One of my latest projects involves the story of Fannie Heldmann. She died under most tragic circumstances in my hometown of Greenville, South Carolina on New Year's Day 1889. I have written and am recording a song cycle in her memory (featuring 12 songs) and am planning to film a video based on a song from the album in the near future. You can read an article from the January 2, 1889 edition of The New York Times about this story @ Fannie Heldmann
SWAN SONG (FOR FANNIE HELDMANN)
WORDS AND MUSIC BY WILLIAM BATES
T21 MUSIC 2012
In the deep dusk of new year's day
My heart was torn by a choice
Between an arrangement and my father's say
And the sound of my lover's voice.
I suppose everybody knows, everybody knows
I knew it all along, this is my swan song, this is my swan song
The carriage comes, I stay in my room
No answer given from my door
His footsteps fade as if inside a tomb
I just want what I had before.
I suppose everybody knows, everybody knows
I knew it all along, this is my swan song, this is my swan song
At the river's edge I stop to forgive
It really doesn't matter or so it seems
Is it better just to live?
Or to fade into the dream?
I suppose everybody knows, everybody knows
I knew it all along, this is my swan song, this is my swan song
MAY YOUR HEART STILL GUIDE YOUR WAY
WORDS AND MUSIC BY WILLIAM BATES
T21 MUSIC 2012
I went to the river, just past that fateful day
I felt such a shiver, I had to turn away
Peace be unto you
May your heart still guide your way
I thought I could really see you
But all I saw was gray
I took a ride to the mountain, where we once held sway
Beside the mansion's fountain, I tried but I could not pray
REPEAT
I built a fire underneath a willow tree
And as the flames grew higher, I was beguiled by your mystery
REPEAT
May Your Heart Still Guide Your Way by WM.BATES
Through the veil of years
Eyes through bitter tears
Pictures on the wall
I sit and stare at them all.
The clock it ticks so slow
There’s a fever down below
It rages and it cools
it does not suffer fools.
I know what I need, what I need,
what I need, what I need
I know there’s no guarantees
No guarantees…no…
Over the hill I walk
No time for idle talk
A purpose I do keep
Into the dusk so deep
The river sharp and free
How it calls to me
I seem to be bending time
To leave this all behind
(REPEAT CHORUS)
I
KNOW WHAT I NEED
WORDS AND MUSIC BY WILLIAM BATES
T21MUSIC2012
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