"Dirt & Startdust" : FAWM

Dirt & Startdust

2 days ago by @alyxanderjames

Dirt & Startdust

alyxanderjames

00:00

Liner Notes

This started from a #MaryOliver quote that I pulled from a deck I have called Instructions for Living, which is a collection of cards with snippets of her wisdom:

I would say that there exist a thousand unbreakable links between each of us and everything else, and that our dignity and our chances are one. The farthest star and the mud at our feet are a family; and there is no decency or sense in honoring one thing, or a few things, and then closing the list. […] We are each other’s destiny. (from Mary Oliver, “Winter Hours,” 1999)

I wasn't sure initially if this was one song or two that I'm trying to mush together. I'm still not entirely convinced the verses and the chorus belong in the same song, but it is what it is for now.

You'll forgive the sloppy guitar and sleepy voice -- I recorded this pre-6:30am, because that's my life at the moment. Guitar is once again tuned in DADAAD.

#SingerSongwriter #PersonWithGuitar #AlternateTuning #folk #AcousticOneTake

Lyrics

I used to believe That this was just a test of faith But no amount of praying Ever freed me from this weight

Yet even on the days I curse the wonder of each breath Or give as though I'm endless When I have so little left

Dirt and stardust build my bones Hurt and hope inside my soul I am water, I am stone Air and fire, not ... alone On this rock that's hurtling through space I refuse to think that this is all ... a waste

I'm tired of resilience Wading through this fog that swirls But I won't turn away From the magic of this world

Comments

@judithgracemusic 4h

Oh I love this song. It has such great momentum and deals with such a crunchy part of being human in a really nice way. I'm also a Mary Oliver girlie!!!!

@alyxanderjames 3h

I wrote multiple papers centered on Mary Oliver’s poems while I was in seminary. I consider her one of my favorite theologians! 😁

@bijoubasil 15h

Nice work. Great chord progression!

@wylddandelyon 1d

Oh, I really like the chorus! I also like this verse:

I'm tired of resilience Wading through this fog that swirls But I won't turn away From the magic of this world

I also like "But I wont turn away from the wonders of this world". I wonder if it would feel more cohesive if the not turning away was a part of all the verses? I know I'd be tempted to do that, I'm not sure that's the right choice for what you want to express.

Dirt and Stardust, what a wonderful image. This song left me feeling hopeful. I'm glad I stopped by to listen.

@alyxanderjames 1d

Oh, I do love a repeated line...I'll have to play around with that! Thanks for listening :)

@kahlo2013 1d

Such great lines to start the chorus: Dirt and stardust build my bones Hurt and hope inside my soul

Beautifully poetic and insightful writing. I love all the visual images of core elements of our earth and sky. Love the musical flow of the melody. Gorgeous vocals!

@nwhosings 1d

Lovely sentiments. Sometimes I think two disparate pieces make each other better and in my opinion this is one of those times. Of course it's your song to do with as you will. Again choosing hope, me too.