Emeli Sande/ Professor Green - Read all About it

A painting, commissioned for Downs Side Up by a friend:
Open the Door of Darkness and Shine a Bright Light on the Shadows of Fear


Sometimes a song hits you squarely between the eyes, stops you in your tracks and resonates so loudly it's deafening.
This morning, after I had dropped the girls at school, this lovely ballad by Professor Green/Emeli Sande came on the radio. I've heard it many times before of course, enjoying without listening, probably doing several other things at the same time. 
Today I was alone, and I had nothing else to do but listen.The words seem to have been written for those of us that are trying to change the world's attitudes, whether it be towards race, sex, religion or, in my case, disability.
There are days where it's hard and I want to give up. The late nights, the trolls, the brick walls, the emotional energy invested, time and money spent, writer's block.Then there are the people who just don't 'get it' and think I am trying to be a slightly less bossomy, older version of Jordan, those who think we are cashing in on our daughter, those who are afraid by our public presence, afraid it will change the comfy way things have ticked along for too long a time.
But the overwhelming evidence is that we are opening doors, the bright light is flooding the shadows. Families of children and babies with Down's Syndrome are writing to us in the dozens, saying that an article here or a blog there, a photo in this magazine or catalogue has changed things for them.
So don't bite your tongue. We are all different, and there is no need to be ashamed. Join me. Sing, shout and let them read all about it. Teach them our song. Our children are worth the effort.
Thank you Prof G and Emelix

You've got the words to change a nationbut you're biting your tongueYou've spent a life time stuck in silenceafraid you'll say something wrongIf no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song?So come, on come onCome on, come on
You've got a heart as loud as lionsSo why let your voice be tamed?Baby we're a little differentthere's no need to be ashamedYou've got the light to fight the shadowsso stop hiding it awayCome on, Come on
I wanna sing, I wanna shoutI wanna scream till the words dry outso put it in all of the papers,i'm not afraidthey can read all about itread all about it 
At night we're waking up the neighbourswhile we sing away the bluesmaking sure that we remember yeahcause we all matter tooif the truth has been forbiddenthen we're breaking all the rulesso come on, come oncome on, come on,
lets get the tv and the radioto play our tune againits 'bout time we got some airplay of our version of eventsthere's no need to be afraidi will sing with you my friendCome on, come on
Yeah we're all wonderful, wonderful peopleso when did we all get so fearful?Now we're finally finding our voicesso take a chance, come help me sing thisYeah we're all wonderful, wonderful peopleso when did we all get so fearful?and now we're finally finding our voicesso take a chance, come help me sing this


Copied from MetroLyrics.com 

8 comments:

  1. I can't believe you get trolled! Having met you, I'd love to tell all your critics what a warm, candid, and genuine person you are.
    That's a beautiful painting, by the way

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    1. Thank you, but there are nutters everywhere aren't there!

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  2. What a fab post x it's such an amazing feeling when a song talks to you like that xxx you're clearly doing an amazing job as a mum and campaigner :) x love reading your blog xxx

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    1. Thank you dalring. Many thanks for your support x

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  3. I can't often listen to that song without getting tearful. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for this blog. I work with children with downs and whilst they have their challenges, they give a wonderful perspective on life :) x

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    1. Thank you Tasha. Challenges yes, but worth the effort x

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  4. That song is very powerful isn't it. So sorry you get trolled - you come across in your blog (I haven't read it all but I've made a note to come back as I want to read more) as an incredible Mummy and advocate, and someone who has so much to offer in terms of sharing knowledge, empathy & support. x

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    1. Thank you. The trolls have luckily only been on newspaper sites after our articles online and not on my personal blog. Must be thankful for some things :)

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