TO BE STRONG
by Laura Berkson © 1987 Brave Ann Music (BMI)

Vocals: Solo by Marcia with backup by The Chorus
Guitar: Maura
12-String guitar: Eric
Recorder: Sidney

This song celebrates people who are affected by HIV and who cope with the illness, the issue, the ignorance.

Mama, give up your angry pain. Papa, give up your fearful shame.
Sister, raise your voice clear and loud. People, it's time to be out and proud!

Chorus:
We're gonna rise, rise, rise, rise, all hands together to be strong.
We're gonna rise, rise, rise, rise, all hands together to be strong.

This brother is awaiting the time he will be taken.
Now he's seeking refuge from the twisted fright,
And another man who loves him sheds his own fear just to hold him
And share a moment's safety in his long and restless night.

Chorus

Some have lost a parent, some a son or daughter,
Some have lost the partner who's been their rising sun,
And some have died with friends around while others pass on lonely.
Some are learning how to help to ease the journey on.

Chorus

People's fears are burning. Homes are havens lost.
Some spread lies; to panic they're resigned,
But dignity and life can be retained through love and reason.
The plague we really fight is a dis-ease of the mind.

Chorus

And the love that gets us through these times
Of sunken hearts and uphill climbs,
It lifts its meaning high where we can see
The healing in our own eyes, shining.

Chorus

...All hands together!

Chorus