Wanting Memories-Ysaÿe M. Barnwell

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Singers Of This Age conducted by Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III, perform "Wanting Memories" by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell.
Honoring the ways her grandmother nurtured and shaped her life,
Dr. Ysäye M. Barnwell weaves together a soothing soundtrack that
reminds us to pause, reflect on the wisdom our loved ones passed on
to us, and express gratitude that while physically gone, our loved
ones are always with us.
WANTING MEMORIES
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms,
You said you’d hold me till the pains of life were gone.
You said you’d comfort me in times like these and now I need you,
Now I need you, and you are gone.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Since you’ve gone and left me, there’s been so little beauty,
But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.
Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place,
Here inside I have few things that will console.
And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life,
Then I remember all the things that I was told.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when I
was young.
I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made
me sing.
I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride.
I think on these things, for they are true.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you’re with me,
You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.
I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far,
I know that I am you and you are me and we are one,
I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand,
I know that I’ve been blessed again, and over again.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
-Ysaÿe M. Barnwell
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Singers Of This Age
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
Recorded at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on March 17, 2024

[@Iiannawimberlywilliams]

So moving and powerful!!❤❤