We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Lamp of Welcome

by Chris O

/

about

The sale proceeds of this track will be fully donated to the UNHCR in Australia: www.unrefugees.org.au

One World, One Humanity, One Love...I wrote this song about two years ago, the sadness of witnessing refugees fleeing persecution ~ at the borders, sleeping in the the cold and mud, watching on my TV, in my safe and comfortable lounge room. Some people around were so frightened by the "otherness" of these refugees, they forgot their common kindness and humanity, fearful that their comfortable lives in a democratic wealthy society were under threat. Once again we are witnessing the terrible impact on ordinary folk - through acts of terrorism committed by tyrants and their despotic regimes.

The quote in the song was made by the Persian poet Rumi,, and many centuries ago references pathways to godliness and humanity.

lyrics

The Lamp of Welcome ~ Chris O (APRA)

A dreamless night, under fields of stars,
the blankets bind our bodies warm and tight.
A sleep of peace, of innocence, for all the family.
Certain of the way it was, and is, and will forever be.

We all love to lead a gentle life.
We all long for the simple life.

A cold restless night under an absent moon,
When hunger strikes and water's gone too soon.
Cities turn to dust, and children play no more,
The last threads of hope are thrown out,
thrown out, to this foreign shore.

They all want to live a gentle life.
They all try so hard for the simple life.

"From a distance you can only see my light, but move in a little closer.
Come close and you will see that I, I am you" (Rumi)

See it with your mind, it could be you or me.
Hear it with your heart, the song of exile.
Just hold out the lamp of welcome, to the refugee.

credits

released April 8, 2019
Song, music & production by Chris Okunbor (APRA) 2019

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Chris O Australia

Chris regularly tours Europe, and was Solo Blues Performer of the Year for at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, and the National Women in Blues Showcase.

Three albums out, another in progress.

"Chris is a gifted songwriter, understated singer and wicked multi-instrumentalist with catholic tastes and a penchant for inspired and creative collaborations." Sing Out Magazine, USA.
... more

contact / help

Contact Chris O

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Chris O, you may also like: