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  • Published on

    225. Walk Me Home with guest Una McCann

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:05:32
    Start time of reprise: 01:28:35
    Lyrics:

    ​Oh wind blow away the doubt circling around my head instead
    Let me know the blessing of my feet upon the ground


    [Chorus:]
    (And) walk me home, 
    (And) walk me home, 
    (And) walk me home again

    (And) walk me home, 
    (And) walk me home, 
    (And) walk me home again

    .................
    Oh moon shine a silver light illuminating all that I would hide 
    Guide me through the shadows, trusting in the steps before me 


    [Chorus]
    .................
    Over and over, your touch at my shoulder, guiding me homeward again
    .................
    Oh mountain, be kind to me, shelter me from storms that would arise, wise and silent, you show me how to follow through

    [Chorus]
    Picture
    Song: Walk Me Home
    Music by: Una McCann

    Notes: What do you do with anger? Can you set shame gently aside so you can get out of the way of what's coming through you and wants to be voiced? How do you move through times of doubt and grief to do what you are called to do? Una shares with us a beautiful song companion for walking each other home, and we explore these questions and so, so much more in this extended conversation. 

    Songwriter Info:
    Una McCann is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland where she works as a choir leader and songwriter.  She has been leading groups in harmony since her school days and has been working with adult choirs for 15 years.  
    Una is a proud and active member of the UK Charity The Natural Voice Network, and works in line with the principle that we are all born to sing.  She is passionate about the power of song and creativity to transform lives.
    Song writing is a part of life that sustains and supports Una.  She writes melodies and words that she needs to hear in that moment and is always delighted when they resonate with other people too.  
    In her spare time, Una enjoys running singing holidays and retreats.

    Sharing Info: Una says: "Please sing these songs; they were born to be sung. If you make money through singing the songs and would like to support me in my work as a song carrier, please purchase songs through my website or drop me an email for more options."

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:05:32
    Start time of reprise: 01:28:35

    Links:
    Website: www.unamccann.org
    Facebook: Una McCann Music
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unamccann47/ 
    Rhiannon: https://rhiannonmusic.com/home 
    Earthsong camps with John Bowker: https://www.earthsong.ie/about-earthsong
    A note in sand or water: https://youtu.be/-CZlrgq8syE?si=VzijHkmvxuPUJ7MD 
    The first song Una remembers singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QfXXj8RoPk&t=32s 
    Stéphane Grappelli – musicians of the eyes and musicians of the ears: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St%C3%A9phane_Grappelli
    Una’s Soundcloud – Henrietta!: https://soundcloud.com/unamccann/henrietta 
    Tara Brach – teachings of kindness and wellbeing: https://www.tarabrach.com/ 
    Natural Voices Network: https://www.naturalvoice.net/ 
    Indigo Girls: https://www.indigogirls.com/ 
    The Roches: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Roches 
    Airplane: https://youtu.be/MhVcbRldEfs?si=rubOOaeZ2S8lXF-a (from the Indigo Girls 1992 “Rites of Passage” album – my gift to Una was finding the song she loved!)
    Gamelan instrument: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamelan 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, harmonized (intriguingly, it starts with a descending Phrygian scale...)

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  • Published on

    224. We All Need A Little Love

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:16
    Start time of reprise: 00:18:15
    Lyrics:

    ​Everyone:
    We all need a little love in our lives, we all need a little love
    We all need a little love in our lives, we all need a little love
     

    Bass:
    We all need a little love in our lives, we all need a little love
    We all need a little love in our lives, we all need a little love

    SAT:
    Love, love, we all need it, love, love, we all need a little love
    Love, love, we all need it, love, love, we all need a little
     

    (Bass: So) Make a change now, make a change, make a change right now,
    Fill your heart now, fill your heart, fill your heart with Love 'cos
    *

    *back to start

    Coda
    Bass: We all need a little love in our lives we all need a little love
    SAT:  We all need a little love in our lives we all need a little, we all need a little love
    Picture
    Song: We All Need A Little Love
    Music by: Una McCann

    Notes: In this super-satisfying song, Una McCann stepped into the funk so we can all dig into a little more love in our lives -- not a bad thing to wish for filling our hearts. Doesn't matter what the regimes of the world are doing; we can invite a little more love into our hearts right now! Next week Una and I get to dive right into a conversation about the songwriting shift from singer-songwriter to community songs, how Una manages the energy of 300 singers every week, and more -- hope you can join us!

    Songwriter Info:
    Una McCann is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland where she works as a choir leader and songwriter.  She has been leading groups in harmony since her school days and has been working with adult choirs for 15 years.  
    Una is a proud and active member of the UK Charity The Natural Voice Network, and works in line with the principle that we are all born to sing.  She is passionate about the power of song and creativity to transform lives.
    Song writing is a part of life that sustains and supports Una.  She writes melodies and words that she needs to hear in that moment and is always delighted when they resonate with other people too.  
    In her spare time, Una enjoys running singing holidays and retreats.

    Sharing Info: Una says: "Please sing these songs; they were born to be sung. If you make money through singing the songs and would like to support me in my work as a song carrier, please purchase songs through my website or drop me an email for more options."

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:16
    Start time of reprise: 00:18:15

    Links:
    Website: www.unamccann.org
    Facebook: Una McCann Music
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unamccann47/ 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, minor, SATB

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  • Published on

    223. The Reach

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:50
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:29
    Lyrics:

    The earth
    opened in the spring, opens
    in all springs. Nameless,
    ancient, many lived, we reach
    through ages with the seed.


    – Wendell Berry, “Rising”
    New Collected Poems
    ​(Counterpoint Press, 2012)
    Picture
    Song: The Reach
    Words by: Wendell Berry
    Music by: Malcolm Dalglish

    Notes: I learned this beautiful round from the amazing Moira Smiley, who connected me with Malcolm Dalglish to request his permission to share on this podcast. I continue to be amazed by the seeds we sow when we befriend and tend each other, unfolding understanding and trust. It's not always easy to reach forward or back -- but these seeds we plant with each other open, even if the winter is long and icy! At least that's where this poem is taking me today. And let me tell you, I practiced deep love and care for all of you whose voices are comfortable in higher ranges than mine! I taught it where I'm comfy -- but I did the reprise where Malcolm actually set the sheet music (nice tenor/soprano range) -- so if you want to buy the sheet music from him and sing along with it, that's where you should head...

    Songwriter Info: Malcolm Dalglish is a hammer dulcimer player and composer from Bloomington Indiana, whose many vocals celebrate a love of our natural world. He has set many poems by Kentucky author, and farmer, Wendell Berry. 

    Sharing Info: Please buy sheet music on Malcolm's website if you plan to share this song as a songleader.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:50
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:29

    Links:
    Malcolm's website: https://oooliticmusic.com/ 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, round with optional descant

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  • Published on

    221. Heading Home

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:04
    Start time of reprise: 00:18:29
    Lyrics:

    Home, we're heading home,
    Home, we're heading home,
    With an ache in my bones, and a song in my heart
    Home, we're heading home.


    Verse: 
    The birds have paused their singing, and the day is almost done.
    The moon reflects a gentle light, and silences the sun.
    And now I'm called to my place of rest, where I close my eyes to the night,
    And lay my head, before I'll wake in the morning light.

    Picture
    Song: Heading Home
    Music by: Ben & Dom

    Notes: I read a commentary by Ailey Jolie, saying, "You cannot breathe your way out of patriarchy." She was observing that regulating the body's emergency responses is good to do as a way of caring for ourselves -- but not if it means simply increasing our ability to tolerate a situation that is causing our bodies to cry "emergency." We need to breathe and steady ourselves, as this song of Ben & Dom's does so beautifully -- and the reason is to bring ourselves even more fully into the present, ready to respond effectively to what actually is because we have the capacity to look directly at what is not working. So let this song bring you home to yourself -- whole, rested, and ready.

    Songwriter Info: Ben & Dom are a singing duo, weaving their voices around songs old and new. Ben takes the high notes and Dom takes the low notes (most of the time). Their lyrics touch on friendship, nature and what it means for two men to sing together in this modern day. 

    Sharing Info: Ben & Dom say: "We would love this song to be sung and shared in any circle. It is a parting song suitable for lots of different situations and occasions. If you feel like you want to share the song we have sheet music and teaching tracks available on our website. There is a tiered pricing structure to suit groups of different sizes and setups. If the cost is any kind of challenge for you then please be in touch and we can send you the materials free of charge. "

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:04
    Start time of reprise: 00:18:29

    Links:
    Ben & Dom's website: www.BenAndDom.com
    Ben & Dom's Bandcamp: https://benanddom.bandcamp.com
    Buy score for Heading Home: https://benanddom.bandcamp.com/ 
    Essay of Ailey Jolie: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16LcZ7iR43/ 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, 3-part harmony

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  • Published on

    218. The River

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:49
    Verses taught slowly: 00:11:55
    First run through: 00:15:50
    Start time of reprise: 00:20:53
    Lyrics:

    Bass part:
    Dum t-ka dum dum dum k
    Dum t-ka dum dum dum k
    Dum t-ka dum dum dum dum
    Dum t-ka dum dum dum k


    Melody:
    1. The river is a healer, the river is a sage.
    The river knows no end and the river feels no age.
    The river is a leader every single day,
    It's living in the moment and it always finds a way.


    Chorus:
    Water heal my body, water heal my soul.
    When I go down down to the water,
    by the water I feel whole.


    2. The river calls me over, it's calling out my name
    In the day and in the night I hear that river all the same.
    It's calling me over, calling out my pain,
    oh a river gathers tears just like a river gathers rain.


    3. The river is a traveller, always on the go
    A river never worries if it's fast or if it's slow
    River take me to where I need to go,
    Oh and I will just relax and let the river flow.

    Picture
    Song: The River
    Music by: Coco Love Alcorn

    Notes: Coco is entering a long and challenging journey with an aggressive cancer diagnosis. She’s hopeful and grounded, but as an independent musician, she doesn’t have access to benefits like employment insurance or sick leave. With her treatment schedule, she’s had to cancel every concert, every tour, and even postpone the recording of her new album. She also had to pause her local choir until further notice. This means she’s facing at least a year ahead with almost no income — while focusing all her strength on healing. Supporting her directly through buying her music, or donating to the GoFundMe will make this time easier. In the meantime, you can sing this song of Coco's, bringing river healing energy into the world!

    Songwriter Info:
    “Coco is the ultimate musical spark plug... an electrical connector through which the creative energy flows. In my 30 years of touring around the world, I have never seen another performer able to bring people together like Coco does.” ~ James Keelaghan - Artist Director, Summerfolk and renowned Canadian singer/ songwriter
    The first thing you notice about Coco Love Alcorn, is the voice. It's a rich, dynamic, supremely soulful instrument – hailed by the press as extraordinary, beautiful, and stunning – that has a way of touching your heart and making you care. 
    As a performer, Alcorn is always in the moment, joyful, and genuine. She combines diverse musical influences including jazz, R&B, pop, folk, and Gospel. Her playful and witty character, love of improvising, and willingness to engage fearlessly with the audience has made Alcorn an established presence on the Canadian music scene. 
    Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and now based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Alcorn’s career has spanned more than 20 years, 12 (9 solo) albums, cross-Canada tours, collaborations, festival appearances, award nominations, and notable success in TV and film licensing. And it took someone with a spirit like Alcorn's to navigate this path. 
    "Throughout my career I have explored across many genres, collaborations and projects, taking a winding path to get to here,” she says. “But I’ve loved every step of my journey and trusted my inner curiosity to take me where it wanted to go.” 

    Sharing Info: Please support Coco directly if you are sharing this song, either by buying the music on her website here: https://cocolovealcorn.com/store or supporting her GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/SupportCocoThroughCancer 

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:49
    Verses taught slowly: 00:11:55
    First run through: 00:15:50
    Start time of reprise: 00:20:53

    Links:
    Coco teaching the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgmg1K7BFxo&t=133s 
    Coco's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/SupportCocoThroughCancer
    Lisa Littlebird teaching tracks: https://thebirdsings.com/the-river/
    Sheet music for The River: https://cocolovealcorn.com/store 

    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, major, verses & chorus, harmonize

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  • Published on

    216. I Believe with Guest Singers

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:05:24
    Start time of reprise: 00:19:52
    Lyrics:

    *Soprano, Alto, Tenor*
    I believe in the goodness, 
    in the goodness of you, 
    and the goodness of me, 
    And the goodness of everybody

    We were born to love, to love, to love 
    We were born to love, to love, to love


    *Bass*
    Oh! I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe in everybody
    We, we were born to love, to love
    Picture
    Song: I Believe
    Music by: Una McCann

    Guest singers:​ Rebecca Csuy, Seth Norton, Tom Norton, Marika Tabilio

    Notes: You'll hear a wonderful group of singers helping me cover all the ranges of this song: Tom and Seth bring the bass, Marika nails the tenor, Rebecca lines up the alto, and I take on soprano. There's a bit of octave confusion -- where do we find these pitches in our different voices?! And then this fabulous song and groove reminds us to see the goodness -- in you, in me, in everybody. So grateful to Una McCann for living into the teachings of Tara Brach and catching this song that feels so good to have singing in my body! Wishing everyone a week of discovery and festive comradery, whether you are celebrating holy days or simply the close of 2025...

    Songwriter Info:
    Una McCann is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland where she works as a choir leader and songwriter.  She has been leading groups in harmony since her school days and has been working professionally with choirs for 15 years.  
    Currently the chair of the Natural Voice Network, Una runs 6 Natural Voice style weekly choirs.  She also enjoys running singing holidays and retreats.   
    Una is passionate about the power of creativity to transform lives and encourages her singers to improvise, play and explore their own creativity.
    Song writing is a part of life that sustains and supports Una.  She writes melodies and words that she needs to hear in that moment and is always delighted when they resonate with other people too.  
    I Believe was born out of the wish to always see the best in people even when it’s hard and we don’t want to, and to remember that underneath all of us is someone who just wants to be happy. We all come from love but sometimes we lose our way a bit. 
    It was inspired by listening to Tara Brach who creates beautiful talks on topics such as this.

    Sharing Info: Please buy sheet music on Una's website (see below) if you plan to share this song as a songleader.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:05:24
    Start time of reprise: 00:19:52

    Links:
    Una's website: www.unamccann.org
    Sheet music for this song: https://unamccann.org/product/i-believe/ 
    Una's Instagram: www.instagram.com/unamccann47
    Una's Facebook (Una McCann Music): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558408430060 
    Tara Brach's website: www.tarabrach.com
    Natural Voice Network: www.naturalvoice.net 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, minor, 2 layers, one layer with melody & two harmonies

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