Words like Freedom

Song Cycle by Shawn Okpebholo (b. 1981)

1. Refugee in America  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
There are words like Freedom
Sweet and wonderful to say
On my heart-strings freedom sings
All day everyday.

There are words like Liberty
That almost make me cry.
If you had known what I knew
You would know why.

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2. Earth Song  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
It's an earth song,—
And I've been waiting long for an earth song. 
It's a spring song,—
And I've been waiting long for a spring song. 
    Strong as the shoots of a new plant 
    Strong as the bursting of new buds
    Strong as the coming of the first child from its mother's womb. 
It's an earth song, 
A body song, 
A spring song, 
I have been waiting long for this spring song.

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3. Wisdom

Language: English 
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4. When the Armies Passed

Language: English 
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5. Today  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
This is earthquake
Weather!
Honor and Hunger
Walk lean

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6. Oppression  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
Now dreams
Are not available
To the dreamers,
Nor songs
To the singers.

In some lands
Dark night
And cold steel
Prevail
But the dream
Will come back,
And the song
Break
Its jail.

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7. Spirituals  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
Rocks and the firm roots of trees.
The rising shafts of mountains.
Something strong to put my hands on.

Sing, O Lord Jesus!
Song is a strong thing.
I heard my mother singing
When life hurt her:

Gonna ride in my chariot some day!

The branches rise
From the firm roots of trees.
The mountains rise
From the solid lap of earth.
The waves rise
From the dead weight of sea.

Sing, O black mother!
Song is a strong thing.

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

8. Reprise

Language: English 
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Total word count: 234