Inspired by the topic of climate change, Earth Lullaby is a song about sustainability from an intercultural perspective. This song features a Middle Eastern melody and Turkish flamenco guitar line combined with Western influences (grand piano), a North American Indigenous hand drum, and a lyrical message about the dangers of our neglecting the planet.  This synthesis of musical cultures offers a commentary about the universality of sustainability, and urges us to come together to take care of the planet we all share.

The song is a narrative of the Raven, a Creator, a magician, a cultural hero, and a trickster in traditional Indigenous stories. The Raven uses his cunning to bring important life-giving elements to humanity such as fire, light, and the tides of the sea. In Earth Lullaby, the Raven warns us about how we are consuming this world through greed.

Sustainability is a global issue which ties us all together, regardless of race, language, ability, or location. We all share this one planet. I wanted this song to reflect my roots (Egypt), and where I currently live (Canada). I am honoured to have worked alongside inspiring Indigenous elders and musicians on Earth Lullaby for both the music and the Indigenous teachings. This song is truly a remarkable collaboration of artists from an array of traditions. The result is an elegant mix of musical influences bringing diverse voices together to speak about a global concern in one accord.

Lyrics

From the dawn of life
I’ve sought to lessen strife
I freely give
You all you need to live

Who else will surround with waves of the sea?
Who else will forsake the songs on trees?
Who else will greet you at every sunrise?
Who else will blanket you with stars on high?

Ahhh

I will always seek
To be the breath that frees
I will always give
you hope to rise and live

I have given you all things in trust
But it isn’t ever good enough
Despite the warnings you never take heed
You have chosen to walk with greed

Ahhh

The ice placed upon this earth melts away
And still that doesn’t give you cause to sway
Soon wars will break out for a blade of grass
When will you awaken to what’s passed?

Ahhh

Lyrics by: Mary Abdel-Malek Neil
Music by: Mary Abdel-Malek Neil and Len McCarthy
Produced by: Jeff Cowell, Bill Braun, Mary Abdel-Malek Neil and Len McCarthy
Performed by: Mary Abdel-Malek Neil (vocals), Len McCarthy (piano), Juneyt Yetkiner (guitar), Bill Braun (bass), Hope Engel (Indigenous drum)

Completed with cultural consultation from Jean Becker and Hope Engel.

Photo credit: “ravenstealssun2” by littleREDelf is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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