One More Step
A richly imagined arrangement of a visionary protest anthem
Music: Joyce Poley, arr. Elizabeth Alexander
Words: Joyce Poley
In 1986 Canadian songwriter Joyce Poley wrote One More Step for a peace rally in Vancouver. Since then this song of commitment and action has been sung at countless rallies, churches and gatherings of conscience. In this new, richly-imagined choral arrangement, each verse is given its own context, creating a multilayered experience of unfolding resonance. With a dramatic arch that includes prayerful yearning, rousing affirmations and individual spoken words of hope, this concert work offers performers and audience a shared sense of community, commitment and hope.
This arrangement, commissioned for a homeless services fundraising event, features additional new lyrics written especially for the occasion by Joyce Poley.
Details and Ordering Information
One More Step
One more step,
We will take one more step,
Till there is peace for us and everyone,
We’ll take one more step.
One more word,
We will say one more word,
Till every word is heard by everyone,
We’ll say one more word.
One more prayer,
We will say one more prayer,
Till every prayer is shared by everyone,
We’ll say one more prayer.
One more song,
We will sing one more song,
Till every song is sung by everyone,
We’ll sing one more song.
One more seed,
We will sow one more seed,
Till there’s a seed of hope in everyone,
We’ll sow one more seed.
One more home,
We will build one more home,
Till there’s a place for every one of us,
We’ll build one more home.
One more bridge,
We will cross one more bridge,
Till we have found the peace we’re longing for,
We’ll cross one more bridge.
Day by day,
We will live day by day,
And when we stumble we’ll begin again,
And take one more step.
Joyce Poley
Original lyrics ©1986 by Joyce Poley
Additional lyrics © 2016 by Joyce Poley
Performers
Premiere: Choirs of First Baptist Church of Beverly, Endicott Singers, and Freedom Singers / Rebecca Kenneally (Beverly, MA)
