara tried not to be lonely and brought a meal to a friend
Gave a hug and went back out the door
Stopped by the cemetery on a cold day in February
And sat a while with those who’ve gone before (She sang)

Alleluia
Allelu
Alleluia
Allelu

They stood anxiously with toes on the painted borderline
And watched for a face they recognized
They heard a familiar song, rising above the throng
Reunited, tears of joy filled their eyes (They sang)

Alleluia
Allelu
Alleluia
Allelu

They Sang Alleluia

Copyright Erin Wolf 2021
*Song A Week 2020 - Week 53 Bonus Prompt: Protest Songs*
Trigger Warning: Conversation & lyrics surrounding the #MeToo movement re: sexual assault & sexual abuse. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.A.)
online.rainn.org | 800.656.4673
Línea de Ayuda Nacional de Asalto Sexual (EE.UU.)
rainn.org/es | 800.656.4673

Image credit: https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/identities/2019/10/4/20852639/me-too-movement-sexual-harassment-law-2019

The #MeToo movement was originally started by Tarana Burke (pictured) in the early '00s as a way of letting victims and survivors of sexual abuse know they were not alone, that they were seen, and that they were believed. Her advocacy work continues today. The story shared in the lyrics is part of my own and does not reflect the experiences of all survivors.

For more resources, visit www.rainn.org or www.metoomvmt.org

---

Let me take a moment to introduce myself
No my story ain’t one for putting on the shelf
I used to be known by the name “1 in 4”
But Lord knows it’s probably more

To be hurt by those who said they loved me
And knowing I told, but they still walk freely
I don’t speak these words with vanity or pride
It’s time to stop making us run and hide

Me, too
I (we) don’t say it for your pity
Me, too
I (we) don’t say it to be witty
Me, too
Speak the truth for the others
Me, too
My (our) siblings, sisters, brothers, too
Me, too

They took what they wanted in their fire
In their power lust, not desire
Breaking you in all the ways only they can know
Leaving you feeling helpless despite your “NO”

Then when the truth comes out as it seems to do
It’s hard to know who will stand by you
So few believed, so little justice served
Yet somehow we keep on fighting through, undeterred

#MeToo

From the demo reels: I Need More

Copyright Renegade Faith 2021

First of the Song a Week 2021 challenges - Not on topic

A nice simple bluesy rocker

Tamora Wilson and Laurie Easterling - Will The Trees Remember Our Names - 1:1:21, 4.15 PM

Tamora Wilson

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