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One Million Voices – Words and Music by Brian Tate


The award-winning composer, Brian Tate, wrote this interesting song. He was inspired
by the courage of individuals who are willing to take risks, speak their truths, and stand up for human rights.

Chorus
One hundred, one thousand, one million voices.
One hundred, one thousand, one million voices.
One hundred, one thousand, one million voices.
One hundred, one thousand, one million voices.

I raise my voice. I give my word.
I raise my voice until I’m heard.
I will not cease. Too many hearts are broken, stay!
Until my words are spoken

Chorus

The time is now. Silence is past.
The time is right.Justice at last.
I stand my ground. I will not bend, I make my sound.
A sacred journey to defend.

From ev’ry heart, from ev’ry mouth, these words are speeding.
My words are fire, my words are ice.
They stop the lies, they stop the bleeding.
I raise my voice. I give my word.
I raise my voice. I will be heard!
I will not cease. Too many hearts are broken, stay!
Until my words are spoken.

Chorus

If I Can Sing
Words by Sara Teasdale, Music by Lon Beery

The phrase “If I can sing, I still am free”  from Sara Teasdale’s  poem ‘Refuge”, conveys a
powerful message of freedom and resilience. It reflects the idea that even in
times of struggle, one can find solace and expression through singing, which serves as
a refuge for the spirit. The poem emphasizes the importance of fragile immortality and
the ability to create a sanctuary for oneself through words and music, illustrating
how singing can transform despair into hope and comfort.

From my spirit’s great defeat,
From my pulse’s flagging beat,
From my hopes that turns to sand
Sifting through my close-clenched hand,
From my own fault’s slavery,
If I can sing, if I can sing,
I still am free. (repeat)

For with my singing I can make
A refuge for my spirit’s sake,
A house of shining words,
To be my fragile immortality.
If I can sing, I still am free.
If I can sing.

Here Comes The Sun                          
Words and Music by George Harrison 
Arranged by Matt and Adam Podd

George Harrison wrote “Here Comes The Sun” in early 1969 at the country house of
his friend Eric Clapton, where Harrison had chosen to play truant for the day to avoid
attending a meeting at the Beatles Apple Corps organization. The lyrics reflect his relief
at the arrival of spring and the temporary respite he was experiencing from the band’s
business affairs.

Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun
oo
Little darlin’, It’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darlin’, It feels like years since it’s been here

Chorus:
Here comes the sun Doot’n doo doo
Here comes the sun And I say
It’s alright

Little darlin’, The smiles returning to their faces
Little darlin’, It seems like years since it’s been here

Chorus
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes (repeat 3 more times)
oo

Little darlin’, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darlin’, It seems like years since it’s been clear

Oo Here comes the sun, Oo Here comes the sun
And I say
Oo
It’s alright
Little darlin’
Here comes the sun (repeat)

Sun, sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun
Sun, sun, sun
Here it comes

Born Like the Pines  
By Matthew Emery, From the poem by James Ephraim McGirt

Canadian composer Matthew Emery wrote this song with the words from the poem by
James Ephraim McGirt. It is a poignant reflection on the nature of life and the human
experience. The poem’s themes of restlessness, the nature of song and the desire to
express oneself resonate with many, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire and move listeners. Can you hear the whisper of wind in the pines?

Born like the pines to sing, the harp and song in my breast.
Though far and near, there’s none to hear,
I’ll sing as the winds request.

As the winds sweep by, Ill laugh or cry,
I cannot rest.

The Wayfaring Stranger
Southern American Folk Hymn, Arranged by Greg Gilpin

This is a well-known folk and gospel song, likely originating in the 19th century, about a
plaintive soul on the journey through life. The “Western Writers of America” chose it as
one of the Top 100 Western Songs of all time. Though the origins of this song are
unclear, the likely use of the coded language used, points to African/American
Origins, especially in their journey of freedom from slavery. For example, “crossing the River Jordan” may refer to crossing the Ohio River as they moved north to freedom.

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger.
I’m trav’ling through this world of woe.
Yet there’s no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go.

I know dark clouds will gather ‘round me.
I know my way is rough and steep.
Yet, golden fields lie just before me
Where the redeemed shall never sleep.

I’m going there to see my mother.
I’m going there, no more to roam.
I’m only going over Jordan.
I’m only going over home.

I want to wear, I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that good land.
I want to shout, shout, shout salvation’s story
In concert with that heav’nly band.

I’m going there to meet my loved ones,
To sing with them forever more.
I’m just a going over Jordan.
I’m only going over home.
I’m going home.

The Hockey Song
Tom Connors, arranged by L. Nickel

The memorable Canadian, Stompin’ Tom Connors wrote this song in 1973 and it was
included in his album, “Stompin Tom and the Hockey Song”. This song has been played
at various games throughout the NHL including every Maple Leaf’s home games. The
National Post once wrote of him:” He sang of a nation without politics, to its proud
history, and to its better angels. His songs remind us that Canada matters—that we’ve
built something amazing here and must not take it for granted.” We lost this special
Canadian performer in 2013. Listen to the lyrics for more recent players’ names including some of our Canadian women hockey heroes.

Do you know the name of Gordie Howe?
How about the legend Bobby Orr?
Or Mario Lemieux, one of the few.
Rocket Richard raced round the rink.
The most famous one, was who do you think!?
Great Wayne Gretzky!

Chorus:
(Oh the) Good old hockey game is the best game you can name.
And the best game you can name is the good old hockey game.

Hello out there, we’re on the air. It’s hockey night tonight!
Tension grows, the whistle blows and the puck goes down the ice.
The goalie jumps and the players bump and the fans all go insane.
Someone roars, “Bobby scores!” at the good old hockey game.

Chorus
Announcer: “Second period!”

Where players dash, with skates a-flash, the home team trails behind.
But they grab the puck and go bursting up.
They’re down across the line!
They storm the crease, like bumble bees, they travel like a burning flame!
We see them slide, the puck inside!
It’s a one one hockey game!

Chorus
Announcer “Third period! Last game of the playoff, too!”

O, take me where the hockey players face off down the rink.
And the Stanley Cup is all filled up for the Champs who win the drink.
Now the final flick of a hockey stick, and the one gigantic scream.
The puck is in! The home team wins! The good old hockey game!
Do you know the name of Sid the Kid?
How about the legend Cassie Campbell?
Or Hayley Wickenheiser and Sara Nurse.
Leon Draisaitl and RNH (Ryan Nugent Hopkins).
The most famous one, was who do you think!?
Connor McDavid!

Chorus
Announcer “He shoots! He scores!”

Spiritual Medley
Traditional

You will likely be familiar with all of the gospel tunes in this medley. They end up all
layered on top of each other and it is amazing how it all works together – just like the
many voices of the choir!

I’m gonna sing, sing, sing,
I’m gonna shout, shout, shout;
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna shout, “Praise the Lord!”
When those gates swing open wide, I’m gonna sit by Jesus’ side.
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna shout, “Praise the Lord!”

Swing low sweet chariot
Comin’ for to carry me home.
Swing low sweet chariot
Comin’ for to carry me home.

Oh when the saints go marchin’ in,
Oh when the saints go marchin’ in,
O Lord I want to be in that number 
When the saints go marchin’ in.

This train is bound for glory, this train;
This train is bound for glory, this train.
This train is bound for glory,
All aboard for the gospel story,
This train is bound for glory, this train.

In My Life
By John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Arranged by Roger Emerson

John Lennon wrote the words to this this song, and in a 1980 interview, he referred to it
as his “first real major piece of work” because it was the first time he had written about
his own life. It was recorded in 1965 on the album, “Rubber Soul”, and Rolling Stones
ranks it number 5 on its list of the 100 greatest songs by the Beatles. 
The Festival Singers Ensemble will sing Roger Emerson’s arrangement.

There are places I’ll remember, all my life, though some have changed.
Some forever, not for better, some have gone, and some remain.
All these places had their moments with lovers and friends I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living. In my life I’ve loved them all.

But of all these friends and lovers there is no one compares with you.
And these memories lose their meaning when I think of love as something new.
Tho’ I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before,
I know I’ll often stop and think about them.  In my life, I love you more.

Tho’ I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before,
I know I’ll often stop and think about them, In my life I love you more.
I love you more.

I’ve Got You Under My Skin
By Cole Porter, Arranged by Kirby Shaw

This song was written by Cole Porter in 1936 and was introduced in the musical “Born
to Dance”. It has been performed by many artists since then and became a signature
song by Frank Sinatra. This jazz arrangement by Kirby Shaw will be presented by the
Festival Singers Ensemble.

I’ve got you under my skin. 
I’ve got you deep in the heart of me.
So deep in my heart, you’re really a part of me.
I’ve got you under my skin.

I’ve tried so not to give in.
I said to myself, “This affair won’t go so well”.
But why should I try to resist when, darling, I know so well
I’ve got you under my skin.

I would sacrifice anything, come what might,
For the sake of having your near,
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats and repeats in my ear:
“Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win.
Use your mentality, wake up to reality”.
And each time I do, just the thought of you makes me stop before I begin,
‘cause I’ve got you under my skin.

Choral Highlights from Grease
Arranged by Roger Emerson

This medley of songs is from the musical “Grease” which was written in 1971 by Jim
Jacobs and Warren Casey. The name comes from the 1950’s U.S. working class youth
subculture knows as “greasers”. It is set in 1959 and borrows heavily from the sounds of
early rock and roll. The musical follows ten working-class teenagers as they navigate
the complexities of peer pressure, politics, personal core values, and love. (Some of
these lyrics certainly reflect a different era.) Let’s Rock and roll!

Grease
Words and Music by Barry Gibb

Grease is the word, — is the word,- is the word, — is the word …
I saw my problems and I see the light
We got-ta lov-in’ thing, we got-ta feed it right,
There ain’t no danger we can go too far, we start be-leive-in’ now
That we can be who we are, Grease is the word,

They think our love is just a grow-in’ pain. 
Why don’t they understand? It’s just a cry-in’ shame.  
Their lips are ly-in’, only real is real, we stop to find right now
We got to be what we feel, Grease is the word.
— is the word, that you heard.
It’s got groove it’s got meaning,
Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion. Grease is the way we are feel-in’

Summer Nights
Lyric and Music by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs

Summer lov-in’, had me a blast
Summer lov-in’, happened so fast,
I met a girl, crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be, Summer days drift-in’ away to uh, oh those summer nights,
Well a well a well a huh, Tell me more, tell me more. Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more. Like does he have a car?
She swam by me, she got a cramp
He ran by me, got my suit damp
I saved her life, she nearly drowned
He showed off, splashing around
Summer sun, something’s begun
But uh! Oh, the summer nights
Well-a, well-a, well-a, huh
Tell me more, tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more
Did she put a fight?
Dom, do-be, do, do-be, do-be, do, do-be, 
Dom, do-be, do, do-be, do-be, do, do-be
Shu-da, bop bop, Shu-da, bop bop, Shu-da bop bop.
Shu-da, bop bop, Shu-da, bop bop, Shu-da bop bop ba.

We Go Together
Lyric and Music by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs

We go together like
Rama lama lama ka dinga da ding a dong
Remembered forever, as
Shoo, bop, sha wadda-wadda, yipity boom de boom
Chang-chang, changity chang shoo bop
That’s the way it should be
Wahoo yeah

We’ll always be together (x3)

Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Queen
Lyrics and Music by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs

La-la-la, la la-la-la, la la-(x3) 
Rock ‘n’ roll party queen

Little girl, do you know who I mean?
Pretty soon, she’ll be seventeen
They tell me her name’s Betty Jean
the ha ha, rock ‘n’ roll party queen

Friday night, and she’s got a date
Goin’ places, just a-stayin’ out late
Droppin’ dimes in the record machine
Ah-ho ho, rock ‘n’ roll party queen

Pa, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa,
Oh no, can I have the car tonight? 
Baby, baby, can I be the one to love you with all of my might?
Ay-yi-yi-yi 
Rockin’ and rollin’, little party queen
Gonna do the stroll, little party queen
Ya know we love you so, hey Party Queen
You’re a rockin’ and a rollin’ Party Queen

You’re the One that I want
Words and Music by John Farrar

I got chills, they’re multiplyin’, And I’m losin’ control
‘Cause the power you’re supplyin’
It’s electrify’in
You better shape up. ‘Cause I need a man
And my heart is set on you
You better shape up. You better understand
To my heart I must be true
Nothin’ left, nothin’ left for me to do
You’re the one that I want. You, oo, oo, honey
The one that I want. You, oo, oo, honey
You’re the one that I want. You, oo, oo, are what I need
Oh yes indeed
You’re the one that I want. You, oo, oo, honey
The one that I want. You, oo, oo, honey
You’re the one that I want. You, oo, oo, are what I need
Oh yes indeed  You’re the one that I want!

Fields of Gold
Music and Lyrics by G.M. Sumner
Arranged by Roger Emerson

You may not be familiar with the composer named G.M. Sumner but you probably know
him as “Sting”. This was  composed after he bought a house near a
barley field. The sunsets and the colours of the field helped inspired the lyrics, along
with his love for wife Trudie Styler, whom he married in 1992.
His quote: There’s something inherently sexy about the sight, something primal, as if the wind were making love to the barley. Lovers have made promises here, I’m sure, their bonds strengthened by the comforting cycle of the seasons.

Oo
You’ll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in fields of gold
So she took her love for to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold
Will you stay with me
Will you be my love among the fields of barley?
We’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in the fields of gold
Chorus:
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I’ve broken
But I swear in the days still left
We’ll walk in fields of gold
We will walk in fields of gold
Oo
Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
Chorus
You’ll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in fields of gold
When we walked in fields of gold

Hey Jude
Words and Music by John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Arranged by Mark Brymer

“Hey Jude” was written by Paul McCartney in 1968 and is frequently included on music
critics’ lists of the greatest songs of all time. This ballad evolved from “Hey Jules”, a
song McCartney wrote to comfort John Lennon;s young son, Julian, after Lennon had
left his wife for the Japanese artist Yoko Ono. The lyrics embrace a positive outlook on a sad situation, while also encouraging “Jude” to pursue his opportunities to find love. 

Hey Jude, don’t make it bad,
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.

Hey Jude, don’t be afraid.
You were made to go out and get her.
The minute you let her under your skin,
Then you begin to make it better.

And anytime you feel the pain,
Hey Jude, refrain,
Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.
For well you know that it’s a fool
Who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder.

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na

Hey Jude, don’t let me down.
You have found her, now go and get her.
Remember, to let her into you heart,
Then you can start to make it better. better, better… Oh!

Na, na, na, na, na, na… Hey Jude! (na, na, na,…) repeat

How Can I Keep From Singing?
Music by Greg Gilpin

We keep coming back to this song because it is a joyful expression of our love of
singing. Greg Gilpin arranged this music in a gospel style based on a Quaker text. It is
about the abundance of song in our lives so “How Can I Keep From Singing?”

Chorus:
My life flows on in endless song
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
How can I keep from singing?
How can I keep from singing?

What, though the tempest around me roars,
I know the truth it liveth
What, though the darkness around me close,
Songs in the night it giveth

I hear the real, though far off hymn,
That hails a new creation.
It sounds an echo in my soul
Above earth’s lamentation

Chorus
Oh, to the Rock
To the Rock I’m clinging
Oh, to the Rock
How can I stop singing?
Oh, to the Rock
I’m clinging to the Rock now
Oh, to the Rock, to the Rock