Barbara Stephenson
Barbara Stephenson is a professional songwriter/singer who arrived from the UK in1969. She draws on her many years’ experience with a variety of styles having been a member of various bands covering, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Bush and Country. She lived in Carnarvon for several years. She has conducted Songwriting Workshops, Creative writing Courses at TAFE and Women In Music courses for New Opportunities for Women at Bunbury T A F E. Barbara was the Artistic Director of the Nannup Music Festival for 12 years. Today she performs as a solo artist.”
I can’t recall when I started writing songs as I seemed to have always done it! When I taught myself guitar in the 1960’s I started to put some serious effort into the lyrics (English always a love of mine!). I stopped writing for a lengthy period which just so happened to coincide with being married! Must have been too busy! When I took up the pen again I realised how much I had missed it.”
Barbara has recordings available and can be contacted on bjsmusic@aapt.net.au
Listen to Songs By Barbara Stephenson
Earth Magic
Earth Magic: In the late winter/early spring of 1986 I was travelling through the Western Australian countryside. Senses overwhelmed by the stunning sights and sounds combined with a strange sense of anticipation … but of what? Words from Thomas Hardy’s “The Years Awakening” were resonating. On returning home to Perth the song emerged almost complete and I could hardly write it down fast enough! What a great sense of relief!!
Song Lyrics
1. All of life that circles round and round; winter hides new life deep underground;
Seeds are lying dormant, waiting for the spring’s first hum;
How do they know the time has come?
Trees are black and stark across the sky; new birds strain and burst with birthing cries;
Blossoming with promise, another line upon the page;
Looking forward to look back upon earth’s age.
Chorus:
And I give thanks to the one who is the maker, I give thanks to whoever that may be
I give thanks to the giver and the taker for giving so very much to me.
2. The world’s in spin, all’s right with planet earth; wisdom of the ages takes the hurt
of man’s atrocities to man, to nature, to all kinds;
It draws upon its strength, it will survive.
I see the miracle of life, and I’m content; Strangeness, madness, the energy that’s spent
In every second of each hour of time since earth was made;
Yet compassion still continues every day.
Chorus:
And I give thanks to the one who is the maker, I give thanks to whoever that may be
I give thanks to the giver and the taker for giving so very much to me.
3. How come that life gives everything I need? How come that joy can heal me when I bleed?
It’s all too hard to comprehend, I’ll sit back and enjoy;
Let life use me as it may, I’ll be its toy.
And now I feel the magic in the air; and I can see the spell cast everywhere;
In the power of the sun, in the wonder of a tree;
Harsh gentleness of nature’s here for me.
Chorus:
And I give thanks to the one who is the maker, I give thanks to whoever that may be
I give thanks to the giver and the taker for giving so very much to me.