Namesake: Still I Can’t Be Still

This song is the inspiration behind my blog title, it’s from the chorus of this song. It speaks to me, and describes me quite stunningly accurately. After first hearing it nearly 8 years ago, I keep coming back to it when I’m doubt-filled or hesitant. Putting these emotions and thoughts to music is powerful, and for me this song always resonates.

Still I can’t be still
Still I can’t be silent
Still I can’t be still
Still I can’t be saved
Still I can’t be still
I can’t be silent
Still I –
Still

– Written by: Idina Menzel & Milton Davis

but we fight for roses, too..

This is one of my favorite Step Sing songs from college, and since today is International Women’s Day… I thought I should share. Love this Joan Baez version.

I must remind myself to fight for those metaphorical roses, just as I fight for the bread.

As we come marching, marching in the beauty of the day,
A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill lofts gray,
Are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,
For the people hear us singing: “Bread and roses! Bread and roses!”
As we come marching, marching, we battle too for men,
For they are women’s children, and we mother them again.
Our lives shall not be sweated from birth until life closes;
Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses!
As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient cry for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for — but we fight for roses, too!
As we come marching, marching, we bring the greater days.
The rising of the women means the rising of the race.
No more the drudge and idler — ten that toil where one reposes,
But a sharing of life’s glories: Bread and roses! Bread and roses!