“Today We Truly Live”
“a new multi-genre a cappella song to encourage empathy & community in a world at times devoid of grace, integrity, & opportunity where it’s needed most 🕊️❤️🔥
Please… in all you are, and in all you do, bravely bring hope to hardship, and support those in need. Together, we can help safely and intentionally be the difference we need in society today...”
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Lyrics
Chorus
Today I dare to feel
Something beautiful and real
As we find our way
Through the hills we face
Together we realize
How to dream with eyes open wide
Freeing our power deep inside
Working with purpose in our lives
Today we truly live
Verse
When I feel strong
When I feel weak
When I can sense no words at all
To describe what's in front of me
I still want to give what I have
And have what I need
A time a space of growth and grace
Honest work and planting a seed
Chorus
Today I dare to feel
Something beautiful and real
As we find our way
Through the hills we face
Together we realize
How to dream with eyes open wide
Freeing our power deep inside
Working with purpose in our lives
Today we truly live
Verse
We weren't made to just survive
Or let our worth fall to the floor
We can unlock the truth behind the lies
And bravely enter these open doors
Please take my hand
And look me in the eye
Ubuntu is for me and you
Together together we can thrive!
Bridge
Hey I choose to face these scars
That can burn canyons into my identity
Eclipsing the light of integrity
And isolating us from community
I also choose to love this heart
That can contribute to our society
Bringing dreams into reality
And turning apathy into empathy
We don't have to brave this world on our own
So many people who care to partner on our goals
Bringing the tools that help us heal and know
How to work for a purpose that breathes life into our bones
Doubt never had a single right to our soul
We take a deep breath and step into our role
Fulfilling responsibilities that we hold
Creating a brighter future for all to call their own
Outro
Today we truly live!
Together we realize
How to dream with eyes open wide (open your eyes)
Freeing our power deep inside (your power deep inside)
Working with purpose in our lives
Together we realize
How to dream with eyes open wide (we have a choice to journey)
Freeing our power deep inside
Working with purpose in our lives (how many journeys with one voice!)
Today we truly live
Context
I wrote, performed, & produced this song upon request from non-profit Goodwill where I work as a Case Manager leading fathers & families to better support & love each other. This heartfelt, thoughtful, soothing, jazz, hip-hop, layered, 4.5 octave vocal journey brings needed hope to hardship.
Thank you so much to the many family & friends for your thoughtful feedback, support, and personal resonance with the music and message of this song!
To create this song, I specifically:
performed everything you hear with my natural voice (ranging from the Ab1 beat drop to the Db6 climax harmony)
wrote/composed with Google Docs, digital keyboard, and a mobile audio recorder
audio recorded with Blue Yeti mic and Audacity software
audio produced with Audacity, Pro Tools, and Dolby Atmos software
video recorded and photographed with various digital cameras
video produced with DaVinci Resolve software