Recipe for a new tear-jerker

[thatcrazycajun]

Take one overly emotional, heart-perpetually-on-sleeve filker with a natural predisposition to optimism. Fold in the recent US election results, his partner's work in Kenya the past 3.5 months, and various bits of good news from around the globe. Add a generous measure of Terry Kelly's powerful anthem "A Pittance of Time" and a pinch of Tom Smith's equally magnificent "For Us All," both linked from his flist. When vigorously stirred and shaken, pour out mixture onto LJ.

COME THE DAWN
Music and lyrics by Matt G. Leger ©2006

These are days when it seems all is bad news These are times that will try good men's souls When it seems we have lost all direction When it all seems far out of control But I'm here to report what I'm seeing And things aren't as bad as believed As I look to the distant horizon I see signs of the coming reprieve I see young college students with gloves on Cleaning up in Katrina's sad wake I see children with smiles and bright costumes Trick-or-treating for UNICEF's sake I see folks turning out by the millions To the polls to vote hope and not fear I see runners for AIDS, for breast cancer, MS Raising millions more dollars each year Chorus:  I see light coming out of the darkness                I see hope where there once was despair                I see people begin to awaken                I see people beginning to care                I see truth conquer lies and deception                And love overwhelm hate 'til it's gone                I see all of these things, and I can't help but sing                For in ev'ry dark night...                there's a light come the dawn. Ev'ry day all across this wide planet I see people who work tirelessly Each one striving to make their small corner Just a little more joyous, more healthy, more free I see CDC workers in Kenya Peace Corps workers in the Congo and Chad Bringing food and clean water, new schools and new drugs Bringing chances that they've never had I see people one shore to the other Standing silent, their eyes to the floor 'Cause a blind singer asked for two minutes To salute those who gave so much more; I see brave uniformed men and women Stand against nature and mankind's worst— To the fire, flood and gore, they are shouting, "NO MORE!" As they throw their own bodies in first! Repeat Chorus

Bridge:  Grab that hammer and nail               Bring that broom and that pail               There's so much we must do               And we can't without you               Build a bridge, not a wall               Build it strong, build it tall               Make it yours, make it mine               Make it stand for all time... I see millions of laptop computers In the hands of poor kids ev'rywhere It costs one hundred bucks to produce one But they bring wealth beyond all compare I see people reach out to each other As technology makes our world small And I know that when we stand together There's no power that can stop us all (Key change up 1 step) I see people stop shouting and listen As the partisan strife starts to cease I see leaders of principled passion Reach a hand 'cross the aisle to make peace I see hope that our fragmented many Can become one again as it was And if you ask why my tears are flowing I am crying for joy Like a scarred little boy I am weeping in wonder because.... Final Chorus:  I see light coming out of the darkness                I see hope where there once was despair                I see people begin to remember                I see people beginning to care (Softer)  And I know that we're nowhere near finished                But at least there's a path we're now on (Stronger)                I see all of these things, and my heart wants to sing                I see people who give me a reason to live                I thank God I'm alive to see this day arrive;                For in ev'ry dark night...                there's a light come the dawn. (Singers)                (Lead) Come the dawn...   Oh, the sunrise is gorgeous... Come the dawn...   Let it shine for us all Come the dawn...   Let it warm all the people... Come the dawn...   Won't you answer the call? Come the dawn... (Fade out)

Entire composition ©2006 by Matt G. Leger. Performance or recording for profit requires prior written consent and payment of royalties per ASCAP/BMI standards. All other uses freely permitted so long as this credit is retained unaltered.

Comments

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Nice. Can't wait to hear it. :)

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Higher praise I could not possibly imagine or hope for. Thank you, sir.

[scifantasy.livejournal.com]

I agree with Tom...I definitely want to hear it.

[callibr8]

First, I wanna hear it, and learn the melody. Then I wanna add harmonies... and teach others the melody, so we can spread this anthem far and wide.

WELL DONE!

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

(blush) Thank you, milady. But if you're paying me the compliment of wanting to perform it, what I really wanna hear is your sublime flute work on this one...

[pocketnaomi.livejournal.com]

Nicely done, Matt. You're always at your best when you are most serious. This is lovely.

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

(*sniffle*) Nice job.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

Well done!

[filkferengi]

Are you bringing this delight to the housefilk Friday night?

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Alas, Mary and I will be out of town this Friday. We hope to be able to make next month's event.