Story Behind The Song

A woman goes to Africa after her divorce - trying to find herself - her life now that her marriage is over. She is in for a revelation when she comes upon the children singing a song.

Song Description

A heart touching story of a woman's journey to Africa finding a strength within herself she never thought she had.

Lyrics

THE RED SOIL
Lyrics by
Denice Rippentrop

Verse 1: The red soil was my escape from the torment in my soul.
When I step off the plane, I was cold.
The pain, sickness and death everywhere and the
Sound of the drums was too much to bear.

Verse 2: The red soil moved my feet to the beat of the drum.
A woman dead to the world walked towards me, I felt numb.
I saw myself as she, a woman lost in pain since he left me,
My life seemed so full of shame.

Verse 3: The red soil covered the feet in that small school room.
They were painting blue butterflies and singing a tune.
As they sang "God's mercy falling down on me," I wept I had to forgive him you see.

Bridge: The children said I brought hope because I came to them.
They know I cared and wanted more for each of them.
Little did they know they gave me more with their smiles and
Soulful words than whatever I could give away.

Verse 4: The red soil touched my soul love is mine again.
The children's song changed my life now as well as then.
As the drumbeat on I must do my part.
I am grateful to Africa it has my heart.



2007 © Denice Rippentrop (ASCAP)