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2. Put Your Roots Down
Song: Put Your Roots Down
Music & Words: Molly Hartwell
Composed in: unknown
Music & Words: Molly Hartwell
Composed in: unknown
Lyrics
Put your roots down,
put your feet on the ground,
can you hear what she says
when you listen?
'Cause the sound of river
as it moves across the stones is the
same sound as the blood in your body
as it moves across your bones.
Are you listening?
Put your roots down,
put your feet on the ground,
can you hear what she says
when you listen?
'Cause the sound of river
as it moves across the stones is the
same sound as the blood in your body
as it moves across your bones.
Are you listening?
Notes: This is a grounding song that's popular in the community singing movement, and in August 2021, I learned from Heather Houston that she had just learned it is a Molly Hartwell original. As a white, European American cis female in my 50s, raised to value formal education, let me tell you, my brain is littered with words like, evaluate, compare, weigh, measure, process, careful…. For me, it can be a real challenge to get out of my head and into my body! But, oh the difference when I do… the connection, the power, the sense of being enough. I love the way this song reminds me of the soles of my feet and to sense the blood rushing through my body. Trillions of cells working together so I move and breathe… and I can just watch and feel all that with amazement.
Links:
Here's the Thrive Choir singing it;
I learned it in person from Lisa Littlebird, a vital, generous songleader whose course, Flight School, helped me expand my musical world in 2019.
And here's an update in September 2021: Molly Hartwell shared her own original version in Heather Houston's song library (which is a magical internet spot to learn fabulous songs!).
Molly also generously gave permission for songleaders to continue sharing the song however it came to them, since the song took on a life of its own after she created it!
Song Learning Time Stamps:
Start time of teaching: 00:02:35
Start time of reprise: 00:13:04
Nuts and Bolts: It’s harmonized, in 4:4, Aeolian & Dorian modes (minor with shifting harmonies....)
Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.
Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
Links:
Here's the Thrive Choir singing it;
I learned it in person from Lisa Littlebird, a vital, generous songleader whose course, Flight School, helped me expand my musical world in 2019.
And here's an update in September 2021: Molly Hartwell shared her own original version in Heather Houston's song library (which is a magical internet spot to learn fabulous songs!).
Molly also generously gave permission for songleaders to continue sharing the song however it came to them, since the song took on a life of its own after she created it!
Song Learning Time Stamps:
Start time of teaching: 00:02:35
Start time of reprise: 00:13:04
Nuts and Bolts: It’s harmonized, in 4:4, Aeolian & Dorian modes (minor with shifting harmonies....)
Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.
Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
16 Comments
Patrícia, I love this song. It really helps me to become aware of the vitality of my body and it’s connection to the earths forces.
Anne, I am so glad to hear this.... ME TOO!!! Not to mention how much fun it is to dance to!
I remember how powerfully I felt this song when I first learned it. I've heard many variations over the years. I was told at one point that it was created by Osprey, who I don't know personally but know them as a powerful songwriter and activist.
Ah, thank you, Kira -- I will see if I can find more about the Osprey connection; like you, I don't know them personally, but have heard of some of their work.
Patricia, I have gone back to the beginning to make a list of all the quote's you say in the introduction. I find some of them powerful and had written a few down. I decided I wanted a list of the ones that moved me, so I could reference it. I think I'll leave a post the ones I like in the comment section as I go through.. The quote for this one- "The only thing better than singing is more singing" :-0
Ooooh, fabulous! I'll look forward to reading the ones that really strike you. I have really enjoyed tracking them down and thinking about which quote complements the song...
Thank you! This is awesome...
So glad you found us! Welcome, Yanti...
This is the best discovery I have made in almost all my life. Your work making this site is unbelievable. It remembrances me about "The singing cure". Thank you, so much, for letting me sing with You ...
What an absolutely beautiful, encouraging comment for me to receive! I’m just going let it soak in for a bit with great appreciation… thank you, thank you for your generosity in taking the time to let me know!!
Love this one! We host community sacred 🔥 each month and often sing a few songs together.
I love this -- sacred fire is so beautiful to sing around -- and what a great song choice for that space! Thanks for letting me know, Judy --
this is a great community sing right in my bedroom. thank you I will be forwarding your info to others. just came home from Heather Houston's signing retreat and can feel it continuing YES Thank you
I LOVE thinking of us having a community sing in your bedroom!!! Heather is such a warm, welcoming presence to help draw people into singing -- and how beautiful that you could go and spend time with her, and that it was such a clear YES for you -- makes me very happy to think of A Breath of Song helping you continue that yes...
I love this song, Sunday was the first time I ever heard it. We sung it over and over at our church, such a wonderful feeling.
I love that you connected with how you felt as you sang the song, Rebecca -- it feels to me like this song goes right into my bones and sinews every time I sing it -- just like you said, a wonderful feeling. So glad you found it here and can remind yourself whenever it calls you back!