COMMON GROUND STREET CHOIR – Song Sheet
(italics indicate additional verse) MASTER – 06/29/2017
Building Bridges between our divisions, I reach out to you,
will you reach out to me?With all of our voices and all of our visions, Friends we could make such sweet harmony.
(F – Teal 1023)
Come and Go with Me to that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
2. There’ll be justice in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
3. There’ll be freedom in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
4. There’ll be singing in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
5. Unions welcome in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
6. We’ll work fulltimein that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
7. Full employmentin that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
8. All are welcome in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
9. There’ll be fair pay in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
10. There’ll behealth care in that land (3X)
where I’m bound (repeat all)
11. There’ll be clean air in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
12. There’ll be dignity in that land (3X) where I’m bound (repeat all)
(E flat, start on B flat – Teal 1018)
Come By Here, my lord, come by here…(3X), oh lord, come by here.
2. Someone’s singing lord,…..
3. Someone’s laughing lord…
4. Someone’s weeping lord….
5. Someone’s praying lord…..
6. We want justice, lord....
7. Churches burning lord...
8. Someone’s shooting, lord...
9. We want freedom, lord...
10. People dying, lord ….
11. Come by here, my lord....
(Source: Pete Seeger, “Everybody Says Freedom: a history of the Civil Rights Movement in song and pictures” – NOTE: This is sung at a fast clip for upbeat!Sing slowly to calm a tense situation down)
De Colores, de colores se vistenloscamposen la primavera,
De colores, de colores son lospajaritos que vienen de-a fuera.
De colores, de coloreses el arco iris que vemoslucir.
Chorus: Y poresolosgrandesamores de muchoscolores me gustan a mi. (2X)
2.All the colors, yes the colors we see in the springtime with allof its flowers.
All the colors, when the sunlight shines out through a rift in the cloud and it showers.
All the colors, as a rainbow appears when a storm cloud is touched by the sun.
Chorus: All the colors abound for the whole world around and for everyone under the sun. (2X)
3.All the colors, yes the colors of peopleparading on by with their banners.
All the colors, yes the colors of pennants and streamers and plumes and bandanas.
All the colors, yes the colors of people now taking their place in the sun.
Chorus: All the colors aboundfor the whole world around and for everyone under the sun. (2X)
4.All the colors, yes the black and the white and the red and the brown and the yellow.
All the colors, all the colorsof people who smile and shake hands and say "Hello".
All the colors, yes the colors of people who know that their freedom is won.
Chorus: All the colors abound for the whole world around and for everyone under the sun. (2X)
(B flat, start on F - Grey, 305)
Gathered here in the mystery of the hour,
Gathered here in one strong body.
Gathered here in the struggle and the power;
Spirit draw near.
(Key of F minor; Start on F – Grey, 389)
Gonna lay down my sword and shield, Down by the Riverside,
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside. Gonna lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside. Gonna study war no more, I ain’tgonna study war no more(6X)
2.Gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside….
3.Gonna talk with the prince of peace, down by the riverside....
4.Gonna shake hands around the world, down by the riverside…
5. Gonna put on my yellow shirt, down by the riverside...
6. Gonna stand by the god of love, down by the riverside...
(Key of F; Start on A – Grey 162)
Guide My Feet, while I run this race
Guide my feet, while I run this race
Guide my feet, while I run this race,
‘Cause I don’t want to run this race in vain (race in vain).
(2) Hold my hand ...
(3) Stand by me ...
(4) Guide my heart....
(5) Guide my tongue....
(6) Guide my vote....
(7) Guide my mind...
(Ella Baker’s favorite song during Rights work)
(Source: Pete Seeger, “Everybody Says Freedom: a history of the Civil Rights Movement in song and pictures”)(D – Grey 348)
I’m a UU, gonna reach up high,
Gonna dig down deep where all the meanings lie.
I’m a UU, gonna reach out wide
And embrace the whole wide world!
(to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World”)
(Key of B flat; start on F)
I'm On MyWay, [repeat phrase/response]... to the freedom land....
I'm on my way...to the freedom land...
I'm on my way...to the freedom land...
[end of every verse] I'm on my way, great God I'm on my way.
(2)I asked my sister.... come and go with me...
(3)I asked my brother.... come and go with me...
(4)If they say no... I'll go anyhow....
(5)I'm on my way ....and I won't turn back...
(6)I’m gonna go vote...don’t bar my way...
(D flat ; Start on A flat - Grey, 116)
I am determined, to walk in freedom, yes I am (2X)
Through all trials, tribulations,
Persecutions, I am determined.
I am determined, to walk in freedom, yes I am.
(2) I am determined to walk for justice, yes I am….
(3) I am determined to walk for healthcare, yes I am…
(4) I am determined to walk for fair pay, yes I am…
(Originally a gospel song, I Am Determined To Walk With Jesus by Reverend Donald Vails, it has been adapted as a freedom song and as a women's empowerment song.)
If I Had a Hammer, I’d hammer in the morning
I’d hammer in the evening, all over this land.
I’d hammer out danger, I’d hammer out a warning
I’d hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land.
(2) If I had a bell, I’d ring it in the morning...
(3) If I had a song, I’d sing it in the morning...
(4) Well I got a hammer and I got a bell
And I got a song to sing all over the land
It’s the hammer of justice, it’s the bell of freedom
It’s a song about the love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land!
End: It’s the hammer of justice, it’s the bell of freedom
It’s a song about the love between
my brothers and my sisters, All over this land!
(G - Rise Up Singing, 15th Anniversary Ed.)
I’ve Got Peace Like a River (3X) in my soul. (repeat all)
2. I’ve got joy like a fountain (3X) in my soul. (repeat all)
3. I’ve got love like an ocean (3X) in my soul. (repeat all)
4. I’ve got pain like an arrow (3X) in my soul. (repeat all)
5. I’ve got tears like the raindrops (3X) in my soul. (repeat all)
6. I’ve got strength like a mountain (3X) in my soul (repeat all)
(Key of D, Start on A – Grey 100)
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every breath I take, let this be my joyous vow.
To take each moment and live each moment in peace and harmony.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
(Start on C)
Love Will Guide Us, peace has tried us, hope inside us will lead the way
On the road from greed to giving.
Love will guide us through the hard night.
(2) If you cannot sing like angels, if you cannot speak before thousands,
You can give from deep within you, You can change the world with your love.
(3) [Repeat Love will guide us....]
(B Flat, start on B flat - Grey 131)
Make us aware we are a sanctuary
Each made holy, and loved right through
With thanksgiving,
we’ll be a living sanctuary anew.
(Boston Sanctuary, a UU congregation)
One More Step, we will take one more step,
till there is peace for us and everyone,
we’ll take one more step.
One more word, we will say one more word,
till every word is heard by everyone,
we’ll say one more word
One more prayer, we will say one more prayer,
till every prayer is shared with everyone,
we’ll say one more prayer.
One more song, we will sing one more song,
till every song is sung by everyone,
we’ll sing one more song.
(C, start on E - Grey, 168)
This Land is Your Land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.
2. As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway, I saw below me that golden valley. This land was made for you and me
3.The sun was shining as I was strolling, Through the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling; As the fog was lifting a voice was singing, this land was made for you and me.
4. I’ve roamed and rambled and I followed my footstepsto the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts; While all around me, a voice was chanting; This land was made for you and me
5. As I went walking I saw a sign there, And on the sign it said"No Trespassing."But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.
6.One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple,
by the relief office I saw my people.
As they stood hungry,
I stood there wondering if God blessed America for me
7. [Repeat # 1]
(E flat , start E flat - Rise Up Singing, 15th Ann. Ed., UAW Songs for Members; Seeger/Guthrie archives)
This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X)
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X)
Building up a world, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X)
Won’t let anyone blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X)
Deep down in the South, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X
We’ve got a light of freedom, we’re gonna let it shine (3X)...
In every Walmart, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X)
‘Till we all get organized, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine (3X)
(F – Grey 118)
Walking, walking with you,walking with you is my prayer
Grieving, grieving with you …
Praying, praying with you …
Being, being with you …
Loving, loving with you …
Singing, singing with you …
Dancing, dancing with you …
(Folk source)
We're Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table, We’re gonna sit at the welcome table one of these days, HALLELUJAH!
We're gonna sit at the welcome table, gonna sit at the welcome table one of these days.
(2) All kinds of people around that table....
(3) No fancy style at the welcome table.....
(4) We’ll get married at the Welcome Table....
Adaptation of African-American spiritual for Civil Rights Movement; used at sit-ins at lunch counters (for example)
(E flat, start on B flat - Grey, 407)
We are a gentle angry people, and we are singing, singing for our lives. (repeat)
We are a justice seeking people, and we are singing...
We are young and old together, and we are singing...
We are a land of many colors, and we are singing...
We are gay and straight together, and we are singing...
We are a gentle loving people, and we are singing...
From Holly Near, written after the assassination of Harvey Milk
(D flat – start on F, Grey, 170)
We Are Building a New Way (2X)
We are building a new way, feeling stronger every day,
We are building a new way.
2. We are working to be free....hate and greed and jealousy,
3. We can meet our every need...start with love that is the seed.
4. Peace and freedom is our cry.... without these the world
would die.
(B flat min – Start on B flat, Teal, 1017)
WE SHALL NOT, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED (2X)
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We shall not be moved.
2)Progressives are uniting, we shall not be moved.
3)We’re young and old together, we shall not be moved.
4)We’re black and white together, we shall not be moved.
5) We’re straight and gay together, we shall not be moved.
6) We’re everyone together, we shall not be moved.
7) We’re fighting for our freedom, we shall not be moved.
8) We’re fighting for our children, we shall not be moved.
9)We’ll build a mighty movement, we shall not be moved.
10)We’re here for Walmart workers, we shall not be moved.
(11)We’re fighting for our healthcare, we shall not be moved.
(12)Our hearts are made for justice, we shall not be moved.15
(13) We march in solidarity, we shall not be moved.
(14) We’re rising up in love, we shall not be moved.
(15) We’re marching for our planet, we shall not be moved.
(16) We’re rising in resistance, we shall not be moved.
(17) We’re praying for our country, we shall not be moved.
(Key of D, Start F Sharp; Source: Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, Jobs with Justice)** Can substitute “singing” for “fighting” above
We Shall Overcome (3X) some day.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe we shall overcome some day.
We’ll walk hand in hand (3X) some day.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe we’ll walk hand in hand some day.
We shall all be free (3X) some day.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe we shall all be free some day.
We shall live in peace (3X)...
Truth shall make us free ...
We shall walk in love ...
(A flat, start on E flat – Grey 169)
We’ll build a land where we bind up the broken.
We’ll build a land where the captives go free,
Where the oil of gladness dissolves all mourning.
Oh, we’ll build a promised land that can be.
Chorus: Come build a land where sisters and brothers,
anointed by God may then create peace;
where justice shall roll down like waters,
and peace like an ever flowing stream.
We’ll build a land where we bring the good tidings
to all the afflicted and all those who mourn.
And we’ll give them garlands instead of ashes.
Oh, we’ll build a land where peace is born.
Come build a land...
We’ll be a land building up ancient cities,
raising- up devastations from old;
re-storing ruins of generations.
Oh, we’ll build a land of people so bold.
Come build a land...
Come build a land where the mantles of praises
resound from spirits once faint and once weak;
where like oaks of righteousness stand her people.
Oh, come build the land, my people we seek.
Come build a land...
(Gray #121 – key of A flat, start on C)
ENVIRONMENTAL SONGS
Do It Now (Tune: Bella Ciao)
1)We need to wake up,
We need to rise up,
We need to open our eyes
And do it NOW NOWNOW.
CHORUS: We need to build a better future,
And we need to start right now.
2)We’re on a planet
That has a problem
We’ve got to solve it, get involved
And do it NOW NOWNOW.
CHORUS
3)Make it greener
Make it cleaner,
Make it last, make it fast
And do it NOW NOWNOW!
CHORUS
4)No point in waiting,
Or hesitating.
We must get wise, take no more lies,
And do it NOW NOWNOW!
CHORUS
This is our climate, our friendly climate,
It keeps us happy, from day to day.
Don’t build that pipeline, that dirty pipeline;
Please don’t take our climate away.
This is our planet, our precious plant.
All of us live here, and want to stay.
Don’t build that pipeline, that dirty pipeline;
Please don’t take our climate away.
The other night, dear, when I was sleeping,
I dreamed the pipeline had gone away.
But when I awakened, I was mistaken,
Please don’t take our future away!
(Tune: You are my sunshine; words by Elizabeth Shirah)
SONGS OF THE SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT
(NOTE: The Women’s History Alliance is working to have August 26, the anniversary of women winning the right to vote, declared a federal holiday – by 2020, in time for the celebration of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial.)
Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be (by L. May Wheeler, 1884)
1)OhDear, what can the matter be?
Dear, dear, what can the matter be?
Oh dear, what can the matter be?
Women are wanting to vote.
2)Women have husbands, they are protected,
Women have sons, by whom they’re directed,
Women have fathers, they’re not neglected,
Why are they wanting to vote?
3)Women have home, there they should labour,
Women have children, whom they should favour,
Women have time, to learn of each neighbor,
Why are they wanting to vote?
4)Women can dress, they love society;
Women have cash, with all its variety;
Women can pray, with sweetest piety.
Why are they wanting to vote?
5)Women have reared all the sons of the brave;
Women have shared in the burdens they gave;
Women have labored this country to save.
That’s why we’re going to vote!
6)Oh dear, what can the matter be?
Dear, dear, what can the matter be?
Oh dear, what can the matter be?
Why should men get every vote?
(From: CreativeFolk.com, Suffrage Singalong)
The New America
(Tune: My Country ‘Tis of Thee)
1)Our country, Now from thee,
Claim we our liberty, in freedom’s name.
Guarding home’s altar fires,
Daughters of patriot sires,
Their zeal our own inspires,
Justice to claim.
2)Women in every age
For this great heritage
Tribute have paid.
Our birth-right claim we now
Longer refuse to bow
On freedom’s altar now
Our hand is laid.
3)Sons, will you longer see
Mothers on bended knee for justice pray?
Rise now in manhood’s might,
With earth’s great soul unite
To speed the dawning light
Of freedom’s day!
(1891, sung at the National American Woman’s Suffrage Convention; reflects a common suffrage argument – that giving women the vote simply fulfilled the promise of 1776)
Keep Woman In Her Sphere (by D. Estabrook, 1880s)
Tune: Auld Lang Syne)
1)I have a neighbor, one of those
Not very hard to find
Who know it all without debate
And never change their mind
2)I asked him"What of woman's rights?"
He said in tones severe--
"My mind on that is all made up,
Keep woman in her sphere."
3)I saw a man in tattered garb
Forth from the grog-shop come
He squandered all his cash for drink
and starved his wife at home
4)I asked him "Should not woman vote"
He answered with a sneer--
"I've taught my wife to know her place,
Keep woman in her sphere."