Story Behind The Song
Song inspired by a painting by Rhode Island Gail Armstrong depicting a dead seagull on the beach.
Song Description
for voice, flute, piano and cello
| Song Length |
4:27 |
Genre |
Classical - Contemporary, Classical - Classical |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Troubled |
Subject |
Earth, Birds |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
WE Own Not The Earth
By Noreen Inglesi
VERSE 1
Soft sand near the water
Mica aglow
Resting there on the beach near a shell
Lies a dead seagull
So like a dancer who longs to fly.
Graceful wings slowly waning in the sand.
So doleful yet shadow still so grand.
REFRAIN
We own not the earth
We're tenants in a time-share
Basking in its light like a tender gull in flight.
We own not the earth we're taking all that's grown
Reaping more seeds than sown.
VERSE 2
This gull tells a story
Of sullen plight
Ruffled feathers flowing
Wind a blowing in an autumn night
Once earth was so bountiful rich with its spoil
Now hungry gulls circle and circle in the sky.
Now hungry gull fills the air with its cry.
REFRAIN
We own not the earth
We're tenants in a time-share
Basking in its light like a tender gull in flight.
We own not the earth we're taking all that's grown
Reaping more seeds than sown.
VERSE 3
Resting so peaceful
This hapless bird
Worn feathers fading once cascading
Gleefully we heard.
Precious is the gift we hold
From wondrous birth
Let's share our wealth
With all the creatures of the Earth.
We are creatures of the Earth.