Fara Palmer: Music

To Bring Back Yesterday

(Fara Palmer)

My mother told me years ago when she was just a girl/about the way that she was raised in residential school/the first thing that happened was they shaved off all her hair/and burned it with her clothes
They told her she was not allowed to speak her native tongue/and i believe they wanted her because she was so young/they said it was their duty to save the little heathen/all in the name of heaven

Who are they to tell you how to live/who would you be if they hadn't burned the bridge/between the old ways and the new/there's nothing i can do to bring back yesterday

Despite the crimes my mom endured they didn't quite succeed/how could they have known our roots are strong just like the trees/my mama gave me life and taught me all about our nation/and stories of creation

CHORUS REPEAT

Cultures hard to hold on, when you're told that it's wrong/policies were employed/a way of life was destroyed/i dedicate this new song to the warrior i call mom/you've been my lifeline and my strength/because of you i now have faith

Chorus out
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PERSONAL NOTE:

I wrote this song about my mother's experiences at residential school. When I sing it for people I receive a wide array of reactions. Anger, regret, sorrow, hope, pride, joy, and thought. My mother gave me permission to include it on the PRETTYBROWN album and I am grateful. This song has touched and reached many people. It is a tool of learning, and a source of strength for me and my mom.
I have allowed this song to be downloaded as a gift. From my heart to yours, so please download it and share it with everyone you know.
Thank you, all my relations
fara palmer