Our collection of songs produced through Humans in Harmony programs are available to listen to on our SoundCloud page!
You can hear songs written with medical patients, veterans, and foster children. Take a moment to check them out and lose yourself in the music…
Monami, a.k.a. “Monami Tsunami,” a young man at NY Sheltering Arms Children and Family Services Inc, partners with Viemma Nwigwe, a medical student at Columbia University to write this song, which Monami hopes “encourages people going through domestic violence and bullying that life is worth living.” Viemma found it “incredibly surreal” to hear how “incredibly open” Monami was in sharing his story.
In the words of Monami and Viemma (introduction):
Monami: This song is about things I went through with my mom and how she was very abusive towards me, and didn’t accept me and stuff, and basically not liking me the way I am…
Viemma: Why don’t you tell them why this song is called “Alright”
Monami: “Alright” is basically about things you’re going through with bullying, domestic violence at home or anywhere – it gets better, and letting you know it’s all temporary and stuff. I wanna show people things I went through my mom and everything. The things she did to me, I want to share that with other people. To show people and give people the courage that I got out of it, you can get out of it too.
Viemma: That’s also his favorite word, “alright”…
Monami: Yeah it’s my favorite word too, it make people laugh too.
This was my first time participating in an HiH workshop and I couldn’t ask for a better experience! My partner was incredibly receptive to working with me and we enjoyed getting to know one another before diving into the song writing. We discovered that we had a few things in common which was great. My partner was really open with me, sharing some very personal things about himself and inviting me to have a conversation about it. I did not expect this at all, but I am super grateful to have been allowed into his world for a few hours. The song writing part was incredibly collaborative, and I felt incredibly welcome to chip in. While I had the context of our song in mind, the process of writing lyrics added a whole new dimension to my partner’s story. It was an incredibly surreal experience to see my partner’s raw emotions on paper. Our song lyrics revealed so much more than what my partner had originally shared. I felt like I knew more, and I couldn’t help but feel touched. Putting the lyrics and instrumental together to complete our song was incredibly satisfying as it was tangible proof of the time we had spent together. After the workshop, I was elated. My mood had improved drastically. Even now, as I reflect on my first HiH workshop, I can’t help but smile. I would definitely love to do this again.
In partnership with Sheltering Arms NY through NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and CUMC Humans in Harmony.
“My love for you goes on forever
Way beyond moons and stars
But then I just know one thing
I will always love you.”
Storyteller: Child in foster care, NYC
What would you like your song to be about? I love my grandmother. She lives in Virginia.
Any certain words or phrases to include? Moon, stars
Songwriter: Daniel, middle school student, NYC
“I’m Daniel; you know me. I am your sing a song buddy and I had so much fun writing this song. I wrote about how much you love about your grandma and it’s no surprise because you love everyone. And so yeah, I hope you enjoy it.”
Song Lyrics
Dear my dearest Nana
I’m sorry that I can’t see you.
Even though you live in Virginia
I hope to see you soon.
My love for you goes on forever
Way beyond moons and stars
But then I just know one thing
I will always love you.
I remember running to your arms.
I know I’m your favorite too.
Just tired of waiting for summer
I’m real excited to see you.
My love for you goes on forever
Way beyond moons and stars
But then I just know one thing
I will always love you.
Way beyond the moon and stars
Beyond the galaxy and the sea
Climb right into your heart
No matter how far you are.
Because Nana,
Oh my love goes beyond
The stars.
No matter where you are
My love for you goes on beyond
The stars.
“I’ve fought for this freedom
To live life unclassed
For citizens, Americans
For kindness to last.”
Storyteller: Veteran, 71, Bronx Veteran Affairs Community Living Center, Bronx, NY
Favorite Place: New York
Favorite Person: Elizabeth Taylor
Favorite Quote: “the corps, the corps, the corps” – Douglas MacArthur
Military Service: Army; “mud, water, snow–it was terrible”
“Fighting For:” Equality for women, Black movement, God’s kingdom
Favorite music: Rock n’ Roll, Soul, Classical
Favorite artists: Beatles, Rolling Stones, Nancy Wilson
Favorite songs: “This Will Be Everlasting Love”
What would you like your song to be about?
“I enjoy the cool air in the fall, and the falling snowflakes. It’s pleasing to the senses. I was in Korea, and snow, and we fall asleep almost become it’s so cold and snowy and the wind blowing the snowflakes. It hypnotizes you. [I was] in Korea in 1963 for 13 months…because I left the paratroopers. I had a plan in God and had to do what I planned.”
“I love my wife’s patience, kindness–she lives in California and she comes [to] visit. We met as children, separated in Korea. She’s from Chicago, the windy city, she has to like wind and snow. I love her teasing, rejoicing in Christ.”
Any certain words or phrases to include? Women fall in love with love.
Songwriter: Arjun Devraj, 17, Marquette High School, Chesterfield, MOs
Song Lyrics
I’m stuck here Tumbling around
Repetition Drills, I’m feeling pretty down
Dirt clogs pores, I’m sinking in the ground
In this soul sucking mud, but I’m on my way out
Wind blows back, Leaves in my hair
My parched face shrivels from the death in the korean air
Snow pierces, shards cut my skin
But we’re Trudging forward, marching on, surviving the wear
Hardships
Chapped lips
What little price to pay
We’re freedom fighters, striving for a better today
And now I’m sitting in new york
Looking back in the past
I’ve fought for my life
And I know I will last
I’ve fought for this freedom
To live life unclassed
For citizens, americans
For kindness to last
7 thousand miles, love stretched apart
But there ain’t nothing that can wash away the flames in our heart
Love flickers, but burns through the night
Don’t doubt me, i’ll be with you like the stars in the sky
I miss you, my memory is sick,
But neither war nor disease can sever our bond,
Injustice, tears our worlds apart,
But I’ve been sent a journey searching to define my own fate
Hardships
Chapped lips
What little price to pay
We’re freedom fighters, striving for a better today
And now I’m sitting in new york
Looking back in the past
I’ve fought for my life
And I know I will last
I’ve fought for this freedom
To live life unclassed
For citizens, americans
For kindness to last
Hardships
Chapped lips
What little price to pay
We’re freedom fighters, striving for a better today
And now I’m sitting in New York
Looking back in the past
I’ve fought for my life
And I know I will last
I’ve fought for this freedom
To live life unclassed
For citizens, Americans
For kindness to last
“I love you out on my own, let us be strong.”
Storyteller: Child in foster care, 11, Children’s Aid and Family Services of NJ
Favorite music: Rap, pop, rock, hip hop Rand B, Disney
Favorite artist/song: R5 – Out On My Own
What would you like your song to be about? A special person that is my good friend
Pick a theme: It would have a birthday city with beats (headphones) and Jordans.
Do you have a title in mind? “Let us be strong”
Any certain words or phrases to include? Brave, courage, confendance
Any lyric ideas? It’s hard without you and I want you back. So many things have gone wrong and every day I want you to be my friend, but let us be strong and everything I’m out on my own and I’m looking for you, but one day I tried to make you my friend but let us be strong. Out on my own and I fallen for you let us be strong and I’ll be fine. I love you out on my own, let us be strong.
Songwriter: Alex Vu, student at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
Song Lyrics
The city lights the Hudson
Giving cold shoulders
You think falling’s easier now
Now that I’m older
But darling, life’s hard without you
And I need you back
Let me be your friend
Let me have that chance
Let me sing a song
Let me play along
Let me be
Let me be strong
City girl dreams meets Jordans
And a brand new face
But it’s hard to be brave
In this restless places
But darling, life’s hard without you
And I need you back
Let me be your friend
Let me have that chance
Let me sing a song
Let me play along
Let me be
Let me be strong
Baby look at me
You can be strong too
Give love a chance
There’s no need to be blue
But darling, life’s hard and you
You can use this song
Let it soothe your heart
Let it play the part
Let us sing this song
Let us play along
Let us be
Let us be strong
“When you smile, you’ll never be alone.”
Storyteller: Child in foster care, 10, Children’s Aid and Family Services of NJ
Favorite music: Annie
Favorite artist/song: Annie
What would you like your song to be about? Annie
Pick a theme: Annie
Do you have a title in mind? Annie
Any certain words or phrases to include? Annie
Songwriter: Kelseanne Breder, student at Columbia University School of Nursing
Song Lyrics
Oh when the sun is out
Her love outshines the sun.
When the birds sing songs
They’re not just for anyone.
They’re for her
She knows that well
They’re in her heart
And you can tell
That when she smiles
She’ll never be alone.
She finds the sun
Between the towers of New York.
On cloudy days
Her love gives me warmth.
This song’s for her
She knows it well
It’s in her heart
And you can tell
That when she smiles
She’ll never be alone.
Have faith in tomorrow
Another day will always come.
No matter what’s happened before
It’s you who matters more
It’s you who never fails to see the sun.
When I hear your laugh
I’ve never known a sweeter sound
It opens up my heart
It lifts me off the ground.
This song’s for you
You know that well
It’s in your heart
And you can tell
That when you smile
You’ll never be alone.
Oh when you smile
You’ll never be alone.
“Love yourself, be yourself. Be happy every time you see someone.”
Storyteller: Child in foster care, 9, Children’s Aid and Family Services of NJ
Favorite music: Pop
Favorite artist/song: Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”
What would you like your song to be about? Being myself
Pick a theme: Being happy
Do you have a title in mind? “I Want to Be Myself”
Any certain words or phrases to include? Love yourself, be yourself. Be happy every time you see someone.
Songwriter: William Ueng, student at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Song Lyrics
Used to run and hide
Too afraid to speak my mind
Always thought I was shy
Didn’t think that I could fly
But I hear a small voice whispering
Whispering to me
You’ve got to love yourself
You’ve got to be yourself
Be loud be proud
You’ve got that champion’s belt
Look around and you will see
All the joys of being free
So I’ve got to be
Because we’ve all got hearts of gold
I’ve got the whole wide world listening
Listening to me
You’ve got to love yourself
You’ve got to be yourself
Be loud be proud
You’ve got that champion’s belt
I stand here with no fear
Listen when I say
You’ve got to love yourself
You’ve got to be yourself
Be loud be proud
You’ve got the champion’s belt.
“Enjoy life, live life.”
Storyteller: Veteran, 88, Bronx Veteran Affairs Community Living Center, Bronx, NY
Favorite word: I love you
Favorite place: Home
Favorite music: Bolero, cha cha, merengue, dance
Favorite artists: Any!
Favorite songs: Anything!
What would you like your song to be about?: “Anything to get me moving. I have difficulty remembering memories.”
Any certain words or phrases to include?: Anything that is uplifting.
His message: “Enjoy life, live life.”
Songwriter: Lina Zhang, 17, Marquette High School, Chesterfield, MO
Song Lyrics
Maybe you’re sitting alone in a fluorescent bulb room
maybe you’re staring at the moon by the window i assume
maybe i’m walking by myself in an empty hallway
maybe i’m eating by myself humming a quiet tune
and so am i
you can find me by the window watching individual
stars at night
they’re all connected by a constellation
like we’re connected by something greater
maybe you’re sitting by yourself in a peaceful park
maybe you hear the wind moving the branches apart
But they’re still together, from the same tree
Maybe you’re sitting by yourself, you can feel the leaves rustling
And so do I
you can find me by the window watching individual
stars at night
they’re all connected by a constellation
like we’re connected by something greater
And I wonder
if they know
they’re connected by a constellation
Do you wonder
what love
makes people feel together
Do you ever feel
somehow
we’re all connected to each other
because so do I
you can find me by the window watching individual
stars at night
they’re all connected by a constellation
like we’re connected by something greater
“Of course he cannot do this alone
So he asks for help he asks for a loan
Wanting his answers to be shone
The hero is saved and back on his throne”
“I’ll live my life, no regrets. A lot of people I know have passed away, and
I’m still here. I’m a survivor. Strong.”
