This song was originally inspired by the peaceful protests at the Merrimack Generating Station in Bow NH (the last large coal plant in New England without a shut-down date). Simultaneously, fires were ravaging Australia, and due to drought, flooding, and food insecurity climate refugees were being displaced in historic numbers world wide. It is increasingly evident that individual actions affect everyone, and we as a society need to fight for our humanity and stand up to the governments and corporations that have no reverence for human life or the earth that sustains us.
If you want to help, go to www.nocoalnogas.org to donate or sign up as a volunteer. Call your legislators and tell them we all deserve clean air, clean water, good food, and good health.
lyrics
When the darkness overtakes you and you shiver in the cold
When disparity wakes you, and you know you must be bold
When you put your body on the line don’t hesitate in fear
We know the train it is coming, it is near
Labor on my children, labor on my friend
Labor on my children, we will not let this be the end
When they dig the earth and turn it into dollars to be made
You can’t help but try to save her, for her sake don’t be afraid
While the fire it rages onward, burning everything it sees
And destruction consumes our decency
Labor on my children, labor on my friend
Labor on my children, we will not let this be the end
When the powerful corrupt us and complacency sets in
They’ll distract you, they’ll placate you, but we can not let them win
With each step we take together, we are stronger by the hour
And we are rising, we are shining, we have the power
Labor on my children, labor on my friend
Labor on my children, we will not let this be the end
credits
released April 17, 2020
Written by Lissa Schneckenburger
Featuring Lissa Schneckenburger (vocals), Neil Pearlman (piano), Corey DiMario (double bass), Stefan Amidon (drums), Zara Bode (harmony vocals)
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Al Stockwell, Brattleboro VT
Special thanks to the Brattleboro Write for Climate group (Abby Mnookin, Becky Karush, Rebecca Jones, Marisa Keller, and Robin MacArthur)
The traditional music of New England can be as warm and comforting as a winter fire or as potent and exhilarating as a
summer thunderstorm. Fiddler, singer, and composer Lissa Schneckenburger is a master of both moods, a winsome, sweet-voiced singer who brings new life to old ballads and a skillful, dynamic fiddler who captures the driving rhythm and carefree joy of dance tunes old and new....more
I've had a mad crush on Natalie Haas's music from the moment I first heard it. To hear both sisters playing together - well, it's a no brainer! If you enjoy folk cello, for want of a better term, just buy this. You won't reget it :-) Joseph Karl
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