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I Felt the Wings

by Elizabeth Hummel

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about

Here is a 4-part a cappella Winter Solstice song I wrote for a Christmas album put out in 1994 by Michael Tomeo in San Deigo. I used a cassette 4-track to write the four parts, and we recorded three of the parts live with my friends Mary Dolan and Joy Eden Harrison out in a forest service cabin in Pine Valley, CA. I added the fourth (highest) part later.

My spirituality has always been connected to the cycles of nature. For me, the Winter Solstice is the most sacred and transformational time of year. The idea of a miracle in the dead of winter when spirits are low and things look most bleak—the sun returning, the promise of spring and growth again, the star in the East, the child being born. Because this song was for a Christmas album, I used the powerful story of the Annunciation, when Mary meets the Angel who tells her she will bear a very special child. “Be not afraid, for I bring you tidings of great joy.” For me, it is not the literal truth of this meeting that is most important, but the spiritual truth of saying “yes” to life, even when we are very afraid, even when things seem impossibly hopeless. That “yes” is the essence of creativity, of fertility, whether in the realm of ideas, art, or new beings.

Beautiful painting by Flemish painter Michaelina Wautier, 1659. “Only since the turn of the 21st century has her work been recognized as that of an outstanding female Baroque artist, her works having been previously attributed to male artists, especially her brother Charles.” (From Wikipedia.)

In loving memory of Mary Dolan, who sang so beautifully with me on this song and on many others, and who brought nothing but love to the world with her own music. May her spirit rest in peace. May the light return to all our hearts.

lyrics

I felt the wings
Of the angel flying in the empty air
Who are you now
Is the wind upon my face of life or death
Be not afraid
For I bring you tidings of great joy
The darkest night
Like a fearsome beast
Will hold you in its mouth
Be not afraid
For the light within you
Shall be born again

I am descending
I am descending
Angel, watch over me
Angel, embrace me

credits

released December 1, 1994
copyright 1994 by Elizabeth Hummel
recorded by Michael Tomeo
backing vocals Mary Dolan and Joy Eden Harrison

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Elizabeth Hummel Olympia, Washington

I have been writing songs most of my life. A good bit of recording and performing too. Money comes and goes, but the muse is precious and timeless. I pray that my songs help people through darkness as well as celebrate the light. This music is a village and I am not alone. I am deeply grateful to the many people who have helped me birth these songs in so many ways. You are the Love! ... more

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