Jonathan, as we finish today, we want to thank you

Amy F. Bernon (b. 1960)

Amy F. Bernon is known for her accessible, unpretentious compositions that blend elements from various musical genres. Alleluia, Alleluia is a rhythmic and lively choral piece, characterized by its engaging melodies and dynamic energy. 

Lyrics

Alleluia

Alisa Bair (b. 1957)

Lyrics by Dina Soraya Gregory

In  1999, on the brink of a new millennium—a time of uncertainty much like   today—Dina Gregory wrote “Angel Breathing Out.” The world was gripped by   Y2K fears, anxiously anticipating havoc from a looming computer glitch. Today,   we find ourselves again in uncertainty hoping the winds of change will bring   good as if from the breath of an angel.

Lyrics

The horses, they are restless. 

The birds are ill at ease. 

I watch them from my window, 

disputing with the breeze. 

I see the branches swaying beyond a sheet of glass. 

The storm upon the ocean is mirrored in the grass.  

What wind is it that blows here? 

What change has come about? 

I pray it is a good wind -

An angel breathing out.  

And if the fall of water could form a fleeting word, 

I’d run and ask the river what news she may have heard.  

In fairy tales they caution that weather is a force,

it’s laden with intention; no one may shift its course.  

I’ve gone into the garden to calm the horses down, 

my eyes, they fill with water, 

I waver like a clown.  

My spirit is excited,

I’m nervous as the trees, 

aware my soul is lifting, 

I turn and face the breeze.  

What wind is it that blows here?

What change has come about? 

I sense it is a good wind -

An angel breathing out.

Giselle Wyers (b. 1970)

Poem by Nicomedes Suárez-Araúz, translated by José Rodeiro

Enchanting  yet simple language of Suárez’s poem “The Lips of the Sky”  was  originally penned in Spanish and translated into English by Jose Rodeiro. The text hints at the grandeur and intimacy of the growing night, and how we as humans are both cradled and enveloped by nature’s inevitability and mystery.

Lyrics

Through the naked oak limbs

I see the moon half eaten away by the blue 

The pines softly sway

And the tiny birds’ songs seem to attract

The night that begins to enter my chest

 Between mountain angels of dust

 Are playing on the last breath of sun 

The lips of the sky are closing in our eyes 

Ysaÿe M. Barnwell (b. 1946)

Originally part of the larger song suite "Crossings," "Wanting Memories" captures themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the importance of community bonds. 

Dr. Barnwell's heartfelt dedication of the piece to her father speaks volumes about its personal significance and emotional depth.

Lyrics

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty,
But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.

Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place,
Here inside I have few things that will console.
And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life,
Then I remember all the things that I was told.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when i was young.
I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing.
I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride.
I think on these things, for they are true.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me,
You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.

I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far,
I know that I am you and you are me and we are one,
I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand,
I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. 

Joan Szymko (b. 1957)

Poem by Wendell Berry

First published in 1968, Wendell Berry’s poem "The Peace of Wild Things" captures the calming and restorative power of nature. In moments of deep anxiety about an uncertain future, we seek solace by immersing ourselves in the natural world, finding "peace" in the "grace" of nature, freed from fear.

Lyrics

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives might be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, 

and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. 

I come into the presence  of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light.

For a time 

I rest in the grace of the world, 

and am free.

 Sarah Quartel (b. 1982)

Lyrics by Steven Heighton

The text by Steven Heighton is a secular rewriting of Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd." The contemplative message is paired with powerful textures   and driving triplet rhythms. The piano accompaniment enhances the flowing yet  powerful nature of the piece.

Lyrics

The wind is my shepherd,

and I must walk

Where it drives me 

until the day's end

It guides me into barren hills 

More beautiful than gardens

It leads me to lie under sheets of rain,

It feeds me the warm wafer of the sun

Streaming from dawn's embers

I am drawn down by the wind's fingers 

to the waters that are never still

My staff and compass are the living boughs,

the leaves my roof,

my shifting floor

And I must live like the mountain 

briefly and always 

in the mansion of the wind.

Moira Smiley (b. 1976)

"‘Refugee’ is about empathy. It’s about the possibility of imagining yourself in someone   else’s shoes, especially someone who has been displaced or is in search of   safety and belonging. I wanted to create something that would remind us of   our shared humanity and how close we all are to being in that position   ourselves." Moira  Smiley

Lyrics

Refugee
In your world I’m a refugee.
In your world danger all around me,
all around me, 

all around
me. In your world I’m not free,

I must flee, 

I must flee
Bring me shelter, 

I will not harm you.
Bring me shelter, please.
Bring me shelter, I will not harm you
I would shelter you
I am only what you are.
Imagine your unbreakable world was broken,
No more rules to protect you

Who was I? 
In my world I was standing strong
In my world my heart did belong. 

And now it’s gone – there is only longing, only longing, only longing
Bring me shelter, I will not harm you. 
Bring me shelter, please.
Bring me shelter, I will not harm you
I would shelter you
I am only what you are.
Imagine your unbreakable world was broken,
No more rules to protect you
Refugee 

Christopher Tin (b. 1976)

The lyrics of "Baba Yetu" (which   means "Our Father" in Swahili) are a translation of the Lord's   Prayer. Noted for its emotive melodies and rhythmic vitality, it is the theme   song for the 2005 video game Civilization IV.   The song, when   re-released, became the first piece of video game music to be nominated for  and to win a Grammy Award. 

Lyrics

 Baba yetu, yetu uliye (Our, our Father who are)
Mbinguni yetu, yetu, amina (In heaven, our, our, amen)
Baba yetu, yetu, uliye (Our, our Father, who are)
Jina lako litukuzwe (Let's glorify your name)

Utupe leo chakula chetu (Give us today our food)
Tunachohitaji utusamehe (We need you to forgive us)
Makosa yetu, hey (Our errors, hey)
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe (As we do forgive those)
Waliotukosea, usitutie (Who did us wrong, don't put us)
Katika majaribu, lakini (Into trials, but)
Utuokoe, na yule, milele na milele (Save us, with him, for ever and ever)

Baba yetu, yetu uliye (Our, our Father who are)
Mbinguni yetu, yetu, amina (In heaven, our, our, amen)
Baba yetu, yetu, uliye (Our, our Father, who are)
Jina lako litukuzwe (Let's glorify your name)

Ufalme wako ufike utakalo (Your kingdom come that it be)
Lifanyike duniani kama mbinguni, amina (done on earth as in heaven, amen)

Utupe leo chakula chetu (Give us today our food)
Tunachohitaji utusamehe (We need you to forgive us)
Makosa yetu, hey (Our errors, hey)
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe (As we do forgive those)
Waliotukosea, usitutie (Who did us wrong, don't put us)
Katika majaribu, lakini (Into trials, but)
Utuokoe na yule msiba milele (Save us from this distress for ever)

Baba yetu, yetu, uliye (Our, our Father, who are)
Jina lako litukuzwe (Let's glorify your name) 

Bob Dylan (b. 1941), 

arr. Adam Podd

This  choral arrangement breathes new life into Bob Dylan’s iconic folk anthem   about social change and activism. The song was released as the title track of   Dylan’s 1964 album of the same name. Dylan wrote the song to create an anthem   of change, inspired by Irish and Scottish ballads. 

Lyrics

Come gather 'round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You'll be drenched to the bone

If your time to you is worth savin'

Then you better start swimmin'

Or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin'

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don't criticize

What you can't understand

Your sons and your daughters

Are beyond your command

Your old road is rapidly agin'

Please get out of the new one

If you can't lend your hand

For the times they are a-changin'

The line it is drawn

The curse it is cast

The slow one now

Will later be fast

As the present now

Will later be past

The order is rapidly fadin'

And the first one now

Will later be last

For the times they are a-changin'

Aron Accurso (b. 1979)

Lyrics by Rachel Griffin

Commissioned   by the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club, “You Are Enough. A Mental   Health Suite” was written to advocate for, and elevate conversations about,   mental health awareness. There is a beautiful quote by Sierra Boggess, originated   by Susan Batson, “You are enough, you are so enough, it’s unbelievable how   enough you are!” that was the inspiration for this movement.

Lyrics

You’ve carried words that aren’t true so long: 

The labels they put on you. 

You’ve gotten lost in these storms of thoughts, 

And forgotten the way to break through. 

Erase them one by one, you’re not who they decide. 

You are enough. 

You’re so enough. 

It’s unbelievable how enough you are.

You’ve let them write who you are, so far, 

They’re wrong, you are up to you. 

You’ve gone adrift in a sea of doubt 

And forgotten the love that you knew. 

Write your life in bold, there’s no reason to hide. 

You are enough. 

You’re so enough. 

It’s unbelievable how enough you are.

Let the light come in and find a home in you. 

Let the light multiply with everything you do. 

You are enough. 

You’re so enough. 

It’s unbelievable how enough you are. 

You are, You are! 

You are enough! 

Arr. Andrea Ramsey

Andrea Ramsey’s arrangement emphasizes   themes of unity, belonging, and community gathering. Known for her meaningful   choral settings, Ramsey brings warmth to this piece through lush harmonies   and singable melodies that celebrate togetherness. 

Lyrics

You can hold my hand
When you need to let go
I can be your mountain
When you're feeling valley-low
I can be your streetlight
Showing you the way home
You can hold my hand
When you need to let go

I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done

If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed
Plant a little happiness
Let the roots run deep
If it's love that we give
Then it's love that we reap
If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed

Yeah I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done

The door is always open
Your picture's on my wall
Everyone's a little broken
And everyone belongs
Yeah, everyone belongs

I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we're young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done
And bring us back together when the day is done