Words that became a Twitter poem that became the lyrics to a song that became a video for marriage-equality and inclusion and dignity in Australia

 

So here’s a thing.

A few weeks ago James Humberstone, the composer I’m working with on the ‘Homesong’ song-cycle, sent me what he humbly described as a cheeky out-take of music. I loved it, so much so that I offered to write some words, perhaps about my thoughts on the current marriage-equality debates that’s going on in Australia. James immediately sent back a text: ‘Yes, let’s do it!’

The next day I wrote some words down on a scrap of paper and then put them on Twitter to see how people might respond. Thankfully, folk responded positively. James then set the words to music, asked Sydney-based vocalist Katie Salisbury to work up a melody, and then the song was mixed and mastered by Jordan Thomas Mitchell in LA. Last but not least, Tina Costessi from Red Gadget Films in Canberra created a wonderfully positive – and emotionally powerful – video.

Click on the above image to have a look and listen.

Why did we do this? Because all people, regardless of their sexuality, deserve to be recognised by the law, to move through the world with dignity, and to feel included. And because much of the political campaign is negative, destructive, and, in many cases, dishonest.

Plus we had a great deal of fun.