Because of this nation’s current climate of divisiveness, lyricist Ron Cadmus and I recently decided it was important to create a choral work that affirms individuality, mutual respect and trust. It’s entitled “Safe Places of the Heart.” It’s available in SATB, SSAA & TTBB and was recently awarded first prize in the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus 30th anniversary composition competition. Please contact me at if you would like a perusal score. Ron’s extraordinary text is below.
My heart will be a home for you
Where in the window of our dreams
The cause of right comes shining through
Where every word is kind
Where every spoken word is kind
Where outstretched arms embrace diversity
And open and affirming minds
Encourage others to be free
Striving for equality
Respecting each one’s dignity
To love who we were born to be.
No one is alone
By holding hands we sing out loud
And take the stand that we are proud.
To change the world through love somehow
When there is love
There is no room for prejudice
Together gay and straight can help create
Safe places of the heart
With one voice we will celebrate
How we were made
Love whom we choose
And hope within our darkest nights
Will lead us into the rainbow’s light.
When stares despise the way we love
Our eyes will speak of deeper grace
Cause love keeps truth within its sight
As it dares to speak its name
As it dares to speak its name
As it dares to speak its name
So our self-worth can be proclaimed…
No one is alone
By holding hands we sing out loud
And take the stand that we are proud
To change the world, through love, somehow
When there is love
There’s nothing that the heart can’t do.
Together we can raise our voice
Claim who we are is not a choice
See ourselves in different ways
While living in
In Safe Places of the Heart
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