Fannie Heldmann


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


I KNOW WHAT I NEED (INSTRUMENTAL MIX) by WM.BATES

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