Like many, I continue to contemplate
what is happening in our world and wonder what we can do to make
things better. I honestly do believe that it starts in our own backyard. If
each of us took time to care for those in our communities, then, like the heat
that radiates from of a ray of sunshine, everyone would feel the warmth. We
all need to know that someone cares, that we matter in this life, that we are
loved.
I have always enjoyed Leonard Cohen's
songs. They brought peace and solace to me in times of stress. I was saddened
to hear of his passing, but I know that he lived a life of his choosing and has
left his mark. That is more than many of us can claim.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of
performing Hallelujah. It was with the wonderful Madcap Players, the troupe
that my husband and I were a part of for so many treasured years. And, in true
Madcap fashion, I rewrote the lyrics to suit a Christmas show. Embedded in that
rewrite is my belief that we make a difference with our everyday actions.
With the Christmas season approaching, I
decided to share it here. If you sing solo, or in a choir or know someone who
does, please share the lyrics. Encourage everyone to reach beyond December's
good wishes and generosity. Idealistic? Perhaps. But simple and doable. Let's all make a concerted effort, throughout the
year, to make our world everything that it can be, everything it should be.
(Lyrics below)
Hallelujah
Christmas is upon us now
We bow our heads and take a vowTo live the good that really
should flow through us
We toss a coin
We give a gift
To charity we'll give a lift
We raise our heads exalting Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Gestures grand and warmly meant
We do our best to preventA sad or hungry Christmas Day
for anyone
But Christmas comes
just once a year
Too many days they live in fear
Each day survived they bless with Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Maybe there's a God above
Who gave us strength and gave us loveBut what's the point if we don't
really use it
Make each day
a Christmas day
Help someone along their wayThen we'd all have cause to shout out Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Hallelujah
HallelujahHallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah , Hallelujah
Oh wow! I'm blown away; your rewrite and voice; so nice to finally see and hear you ;) is just amazing! I think in these times, generally speaking, many of us need a reminder of not only what the Advent season and Christmas is about (love, helping others, etc. instead of spending a ridiculous amount of money on presents), but also that you can do so many small things, everyday things, to help people and make them feel better.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and yours have a happy and peaceful Advent season!
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and having a listen. Leonard Cohen has always been a favourite artist of mine, so it was pure pleasure to have the opportunity to play around with, and sing, this particular song. A wonderful holiday season to you too!
So awesome! There's nothing like music to lift the soul, eh?
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteIt sure does. Leonard's always calmed mine. :-)
Thank you, Rose. That was beautiful and very moving.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Suzanne!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful that you stopped by. Thanks for listening. :-)