"Present Tense (1)" genre: Vocals
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	This song is about being an artist. The push and pull of it- the hopes, the needs, the wants and the fears. I'd like to dedicate this to all the artists currently battling to maintain their artistic integrity. Thank you for your courage under fire.
	CD: Living Backwards   Label: Pamela Zero Credits: Pamela Zero
	Story Behind the Song I had to write a piece for an awards concert - I knew that I was going to do Ghosts and needed another short number but had no time to teach it to anyone so also knew it would be a-cappella solo. Since the concert was to be attended by a slew of arts patrons, I thought it would be nice to deal with being an artist as my subject matter. The day before the concert, Present Tense showed up in the back of my mind. The concert was great, the Random Choir aced Ghosts (no easy feat) and then left the stage. There is something about an expectant crowd, being alone on a stage, with only your voice and a song beating at the back of your throat. I sang Present Tense publicly for the first time that night. When I lose my way now in the middle of the hustle of this life of mine I flash back to that concert and hold near me the stillness of the room and the whispering echo of the last note. The time between the last moment of the last note and the first sound of clapping hands was so beautifully extended - slow motion time indeed. I wish I could live in that moment of awakeness, of focus, of release and renewal. Lyrics I am an artist, creation present tense A mix of joy and work and innocence I am afraid of what I will not do I am afraid of what I will not do Have you ever seen a dancer leap to catch the sky Before it crashes? Crumbling dust Oh why do the dancers think they can fly? Every dancer must. Every dancer must. I know a dancer, creation present tense A mix of freedom and form and balance She was afraid of after the fall She was afraid of after the fall Have you ever heard a poet murmering in deepest sleep? Dreaming feelings not yet known Oh, I wonder why the poets weep Do they weep with being alone? Do they weep with being alone? I loved a poet, creation present tense A mix of tenderness and fierce eloquence He was afraid of losing his sight He was afraid of losing his sight And who knows where an artist works until the dawn Risking all with such elation Oh, what makes the artist reach beyond? All for an instant Of total creation. I am an artist, creation present tense A mix of joy and work and innocence I am afraid of what I will not do I am afraid of what I will not do

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