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Welcome! Hi, I'm Chagall Sierra , known in Toronto as "Voice of an Angel" for my ethereal, heartfelt soprano. This is a co...

Friday, April 18, 2014

Please Be An Angel (2014)

Please Be An Angel
FAWM 2014
Chagall

So yeah I wasn't going to FAWM at all this year... uhh, hi!

Just wrote the lyrics for now, the music isn't pulled out of the air yet but the feel is definitely folk-rock with a hint of country.

Lyrics:

Where were you when I was down and out
My heart crushed by doubt
When people tried to get me to kill myself
Were you behind the scenes
When your friends had killed my dreams
Or were you just standing by

We all need some help sometimes
Both weak and strong, both right and wrong
So I'm begging you now
Please
Please be an angel
I need an angel in my life
Enough of cruelty and strife
Please
Please be an angel
We're all called, it's time to choose
Unless we all win then we all lose
Please be an angel

Did you hate me when I said a lie
When it made you cry
And I heard you tried to kill yourself
Were you determined then
To let the devil inside win
Or did you love me through the pain

We all need some help sometimes
Both weak and strong, both right and wrong
So I'm begging you now
Please
Please be an angel
I need an angel in my life
Enough of cruelty and strife
Please
Please be an angel
We're all called, it's time to choose
Unless we all win then we all lose
Please be an angel

If your heart can be touched by these words
Know I never meant to hurt you
And I hope and I pray that I'll know someday
That you never wanted to kill me

We all need some help sometimes
Both weak and strong, both right and wrong
So I'm begging you now
Please
Please be an angel
I need an angel in my life
Enough of cruelty and strife
Please
Please be an angel
We're all called, it's time to choose
Unless we all win then we all lose
Please be an angel

Can you see the world that could be made
If we could understand
If we could do the best we can
Will you take my hand
Will you build as I demand
To make a heaven here and now

We all need some help sometimes
Both weak and strong, both right and wrong
So I'm begging you now
Please
Please be an angel
I need an angel in my life
Enough of cruelty and strife
Please
Please be an angel
We're all called, it's time to choose
Unless we all win then we all lose
Please be an angel
Please
Please be an angel
We're all called, it's time to choose
Unless we all win then we all lose
Please be an angel

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Quiet Together (2013)

Quiet Together
2013
Chagall

Listen to the rain
Let it wash away the pain
Feel it coming down to make our lives clean again

Listen to your heart
How the beat's a work of art
Feel it strong in you and know we're never apart

We can be
Quiet together
We can listen
To all the songs that aren't being sung right now
We can be
Here forever
Holding hands and listening
Through all that life can bring
Through all that life can bring
Quiet together

Listen to the wind
Hear it rushing to ascend
Know it's carrying our wishes safely in

Listen to the calm
Let it bring a healing balm
To bind up all our wounds and make us oh so strong

Whatever is around us
The sounds of traffic or of thunder
Children's laughter or thunderous applause
Whatever is around us
Whether crashing waves or solemn hills
Being with you is a thrill
Whether loud or quiet together

We can be
Quiet together
We can listen
To all the songs that aren't being sung right now
We can be
Here forever
Holding hands and listening
Through all that life can bring
Through all that life can bring
Quiet together

Eternally Adored (2013)

Eternally Adored
2013
Chagall

I don't wanna stay
Here in this place
It's so forlorn and filled with pain
Just let me escape
Somewhere far away
Where I can heal another day

Just let me sing
To the Lord
Maybe I'll strike another heart with this same chord
Just let me fly away on clouds of song
To let his glory shine to wash away all wrongs
Just let me sing
To the Lord
And bask in that love
Eternally adored

I know you were hurt
I know it's not right
And now you're just looking to last through the night
Just trust me there's love
Which comes from above
And perfectly eases every strife

Come let's just sing
To the Lord
Maybe we'll touch another heart with this same chord
Just come and fly away on clouds of song
To let his glory shine to wash away all wrongs
Come let's just sing
To the Lord
And bask in that love
Eternally adored

Fairytale Romance (2007)

Fairytale Romance
2007
Chagall

Originally written during FAWM 2007, and performed live at the Renaissance Cafe in Toronto without accompaniment. A few years and a few tweaks later I'm happy with this version.

Lyrics:

The Lady weaves her sad tales
In an isolated tower
A mirror crack'd from side to side
Laid down doom upon the hour
What happens when the Beauty
Is hunted by the Beast
I'm hoping that I'll wake up now
Stop Sleeping so lost in dreams

You called me a Goddess
You called me an Angel
But you refused to see
The lost girl
The woman who's not your fantasy

And yeah, I'm a Goddess, I've got a halo
But, sweetheart, we both know it's bent
So tell me, what's the use of being an Angel
When you can't make rent?

I'm just a broken dreamer
With feet of clay like the rest
A Paperbag Princess wandering lost
In search of resting her head
What happens when Prince Charming
Is just a Frog like the rest
When your sworn Knight leaves you to fight
Alone, so harried and pressed

How will this story end
Is there another chance
Waiting just around the bend
How will this ending begin
Are you strong enough a man
To tame the beast that lies within

I called you a God
I called you a shining Prince
But you refused to free
The lost boy
The man trapped inside of this story

And yeah, you're a God and you've got a gold crown
But, sweetheart, it's grimy and worn
So tell me, what's the use of ruling a kingdom
When your heart's forsworn?

Invocation (2003)

Invocation
"Life Lives On"
2003
Chagall

Chant and invocation to the four elements.

Lyrics:

I am that which in life must die
I am that which in life lives on

I am fast rushing air
Dawn light unfolding like a prayer
I am sunlight on the wing
With ancient knowledge I do sing

I am the sacred pyre
Ashes to ashes, fire to fire
I am the flame that fills the night
I am the spark of inner sight

I am the water's swell
Womb of the ocean, wishing well
I am the wisdom of the deep
And it's secrets I do keep

I am the fertile earth
Matter, creation, death, rebirth
I am the force that grows the corn
I am the heart, the soul reborn

I am that which in life must die
I am that which in life lives on

Celebrate Her (2009)

Celebrate Her
2009
Chagall

Seasons come and go and she is always there
Celebrate her turning now in joy and peace
Celebrate her fertility in olive and in vine
Celebrate the quiet times when all may rest beneath her mantle fair

Oh she gives us life and gives us tears of joy
Celebrate her abundance and diversity
Celebrate all the ways she helps us to thrive 
Celebrate the joyful times when all may dance beneath her azure skies

Celebrate Her
Our Mother Earth

Patterns change and turn and she is always here
Celebrate her seasons now in blissful feast
Celebrate her joyfulness in flower and in grain
Celebrate the lovely times when all may know their place within her heart

Celebrate Her
Our Mother Earth

Ticket to Paradise (2008)

Ticket to Paradise
FAWM 2008 Spamour #2
Chagall

It's important for you
Give yourself a favour
You will feel lovely
You really need it
Just let go and fly

Don't strain yourself
You don't need to look around
In a split second
Just a matter of weeks
She won't resist you

You don't know what to do?
You don't know what to do?
Grab your ticket to paradise
Book your flight

Impassioned zealous nights
Will cure all your doubts
The one you've constantly wanted
Wrapped in your arms
Your ticket to paradise

You'll know just what to do
You'll know just what to do
Grab your ticket to paradise
Book your flight

Have a perfect love!
Today is the day
She will want to have these nights forever
You really can make a perfect love!
Just let go and fly
Just let go and fly

You'll know just what to do
You'll know just what to do
Grab your ticket to paradise
Book your flight
Just let go and fly
Your ticket to paradise
Just let go and fly
Your ticket to paradise
Just let go and trust

Love Remains (2008)

Love Remains
FAWM 2008 Spamour #1
Chagall

Hokey love song inspired by spam emails.

Lyrics:

Darling take this chance
Make it more than chance
Don't miss it
Don't falter
Though the hard path is the one I'm on
Take the gentle path
With me
A step to a happy life
Day by day more delight and enjoyment

Always before
Love has been only words
But now inside my heart
I am complete
I love you because
Love remains

Love has always been
Something interesting
To think about
To talk about
Like genetics or the weather
Though I've longed to cure my doubts
Never before
Has the miracle of love
Been reliable and hassle free

Through the daily mess
Through troubles and stress
Love remains

Always before
Love has been only words
But now inside my heart
I am complete
I love you because
Love remains

White Dressing Angel (2008)

white dressing angel
FAWM or 5090 2008
Chagall

when dark clouds block the sunrise
and your heart is full of grief
when the sea seems set to drown you
and the summer's so long ago

remember your innocence
forget your fear
see the white dressing angel
in the sheets upon the mirror
and walk right through that wall that holds you here

when the path ahead just seems too hard
and the dagger's in your back
when the people all seem to crowd you
and the ancient ways let you down

remember your inner song
forget your tears
see the soul of all shining
in the faces you see around
and walk right through that chain that holds you to the ground

A Permanent Wall (2007)

A Permanent Wall
FAWM 2007
Chagall

Conversations
from outer space
Two souls
not quite connecting
Fumbling towards
the question of otherness
Togetherness
Hoping for
A complicated wonder

Will I love you
Will you love me
Is there an answer
Or have all these questions
already received their reply
Two souls reaching across
A permanent wall
When the distance seems solid

Sweet consequences
From candied words
Two minds
Not really merging
Stumbling towards
The answer of strangeness
Familiarness
Hoping for
A sudden flooded delight

Will I love you
Will you love me
Is there an answer
Or have all these questions
already received their reply
Two souls reaching across
A permanent wall
When the distance seems solid

Will I love you
Will you love me
Two souls
not quite connecting
I can't love you
It's a permanent wall
When the distance seems solid
I'm sorry

I'm Just Happy (2008)

I'm Just Happy
5090 2008
Chagall

Straight-ahead love song with a lot of space for guitar riffs.

Lyrics:

Your heart is an
Your heart is an
Your heart is an
Open door
And I
And I'm not
Drowning anymore

I look into your eyes and
I'm happy
I'm just happy
Cause the light that shines inside you I can see
and I'm not drowning anymore

Your kiss is an
Your kiss is an
Your kiss is an
Angel's dream
And I
And I'm falling deep but not falling down
Drowning but not drowning
Gasping for breath but don't call 911...
I'm just happy

I look into your eyes and
I'm happy
I'm just happy
Cause the light that shines inside you I can see
and I'm not drowning anymore
Look into your eyes and
I'm happy
I'm just happy
Cause the light that shines inside you I can see
and I'm not drowning anymore
Look inside
I'm just happy

Subway Surfing (2007)

Subway Surfing
FAWM 2007
Chagall

A girl with bright blue hair
Torn hose, all in black
Don river valley bridge is rumbling
Piercings and tinny beats walk in
A mohawk dare to stare

Dirty snow, slush and grey rain
Rushing growth of tender buds
Summer trees bright green and vain
Look at the leaves already red again

Surfing the subway
Feeling the pulse of town
Station by station
East to west
Around the loop
Behind my eyes, impressions
Linger in the empty car

A man with his black dog
Red leash, a-quiver
Blue angelic eyes and wrinkled skin
Soft white hair believes in Santa Claus
"I broke up with him today, yeah"
"Oh, hi, how are you"

Dirty bums, cripples in pain
Rushing crush at Yonge and Bloor
Summer fashions, bright and vain
"Look at the time, late for work again"

Surfing the subway
Feeling the pulse of town
Station by station
East to west
Around the loop
Beside me, leftover impressions
Linger in the empty car

Crown of Summer (1996)

Crown of Summer
1996
Chagall

Raise the crown of summer high
Hear the whispering
Of faerie feet and faerie wings
And gates to worlds unseen

Linden tree in flowering
Green apples on the bough
Summer's harvest not yet ripe
A promise and a vow

Now the bees are slumbering
And the grass is high
Circles dancing round and round
Earth is joined with sky

Raise the crown of summer high
Hear the whispering
Of faerie feet and faerie wings
And gates to worlds unseen
Gates to worlds unseen
Gates to worlds unseen

Rising From Death (2007)

rising from death
2007
Chagall

corporeal incarnation
insubstantial incantation
silver threads of my existence
trailing gossamer strands

rising from darkness
rising from death
drenched in a suffering light

comprehension of foreboding
sinners all, so blindly writhing
behind me the goddess of death
crowned with spikes of regret

rising from darkness
rising from death
drenched in a suffering light

light so perfect, so perfectly blinding
falling down to earth below, green fire
light, so hollow, so empty of meaning
redeem that heavenly glow, aspire

rising from darkness
rising from death
drenched in a suffering light
rising from darkness
rising from death
drenched in a suffering light

relentless ages ever circling
brutish memories unfolding
all my life chained from redemption
please suffer this requiem

for the multitudes astounding
spirits lost in daily moil
weave the lace of life
rekindle soul from soil

Lift Me Up (2007)

Lift Me Up
FAWM 2007
Chagall

Sacrificed and lost
My dreams betrayed
My life is gathering moss
I'm stopped and stayed
Gearshifts turn and grind
Deep doors within my soul
Illuminate my mind
Won't you make me whole

Flames engulf me now
Still I cannot feel
Won't you show me how
Love's deliciously real

Won't you
lift me up out of this
Change my pain to sacred bliss
Spirals drawing me inside
Scared of light I turn and hide
Spirals drawing me inside
Scared of light I open wide

Memories of you
Tears within my soul
Illuminate your heart
I could make you whole
Rebirth comes again
Gossamer indeed
Bitter healing rain
Death and life I heed

Scared of all I lose
Grant me wings to fly
Passion's flame renews
Music in my eye

Won't you lift me up out of this
Change my pain to sacred bliss
Spirals drawing me inside
Scared of love I turn and hide
Spirals drawing me inside
Scared of love I open wide

[solo]

Lift me up!

Scared of all I lose
Grant me wings to fly
Passion's flame renews
Music in my eye

Flames engulf me now
Still I cannot feel
Won't you show me how
Love's deliciously real

Won't you lift me up out of this
Change my pain to sacred bliss
Spirals drawing me inside
Scared of light I turn and hide
Spirals drawing me inside
Scared of light and love and
Still I open wide my wings
to fly to you

Seeing Red (2004)

Seeing Red
2004
Chagall

This was inspired by a short story.

Lyrics:

Trees burn as I sit here alone
Faces in my mind
Raging waters flowing with blood
Shed by innocents
Layered spirals circle back
To the end-beginning
Trees burn as I sit here alone
Faces in my mind

I am seeing red, I am seeing nothing
I am burning up inside
I am tired of this, I am dead alive,
I will break this, I can't go on

Knives won't help me solve this
Cast them to the flame
Destruction is exhilaration
Pile on one more excuse
So peaceful and such deadly sting
Hope is lost and long-gone
Knives won't help me solve this
Cast them to the flame

I am seeing red, I am seeing nothing
I am burning up inside
I am tired of this, I am dead alive,
I will break this, I can't go on

The lake of fire will cleanse me now
Of memories of you
My cloak will hide the skeleton
It's twisted pain I fear
I'll be the phoenix of passion's death
Blood-red transmutation
The lake of fire will cleanse me now
Of memories of you

I am seeing red, I am seeing nothing
I am burning up inside
I am tired of this, I am dead alive,
I will break this, I can't go on.

I am seeing red, I am seeing nothing
I am burning up inside
I am tired of this, I am dead alive,
I will break this, I can't go on
I can't go on
I can't go on

Can you see me in the fire? I am trailing my fingers in blood...

Empy Space (2005)

Empty Space
2005
Chagall

The music to this was actually a jazzy piano ballad. Didn't know I had it in me.

Lyrics:

Night falls
Black as raven's wing
How I wonder if
I did the right thing
Letting you go, you know
Letting you go

The empty space beside me haunts me in bed,
I wish the pillow wore the shape of your head
Now that you're gone I try as I might
Now that you're not here I seem to have lost my fight

Soul calls
From the depths of me
Iridescent
Core of mystery
Will you restore your joy
Will you restore

The empty space beside you haunts you all day
You wish that I was there to join in your play
Now that you're gone you know what you left behind
Now that you're not here I'm always on your mind

Heart calls
In the dead of night
So far to go
To set things right
Now that we know, honey
Now that we know

Patchwork Pieces (2007)

patchwork pieces
2007
Lyrics by Chagall
Music by Andy Hui of Sound Mind

trying so hard to be someone
get somewhere I can live all my dreaming
crying so hard I need fresh air
despair crushing me, I feel like screaming

trying so hard to get direction
directions are spinning me all around
crying so hard I can barely breathe
Though I feel like screaming I strangle the sound

threads of my life unraveling
needle and thread are nowhere to be seen
red velvet, gold brocade, and blue denim jean
scattered patchwork pieces
beautiful but fraying
I feel like all I am
is disconnected patchwork pieces
that never make a whole cloth

Feel the Moment (2009)

Feel the Moment
FAWM 2009
Chagall

Don't remember if I did music for this. Huh.

Lyrics:

Look into my heart with a golden canary smile
Give up yesterdays
Even though it's been a long trail of tears

Give up tomorrows even while you're planning ahead
The plan that life lives
Is a plan that's unfolding right here right now 

Feel the moment
Feel your heart beat
Feel the distance stretch betweeen the stars
Feel the sweetness
Feel the sorrow
Feel the power of right now
Feel the moment

Look into your dreams with a royal magenta bliss
Give up excuses
Even if you fail again there's already a twist

The universe is conspiring against you
The universe is conspiring against you
All that you fear... is nothing
All that you are... is everything

Feel the moment
Feel your heart beat
Feel the distance stretch betweeen the stars
Feel the sweetness
Feel the sorrow
Feel the power of right now
Feel the moment

Right here right now
Right here right now
Everything's perfect...

Feel the moment when your dreams burst through
Give up perfection
Because it's already in the seed and root

Feel the moment
Feel your heart beat
Feel the distance stretch betweeen the stars
Feel the sweetness
Feel the sorrow
Feel the power of right now
Feel the moment

Right here right now
Right here right now
Everything's perfect...

Feel the moment
Feel your heart beat
Feel the distance stretch betweeen the stars
Feel the sweetness
Feel the sorrow
Feel the power of right now
Feel the moment

Right here right now
Right here right now
Everything's perfect...