The Life of My Dreams © Barbara Lewis (May, 2018)
Dedicated to those precious women who have survived breast cancer and also to those who have died from it…
We are told that one in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. A shocking statistic! We also know that there is not enough after-surgery support for women – some of whom must return home after the loss of one or both of their breasts. I wrote this song while thinking about the women I know who have suffered through both the treatment of cancer and the aftermath. And I send my love and supportive hopes to all of you…
(P.S. Men also get breast cancer. Many fewer than women. But men need to be aware, as well.)
My great friend, Olga Shevchenko, a designer of gorgeous pearl jewelry, created a lovely bracelet to help raise funds for breast cancer. View the bracelet and read about it here.
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Click the small white arrow below to listen. The wonderful Montreal-based pianist, Nick Burgess is at the piano. Nick created the piano arrangement. The recording was made at Boutique de Son with sound engineer, George Doxas at the helm.
LYRICS ©Barbara Lewis (May, 2018)
1. I had the life I dreamed of
A loving man and two fine kids
We saw our futures clearly
We had that glow!
And everywhere we looked – was room to grow
2. I must admit that life was hectic
Little time to sit and just to be
I told myself to wait
Life was long
I was a fortress, I was strong…
CHORUS: And oh, I felt so fine
A little tired, but still sublime
This thing called life was deep
No time to stop and sleep
Stop and sleep…
3. And then one day when I was bathing
I found that dreaded tell-tale sign
My fingers held my breast
My heart stood still
Was this a warning …or the bitter pill?
4. So began that long, long journey
Like many other women we have known
We walk this path of pain
Drug blood and bone
And then it seems, we’re left alone
and I prayed…
CHORUS: Please don’t let this be
Please take this sacrifice away from me
Don’t make my family cry,
Don’t make me say goodbye
Say goodbye. Say goodbye. Don’t make me say goodbye
INTERLUDE – to shift of mood
5. Now, my health is more than stable
I’m a lucky one, whose family did not stray
My life has changed a lot
I breathe, I rest
I have new purpose in my breast
6. We women, we need to help each other
Our lives are rich, but underserved
So many hopes are ended
So much despair
Sometimes it seems, it seems that no one cares. And…
CHORUS:
Now, to save more harm
Take another woman in your loving arms
Together, we can thrive – Make changes, come alive
Stay alive. Stay alive. Hmmm.