Reflections on the Human - Earth relationship

Composed and arranged by members of University Singers

In the End

"In the End" is a representation of what we predict the earth will look like in its final days

The song is written from the perspective of the earth as a mother trying to tell her children that she is no longer able to hold on. She talks about how, over the years, humankind has been wasteful and made her unwell through pollution and other means of global damage The line "I will love you in the end "is her final message saying that even though we have hurt her and it is her time to go, she will always love us. It is s symbol of a mother's love for her baby.

Text:

As my lifeline seems to slow it's pace, will the ones about me ensure my fate? I could tell them they bring pain to me or show them that my love is free

I've loved you from the beginning and I'll love you 'til the end I've given you everything you need to win.

Rain on my skin, feels of the ocean sun on my heart

I'm starting to fall apart. My baby is crying, want to be there in the morning. I hope we ' re all together in the end

No, I won't ask for apologies. Yes, I'll still help you to grow Rain on my skin, feels of the ocean sun on my heart.

I'm starting to fall apart. My baby is crying, want to be there in the morning I hope we ' re all together in the end.

Old Survivor

Inspired by the oldest coastal redwood tree known by the same name, “Old Survivor” is a call to action. This song urges people to look up and observe the world’s oldest natural monuments that have withstood centuries of human destruction. The lyrics challenge the audience to consider how the elements would express their feelings given the current state of the world. As we witness this response, may we finally seethe Earth with reverential fear and awe She is much more than a commodity, but rather a gift from the Creator to be our sacred home "

Text:

Why does no one ask the ocaen what she fears, Or held the stone-faced mountain while he sheds his tears? I'm afraid it's too late now for us to comprehend Nature will stand beyond the human man.

Oh can't you see? The world's a frightening beauty to behold, Not a piece of property that can be sold! She holds mysteries and memories untold, And remoins our humble home

Why has no-one asked the red oak what he's seen

As the guardian of the forests and the beasts? Have we been too quick to pronounce him as useless, When he never looked to us for his purpose?

Lord, help us see the world's your glorious beauty to behold! Not a piece of property that can be sold! She holds mysteries and memories untold, And remains our humble home.

Red Suede

"Red Suede" is a song written from the Earth's perspective regarding humankind's overconsumption. "Red Suede" and "Blue Shoes" are both analogies for the human extravagance that is damaging the planet The lyric "When you ' re gone, I'll change" is the Earth's foreboding message of the possibility of one day moving on from humanity

Text: Red Suede, falling from grace, all in its place When you ' re out and when you ' re gone, I'll change. Blue shoes, down by the door, you ' ve worn them before. When you ' re gone and when you ' re done, I'll change Red Suede, it's lookin' grave. Nothing's the same. When you ' re gone and now you ' re gone, so I'll change. Oh! So, I'll change

I Remember / Take Me to the World

Composed by Stephen Sondheim and arranged for University Singers by our accompanist and composition major Nick Benefield, this piece is an amalgam of two songs from Sondheim's TV musical Evening Primrose, about a young girl who spent the majority of her life trapped in a department store, never being allowed to venture outside. As a reflection on the relationship with our planet, the lyrics ask us what it might feel like if we lost earth's beauty and then try to remember it. We must be careful moving forward " or the world will never be the same "

Text:

I remember sky, it was blue as ink. Or, at least I think, I remember sky. I remember snow, soft as feathers, Sharp as thumbtacks, coming down like lint. And it made you squint when the wind would blow. And ice like vinyl on the streets, cold as silver white as sheets, Rain like strings and changing things like leaves.

Let me see the world with clouds. Take me to the world, out where I can push through crowds, Take me to the world.

I remember days, or at least I try (Let me see the world that's real. Show me how it's done.) But as years go by they're a sort of haze. (Somewhere I can laugh and feel Move me to the sun ) And the bluest ink isn't really sky. (A world of skies that's bursting with surprise to open up your eyes.) And at times I think I would gladly die Careful or the world will never be the same.

Blue Bird

Bluebird is an upbeat funk/gospel tune that is about appreciating the nature around us. When writing it we looked back at our hometowns and the natural beauty that we found in them. A lot of times the nature around us is taken for granted and we wanted to appreciate that in a fun and grand way. Because of climate change unfortunately we don’t know how much longer some of these natural wonders will last. Bluebird is an ode to the beautiful mountains, giant trees, and wildlife on Earth. We hope that people can reflect on this song and enjoy the nature around them with a greater appreciation for it

Text:

Apart of you is still etched in my memory, a sky so blue and the comfort of green Tell me one more time that home is where the heart is If I only knew you wouldn't be here with me

As time moves along, next season and you ' re gone. All the paths that I walked on kept me grounded.

Oh I can't wait to see your sun shine through. No more time, ' cause I can't wait on you

A sky so blue birds sing their song, honeydew sweet on my tongue Fields of green horses run wild, mountain peaks that stretch for miles

As the tide comes crashing, riverside moves with the wind, Falling raindrops grace my skin I feel alive, hey! I’ll make you smile someday, I’ll clear the skies of gray All the flowers here to stay o ’ er the mountains

Look to the light Blue bird, Bluebird Make it right as you go!

He's Got the Whole World In His Hands

This arrangement of the beloved traditional spriritual was composed by Cedric Dent of Take 6 fame.Listen for elements of jazz, gospel, spiritual and African folk song throughout the piece. Additionally, special lyrics have been created to reflect our climate justice theme.

Text:

He's got the whole world in His hands (repeat).

He's got you and me brother in His hands (repeat)

He's got you and me sister in His hands (repeat).

We've got to save the water, save the trees, We've got to save the whales and save the bees, We've got to save the planet for you and me. We've got to save our planet now.

He's got all Creation in His hands (repeat). He's got the whole world in His hands.