They May Tell You
Composed by: Andrea Ramsey
Year composed: 2019
Text by: Isabella Cook
Publisher: MusicSpoke
Duration: 4:25
Program Notes:
Inspired by the singers in her treble choir, Isabella Cook wrote this poem when she was 17 years old. She hopes that when audiences hear her words they are inspired to view the women in their lives in a new light. She also hopes that women who hear or sing the song may feel freshly validated. Perhaps they might identify with one of the women presented in the text and realize they are worthy and good enough. Each stanza speaks to the resounding societal messages of unworthiness foisted upon far too many young women, highlighting specific items that Isabella has been told by others, whether it’s that she talks too much, is too ambitious, or is too opinionated.
Additional Notes
Vocal Parts: SSAA
Is a capella: Yes
Language: English
Text:
and they may tell you, mountain woman,
that you were never meant to rise this high,
but you of the snowy eyes and purple skies
were born to climb
forget the rocky footing,
you have nowhere to go but up.
and they may tell you, river woman,
that your mouth would be prettier shut
but you of the swift words and clear currents
were born to speak.
forget the icy stares,
from your source springs only truth.
and they may tell you meadow woman,
that you are not worth the air you breathe,
but you of the green roots and pure blooms,
were born to grow
forget the empty hearts,
everything you touch opens up.
and they may tell you ocean woman,
sometimes your waves will break,
the tides can’t come in strong every day,
and even the moon makes mistakes
so when your waters falter,
they may ask you,
who do you think you are?
and you can tell them
i am a woman,
i keep the company of others like me
women of forest,
women of fire,
women of sunshine,
women of sea,
and we lay claim to everything
from coral reef to redwood tree
and even still they may tell you,
don’t get ahead of yourself
ignore them
go as far as you can