by Ian Carrick
https://www.iancarrick.net/
https://iancarrick.bandcamp.com/
You can download the full song here:
https://iancarrick.bandcamp.com/track/holding-song-live-with-verses
Teaching Page made 10/2018
Kaitie says:
I stumbled across Ian’s song on Facebook in a moment I desperately needed it, and couldn’t stop playing it on repeat while singing along. Soon after, with Ian’s blessing, I began bringing it to choir.
Ian shared with me the full song (this portion is the chorus.)
Ian’s original Facebook post (August 29, 2022) says:
Visiting family in Canada, where my brother had to give references, do a day-long training, and sit thru a mandatory 30-day waiting period to receive a license to purchase firearms. (Where assault weapons, by the way, are outlawed…)
Then my mom texted me last night about the AR-15 shooting at the Safeway near my apartment in Bend. After I contacted friends who frequent that area I didn’t know what to do. So I sang.
This song kinda sang me when I heard the news about a different tragedy in our community earlier in August. I offer it publicly in the hope that a fuller experience of grief may guided into more grounded, connected actions.
Here, with Ian’s permission, is a recording of the full song, which is also available on Bandcamp.
Lyrics:
We grieve tonight a story too brief
Two candles bright cast early to sea
I don’t know if I can hold this alone
I need you to sing this song
You held a dawn we’ll never see rise
Our silence is long with tears in our eyes
I don’t know if I can hold this alone
I need you to sing this song
Faith flies low in fiery sunset
All that we know is put to the test
I don’t know if I can hold this alone
I need you to sing this song
from Holding Song, released March 5, 2023