Singing Voices by Matthew Edwards
(For An Croenan)

Matthew's Comments:  I've got a new song which I sang at the Manchester Mudcat Meet on Saturday.  Its called "Singing Voices", and it celebrates the pleasure that singing bestows, and the power that there is in song to overcome troubles, and find contentment and happiness. You may recognise it as an "improved", and more generalised version of my song for the Stony Stratford Gathering.  I've dedicated it to my singing teacher in Liverpool who has helped me discover some more of the joy that there is in singing.


Let me rise up in the morning to the murmuring of voices,
That fills the room with music, to greet the dawning day.
And the air all round about me is trembling with sweet noises,
Whose gentle notes float in air to drive my fears away.

Chorus:
How I love to spend my days among the sounds of voices singing
In joyful melodies that flood the fresh sweet air.
From the earth up to the heavens happy harmonies are ringing,
And the sound of singing voices will free my heart from care.

Let the hours of my days measure time to notes in rhythm,
And I'll count myself so happy as I sing, and dance, and play.
Where the sounds of voices lead me, I shall surely follow with them,
Guided by the melody, and never go astray.

Oh! Let me spend my evening among pleasant voices dwelling,
Until the music's over, and the last note fades away.
In the failing light, my mind's ear will still hear a chorus swelling,
Forth in a joyful burden to bless the dying day.

Matthew Edwards 26 November 2001