The Power of Song
Concluding the album A Proper State, this is a song about songs, and the uplifting effect they have. It was written to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sheffield Socialist Choir in 2008, who "sing to change the world", and who commissioned new songs from a range of writers (including Peggy Seeger and Chumbawamba). Leon recorded his contribution towards the end of 2007, with the choir present on the recording, and in May 2008 (after A Proper State was released), performed it at a celebratory concert in Sheffield, a recording of which was subsequently also issued.
For the commission, Leon seems to have returned to his 1986 song, "Voices", picking up some of the themes ("our voices make us strong"), and recalling specific episodes in history where the power of song has helped to overcome various forms of oppression.
For the commission, Leon seems to have returned to his 1986 song, "Voices", picking up some of the themes ("our voices make us strong"), and recalling specific episodes in history where the power of song has helped to overcome various forms of oppression.
“For those at the bottom, with nothing much else but their voices (and, it might appear, nothing much to sing about), song has always been important in creating solidarity and empowering them in their struggle for a better life. That’s what my song is about.” - LR (sleevenotes to the album, Sing for a Change!, 2008)
“‘The Power of Song’ was commissioned for the Sheffield Socialist Choir’s twentieth anniversary. It seemed appropriate to write a song that pays tribute to the sort of song that I rarely write - not, for the most part, living my life on the barricades - but that has played a valuable role in empowering those at the bottom in their struggle for a better life.” - LR (sleevenotes to The World Turned Upside Down (CD box set), p66)
“‘The Power of Song’ was commissioned for the Sheffield Socialist Choir’s twentieth anniversary. It seemed appropriate to write a song that pays tribute to the sort of song that I rarely write - not, for the most part, living my life on the barricades - but that has played a valuable role in empowering those at the bottom in their struggle for a better life.” - LR (sleevenotes to The World Turned Upside Down (CD box set), p66)
Recordings
Version 1 (2008)
Version 2 (2008) Live version recorded in concert for the Sheffield Socialist Choir
Version 2 (2008) Live version recorded in concert for the Sheffield Socialist Choir
- Sing for a Change!