Songs - The View from Here

All songs written in a one-day songwriting workshop led by Vox Liminis, in Dundee in October 2016.

Fight or Flight (Ann-Marie)

written by Kim McCallum and Kathleen Lorimer with Louis Abbott

This song uses the analogy of a love affair to communicate the support workers’ relationship with the ‘job’. The job in this instance is personified as Anne Marie, who plays a significant part of the support worker’s life.

Recorded, Performed, and Mixed by Ross Clark, Donna Maciocia, and Louis Abbott. Mastered by Jamie Savage.

Lyrics

There was a spark from the arc beneath your eyebrow
Watching what I say, treading carefully
And we were fused as if we grew up on the same wall
Scared of the unknown but not doing it alone

You stumbled into me. A happy accident. A small epiphany.
My shadow. I can’t leave ‘cos you’ve got hold of me
You’re my new priority, Ann-Marie

Did not expect that this effect would echo through me
Something taking hold, ready to be bold
And I found trust within the dust of the foundations
A settled home to call our own

You stumbled into me. A happy accident. A small epiphany.
My shadow. I can’t leave ‘cos you’ve got hold of me
You’re my new priority, Ann-Marie

There are times that I can’t find an easy answer
A selfless compromise, 100 little lies
And whether fight or flight or something in the middle
Fear of failure strong, we might not have long
But all I know is that we go like bricks and mortar

You stumbled into me. A happy accident. A small epiphany.
My shadow. I can’t leave ‘cos you’ve got hold of me
You’re my new priority, Ann-Marie

Frontlines

written by Lyn McDonald, Janine Anderson and Melissa Ward with Ross Clark

In this song, the support workers are on a journey with the people they support, feeling the pressure to remain steady in stormy waters – to continue to give of themselves and stay upbeat despite challenges.

Recorded, Performed, and Mixed by Ross Clark, Donna Maciocia, and Louis Abbott. Mastered by Jamie Savage.

Lyrics

Ten things I can’t say, Ten Things I can’t say.
On a shadow river, my hope, my work, and you.
Be patient with me, let’s make good memories,
Through the echoes of time, the journey is yours and mine.

Frontlines, in the shadows, like a cog on a wheel, must not cry, must not feel.

Carers feelings never show, taking every punch you throw.
Maybe I should have been a boxer, that smiles and pretends.
Maybe I should I have been a boxer, instead of council nurse and friend.

Frontlines, in the shadows, like a cog on a wheel, must not cry, must not feel.
Frontlines, in the shadows, stormy seas that make us stronger, hidden pressures veiled no longer,
Frontlines, in the shadows, like a cog on a wheel, must not cry, must not feel.

All the layers, more than carers, let’s unite as one, the journey will go on.

I’m still at home

written by Claire Gilroy and Catrina Boal with Donna Maciocia

In this song, the person being supported is expressing their feelings to the support worker – and how they want to be perceived in their life. It is a call to ‘see me’ – see the person behind the support needs.

Recorded, Performed, and Mixed by Ross Clark, Donna Maciocia, and Louis Abbott. Mastered by Jamie Savage.

Lyrics

I know my lights sometimes flicker
And my shutters often close
The seasons pass so much quicker
As the ivy over grows
The broken bell that I don’t answer
Knock on the door
I’ll still hear you
Do you hear me?

Cracks in the wood are getting deeper
And the paintwork keeps peeling
Choked by the weeds , the plants all wither
As my gaze stays fixed to the ceiling
The window panes are dusted over
Look through the grey
I’ll still see you
Do you see me?

I’m still at home, I’m still at home
They put the signs up anyway
I’m still at home, I’m still at home

The broken bell that I don’t answer
Knock on the door
I’ll still hear you
Do you hear me?
The window panes are dusted over
Look through the grey
I’ll still see you
Do you see me?

I know my lights sometimes flicker
And go out one by one
But I’m still at home