Sleeping Mat Ballad (Lyrics)

The Sleeping-Mat Ballad – Song no 2 of Occupation
New commissions responding to current events  2014

Link to Occupation

Commissioned by
Welsh National Opera and The Space

Music Judith Weir
Words Tim Hopkins
Published by Wise Music Classical
https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/61287/The-Sleeping-Mat-Ballad–Judith-Weir/

Text

I made a friend, he wove this mat
this yellow mat I sleep on.
I think he would give his life
to shelter me, to protect me.
His heart is strong, stronger than his head.

We all lie down, a gentle breeze,
a gentle breeze refreshes our breathing,
a siren sound, our eyes lock,
more troubling than before when we were many.
‘it’s now or never to be heard.’

Now it’s daybreak, we never pass a peaceful night,
I sometimes can’t believe we’ve kept it going,
I tell myself as I compose a post:
‘Day 51 and waiting for some answers.’

I hear an unfamiliar sound and stop:
It’s my friend running across the fast lane.
‘They ask why we’re still here:
now they will see, now they will see.’

Walking towards the flashing lights,
he stops and turns and looks and smiles.

Do you think; if we stay;
we will win; don’t pass by;
we’re still here; help us win;
I am here; this is home;
help has come; help has gone;
people come; people go.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2qlraXlPctuwyYGvFgZ1NgAjJFf90rrN