My first experience with music was a short stint as a violin player when I was 7 years old.
Since 1998, my musical interest poured over into lesser known songs about disability. I
have come to realize that there was a void of songs that dealt with coping and living with
a disability on positive terms and staying motivated. What would come next would be a
surprise.
In April of 2008, I would find a website where you could find freelance songwriters. With
donations from various fundraisers, I would devote time and energy to a project with an
unpredictable outcome. Initially, I would find some songwriters and singers who were
interested in my positive vision for people with disabilities, yet stay real.
My role on this album is executive producer. This includes deciding on the topics for the
songs and choosing singers and songwriters. I have experience in the area of disability
issues as I was the editor of the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign's annual
disability magazine that received national recognition by the Association of Higher
Education and Disability. While I was a college student, I was vice president of the
service fraternity for students with disabilities and twice treasurer of my residence hall's
student government. In addition to my five year bachelor's degree in Materials Science
and Engineering from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, I have completed a
certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Arrison Kirby
Arrison, 30, is the owner of Knoxville, Tennessee's El Deth Records. He is a self-taught musician who has been writing and recording music since he was a child. He is also a composer, performer, and producer. His music ranges from experimental free jazz to precise indie pop to thumping electronic dance beats. He is an above knee, left leg amputee.
Bill Routhier
Bill is a writer/songwriter with experience in various realms of music. He played in the band The Dharma Bums in Boston during the 1980's. The Dharma Bums album, "Everything is Always Alright" received critical acclaim and radio play in the Boston area. Bill has been a singer/songwriter, performed on his own, and has in recent years collaborated with classical composer Andrew Asboe on a collection of adult contemporary songs. Bill also writes about music and the arts for The Salem Gazette.
Brian Edwards
Brian, 29, has been writing music since age 12. He was involved in church and school choirs, as well as band as a saxophonist. Brian scored numerous hip-hop talent show winnings and was even involved in a fairly lucrative contract well before he was old enough to drive. To develop his business acumen, Brian pursued graduate and post graduate degrees in business and has spearheaded multiple entrepreneurial endeavors in music. He continues to song write and "ghostwrite" for various artists, but the father and husband's main focus is running his business By Word Of Music, where he has and continues to provide music for a wide range of clients in various industries.
David Head
David, 45, is from England, and lives in a small village in Kent, approximately 45 miles outside of London. He has been writing poetry and songs since his childhood, describing himself as a "wordsmith", and runs a successful poetry and songwriting business Personalised Poetry Services. Through his love of performing arts, the husband and father of two specialised in writing songs for musical theatre twenty years ago, and to date has had almost two hundred of his songs featured in drama productions. Always keen to challenge himself lyrically, he now also enjoys working freelance with a variety of clients around the world, creating bespoke songs across a variety of genres.
D.R.
D.R. a.k.a. "DeRon", 24, has been recognized as a special talent all through his adolescence. He sang in the church in school choir throughout his teenage years, exploring multiple genres. Due to his exceptional talent in high school, he was extended a choir scholarship in Alabama. D.R. has also been involved with a hip-hop record label, but started pursuing an independent career in 2006. He began a relationship with By Word Of Music in 2008 through a circle of mutual music professionals.
Flowrese
Flowrese a.k.a "The Songbyrd", 28, has been singing and performing her whole life. Starting in her church choir, then on to opera, Flowrese began to explore just about every genre of music. She started pursuing a solo career as a Top 40 and R & B singer in 2000. Her relationship with By Word Of Music began in 2006 during one of her shows in Missouri. They have since partnered on multiple shows.
Karina Es
Karina Es is a 19 year old Canadian singer and songwriter of Armenian descent, who is sure to entertain and stop traffic! With her passionate lyrics and sultry melodies reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson meets Lady Gaga, Karina presents a fresh and unique blend of urban/dance pop sounds that are completely intoxicating. "Make It Real" and "What Are You Waiting For" were placed in a new teen TV show "The Troops" from Nickelodeon. Karina has other sync deals with The Eggplant, Reality Films Soundtrack, The Orchard, and Audiosockets. Karina has just released her new single "Space Rock", Internationally in Canada and in numerous countries in Europe, including Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and the U.K. Chris Taylor, B.A., LL.B. and law firm (Avril Lavigne, Nelly Furtado, Nickelback, Drake, etc.) represent Karina Es. Karina earned her first endorsement deal from Toronto's trendy Queen West clothing boutique called "Fashion Crimes" and her guitar player Lewis Moorman earned an international endorsement deal from Gibson guitars.
No Strings Attached
No Strings Attached was formed as a jazz group in 1994 by theater students at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. This group consists of 11 members from a variety of backgrounds and majors. They perform and arrange everything from jazz standards to choral, rock, and pop pieces. They have participated in a cappella competitions, performed at colleges and high schools around the country, and facilitated workshops for other vocal ensembles. Following are the members of No Strings Attached who participated during the 2010-2011 school year: Alexandria Lesicko, Dan Pang, Daniel Malsom, Erica Crosswhite, Jennifer Zhou, John Paul Nichols, Katina Bolos, Kimberly Schofield, Ryan Kirby, Samantha Lynn Resser, and Timothy Miles.
Peter Linseman
Peter is a Canadian songwriter, a versatile producer, and a trusted manager. It's that combination that sets him apart from many others. He is collaborating with 2009 Grammy Award winner and 2 time Oscar Award winner, Tanvi Shah who co-wrote and sang the song of the year, Jai Ho from the motion picture Slumdog Millionaire. Peter has the honor of being chosen as the Musical Director for 2010 Canadian Chinese Idol and is now writing and producing for China's top female artist Laura Shang who sang the theme song for 2010's most anticipated epic IMAX film, "Tangshan Earthquake". He is the Regional Writers Group and Song Stage manager for the Songwriters Association of Canada's Toronto Regional Writers Group and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association of Ontario. Peter was nominated for Best Original Composition at the 2009 Canadian Jazz Awards and his artist Angelica DiCastro received Female Vocalist of the Year for the title track, "Beautiful Feeling". Peter is producing and promoting rising pop stars Karina Es and Kathy Pau, country artist Donna Ferra and International stars Aramik and Mr. X. Peter's company Music Mentor Productions is a Gold Sponsor for the 2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards.
Song Title: “Invincibility”
Written By: Bill Routhier
Produced By: Bryan Pratt
(verse)
D7 D7 sus D7sus + D7 sus D
here are the things we don’t like to see
D7 D7 sus G
when we talk about disabilities
D7 D7 sus D7sus + D7 sus D
the first and the worst has got to be
D7 D7 sus G
the cold indifference of apathy yeah
D
(verse)
D7 D7 sus D7sus + D7 sus D
don’t need my pity, sympathy or empathy
D7 D7 sus G
here’s my idea, treat you with equality
D7 D7 sus D7sus + D7 sus D
you think I might find when I talk to you
D7 D7 sus G D
bear in mind your invincibility ooh
(verse)
don’t know if I’d last a day in your shoes
don’t know if I could handle your kind of blues
the harder it is the stronger I must be
till the day you find invincibility yeah
(bridge)
A
there just might be a thing or two that
Bm A D
you could teach to me
A
if we get it right maybe I’ll understand
Bm E
and you won’t have to educate me
(verse)
everyone has their very own gift
everyone has a place for it
everyone tries in their way to be free
and everyone can find their invincibility yeah…
yeah…yeah yeah yeah yeah
Song Title: “Respectfully”
Written By: Bill Routhier & Bryan Pratt
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
(verse)
G CG
A little common courtesy
G CG
And acting more respectfully
G
Just showing that you are aware
C Bm Am C Bm Am
Sure would go a long way to show
D
That you care
(verse) – (same chords as above verse)
I hope you see there’s more to me
Than just a disability
Sometimes it’s like I disappear
You’re discussing me
In front of me
Like I’m not there
(chorus)
C
Don’t want to cause a scene but I’m a human being
Am D G
Just treat me more respectfully
C
Don’t want to cause a fuss, don’t want to say too much
Am D G
Just treat me more respectfully
(verse)
G CG
I’m just another person who
G CG
Is trying to get by, like you
G
Don’t have to treat me differently
C Bm Am C Bm Am
I’m doing fine and bear in mind
D
Positively
C G
I don’t think it’s very hard ------- at all
C D
It’s easy, you just use your heart -----------that’s all
(verse)
G CG
A little common courtesy
G CG
And acting more respectfully
G
Just showing that you are aware
C Bm Am C Bm Am
Sure would go a long way to show
D
That you care
C
Don’t want to cause a scene but I’m a human being
Am D G
Just treat me more respectfully
C
Don’t want to cause a fuss, don’t want to say too much
Am D G
Just treat me more respectfully
C
Don’t want to cause a scene but I’m a human being
Am D G
Just treat me more respectfully
Am D G
Yeahhhh….….. respectfully
Am D G
Treat me more respectfully
Am D G
Yeah yeah more respectfully
Song Title: “We Got A Place (In The Workplace)”
Written By: Bill Routhier & Bryan Pratt
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
A
We got a place in the workplace
D E
Just like you, yes we do
A
You see our face, in the workplace
D E
Yes you do, sure is true
D A
You can be sure that we are qualified
D
Trained and ready, good to go
E
Reliable, trustworthy, don’t you know
A
We got a place in the workplace
D E
Yes we do, just like you
A
Our own place in the workplace
D E
Working right there next to you
D A
There’s plenty of talent that we’ve got to share
D
we want to do what others won’t do
E
Let’s get to work, there’s more to pursue!
Bm A
We’re at every level right up to the top
Bm E
There’s a world of work to do and we won’t ever, ever, ever, ever stop
A D E
We got a place …. In the workplace
A D E
We got a place in the workplace
Song Title: “Your Love Is Your Best Ability”
Written By: Bill Routhier & Bryan Pratt
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
(chorus)
D
Your love is true
A
Your love is strong
Gbm E
Your love is pure and free
Gbm D A
And your love is your best ability
(verse)
E
You’ve always given me your all
D A
Given me everything
E
When things were hard, didn’t you stand tall
D A
And carry me on wing
Gbm
I never had a reason to doubt
A
The way you felt about me
Gbm
Isn’t that what it’s all about?
E
What keeps our love in glee
(chorus)
D
Your love is true
A
Your love is strong
Gbm E
Your love is pure and free
Dbm D A
And your love is your best ability
(verse)
E
As time goes on, I can count on you
D A
To be there every day
E
You’ll shoulder all our troubles through and through
D A
And help in every way
Bm
You may not be perfect, no
A
There’s some things you can’t be
Bm
But I know you’ll always give me your all
E
When it comes to giving to me
(chorus)
D
Your love is true
A
Your love is strong
Gbm E
Your love is pure and free
Gbm D A
And your love is your best ability
(bridge)
Bm A
Wherever we may go, I will have your heart
Bm E
All you need to really know, is we’ll never ever part
(chorus)
D
Your love is true
A
Your love is strong
Gbm E
Your love is pure and free
Dbm D A
And your love is your best ability
Song Title: “No To Euthanasia”
Written By: Brian Edwards
Performing Vocalists: Brian Edwards Featuring Flowrese
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
Chorus:
We're saying no to euthanasia
It's not your life to take it, it wasn't you that gave it
We're saying no to euthanasia
No matter what the illness, it's their life so let them live it
Verse one:
It is not you or I's right to decide
About the value of a life
That's not in the human job description
To purposely cut off the sick's prescriptions
I don't prescribe, that's homicide
Or suicide, who are you to decide
Or let someone who's not in they right mind
Let God make the choice when it's the right time, that’s why…
Chorus
Verse two:
In '94 Oregon passed ‘Death With Dignity’
An act allowing suicide, are you kidding me?
Eventually, others followed suit
Consumed with lies, 'cause they can't swallow the truth
They tell you it’s a quality of life thing
Healthy or ill, it’s joy that a life brings
A country with history of great human inventions
But put to history this kind of human intervention, attention…
Chorus
Verse three:
Temporary insanity is valid in court
But the same rules don't apply to cut the sick’s life short
Of course, the pain may get unbearable
Make anybody make a request, that's terrible
That's not the best time to take their advice
This ain’t a game, we’re playing this is a thing called life
Husbands, wives, kids, cousins, and siblings
When you hear this song, please stand up for living
Chrous (2x's)
Song Title: “Steppingstone”
Written By: Bill Routhier
Song Re-Structured By: Brian Edwards
Performing Vocalist: D.R.
Verse one:
Some people say you can’t be free
If you have a disability
They’ll tell you that it’s true
They don’t know a thing 'bout you
Your obstacles are in your head
Try and remember what I said
There’s nothing you can’t do
Every choice is up to you
Bridge to hook:
Opportunity knocks every day
Don’t let stumbling blocks get in your way
Opportunity knocks, you know it’s true
Don’t let stumbling blocks get in front of you
(2x's)
Hook:
You see stumbling blocks; no, it's not over
All you gotta do is just step over
'Cause a stumbling block is just a steppingstone
A stumbling block is just a steppingstone
(2x's)
Verse two:
Sometimes it’s hard, and that’s for sure
But there’s a key to every door
Don’t let them lead you astray
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done
Sometimes the struggle’s half the fun
And it’s worth the trouble too
When you see what you can do
Bridge to hook (2x's)
Hook (2x's)
Song Title: “The World Was Made For Everyone”
Written By: Bill Routhier
Song Re-Structured By: Brian Edwards
Performing Vocalist: D.R.
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
Intro:
The world was made for everyone
We’re all the same under the sun
The world was made for everyone
We’re all the same under the sun
Verse one:
There should be equality
Even for those with disabilities
We should stand hand in hand
All together, we have such abilities
There’s one way the world gets built
We’re all part of a gigantic quilt
Arm in arm, standing strong
We have equality, we get along
Chorus:
The world was made for everyone
We’re all the same under the sun
All of us under sky of blue
The world was made for everyone
We’re all the same under the sun
'Cause the world was made for me and you
Verse two:
There should be equality
Even for those with disabilities
We should stand hand in hand
All together, we have such abilities
Nobody is perfect
We all need, need some help
Nobody can do it all
By themselves; no, not by themselves
Chorus
Verse three:
There should be equality
Even for those with disabilities
We should stand hand in hand
All together, we have such abilities
One hand washes the other
Clean like brand new
Let’s get together and
Show what we all can do
Chorus
Song Title: “Addition By Subtraction”
Written By: Arrison Kirby
Song Re-Structured By: Brian Edwards
Performing Vocalists: D.R. & Flowrese
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
Addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
The mountain top is so high up
Your will has gotta be strong to climb
Although your shoes are not what you chose
I've gotta feeling that you’ll be just fine
There ain’t no making mistakes in life
It's just knocking on different doors
The less that you carry, the less you’ll grow weary
As you knock on more and more
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
So if the clouds gather overhead
Soon as you race your ship to shore
Just toss out some weight, and you’ll be moving great
Not to mention faster and better than ever before
So if you wonder why you’re lacking
Money, arms, legs, or eyes
You’ll find that it’s fodder to push you much harder
And you'll begin to see a blessing waiting in disguise
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
Song Title: “Don't Feel Down"
Written By: David Head
Song Re-Structured By: Peter Linseman
Performing Vocalist: Karina Es
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
It is sometimes hard to see
Past a disability
And you question why fate deemed
That you should do things differently
There’s one thing that’s agreed
Self-belief is what you need
If you focus on your strengths
And not your weakness you’ll succeed
Don’t feel down
Celebrate the joy each day can bring
And don’t feel down
Relish life and love and everything
We all should face a challenge
With a smile and not a frown
And positivity
Will always be the key
To set your spirit free
So don’t feel down
Don't feel down
So don't feel down
Don't feel down
There’ll be days when things seem tough
And you feel you’ve had enough
No one said it would be easy
For you dealing with this stuff
But however hard things seem
Never lose sight of your dream
And enjoy life to the full
With confidence and self-esteem
Don’t feel down
Celebrate the joy each day can bring
And don’t feel down
Relish life and love and everything
We all should face a challenge
With a smile and not a frown
And positivity
Will always be the key
To set your spirit free
So don’t feel down
Don't feel down
So don't feel down
Don't feel down
So don't feel down
Song Title: “The Disability Pride March"
Written By: David Head
Song Re-Structured By: Peter Linseman & Karina Eskandary
Performing Vocalist: Karina Es
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
Altogether now
We all have an identity
Unique in our own way
A beautiful diversity
We’re all proud to display
Altogether now, let’s aim high
Lift our hearts and change our minds
We march for disability
With dignity and pride
March for disability
Left right, side by side
Altogether now
Altogether now
Altogether now
We break down the barriers
With dignity and pride
Where people have the same worth
And qualities inside
We’ll share in confidence
We all belong standing strong
And free inside
We march for disability
With dignity and pride
March for disability
Left right, side by side
Altogether now
Altogether now
Altogether now
Altogether now, side by side
Altogether now, side by side
Altogether now, side by side
Altogether now, side by side
We march for disability
With dignity and pride
We march for disability
Left right, side by side
We march for disability
Dignity and pride
We march for disability
Left right, left right, side by side
Song Title: “You Can Cope"
Written By: Bill Routhier
Song Re-Structured By: Peter Linseman & Karina Eskandary
Performing Vocalist: Karina Es
Somehow, someway
I can find the way to hope
Somehow, someway
I can find the way to cope
It’s the little things that sometimes get to you
It’s the little things sometimes are hard to do
Somehow, someway
I can find a way around
Somehow, someway
I can show you what I’ve found
When the little things that sometimes get to you
Seem too big, I’ll tell you what you can do
You can believe in yourself
Yes you can
You can believe in yourself
You can make a plan
Have hope
You can cope
Yes you can
Somehow, someway
You can find a way to know
Somehow, someway
Be the star in your own show
If the potholes in the road seem big to you
Turn the wheel to the left or right, you can make it through
Yes you can
You can believe in yourself
You can make a plan
Have hope
You can cope
Yes you can
Don’t give up, don’t give up
Hold on to your hope
Don’t give up, don’t give up
You can cope
Somehow, someway
I can always find some hope
Somehow, someway
I can find the way to cope
It’s the little things that sometimes get to you
It’s the little things that sometimes are hard to do
You can believe in yourself
Yes you can
You can believe in yourself
You can make a plan
Have hope
You can cope
Yes you can
Song Title: “You Can Live Where You Want To"
Written By: David Head
Song Re-Structured By: Peter Linseman & Karina Eskandary
Performing Vocalist: Karina Es
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
So what if it’s difficult
You still have a choice
And when it comes to where you stay
You still have a voice
You may need some assistance
With your personal care
If you decide to live at home
Why not receive it there?
You can live where you want to
No matter what they tell you
You may still need some care
But someone is always there
You can live where you want to
No matter what they tell you
You may still need some care
But someone is always there
You can live
You can live
You can live
You can live
You can live
You can live
You can live
Home is where the heart is
Then why ever leave
You really can live where you want
That’s what you must believe
Treatment comes with dignity
And care comes with respect
The choice of where is down to you
What else would you expect?
You can live where you want to
No matter what they tell you
You may still need some care
But someone is always there
You can live where you want to
No matter what they tell you
You may still need some care
But someone is always there
You can live
Live where you want
Live where you want
Live where you want
You can live
You can live
You can live
So you can, you can live
You can live
I say you can live
Where
You can live where you want to
No matter what they tell you
You may still need some care
But someone is always there
You can live where you want to
No matter what they tell you
You may still need some care
But someone, someone is always there
Always there
Live
You live
You can live
You can live
Song Title: “Addition By Subtraction”
Written By: Arrison Kirby
Song Re-Structured By: Brian Edwards
A Cappella Arrangement By: No Strings Attached
Performing Vocalists: No Strings Attached
Executive Produced By: Bryan Pratt
Addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
The mountain top is so high up
Your will has gotta be strong to climb
Although your shoes are not what you chose
I've gotta feeling that you’ll be just fine
There ain’t no making mistakes in life
It's just knocking on different doors
The less that you carry, the less you’ll grow weary
As you knock on more and more
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
So if the clouds gather overhead
Soon as you race your ship to shore
Just toss out some weight, and you’ll be moving great
Not to mention faster and better than ever before
So if you wonder why you’re lacking
Money, arms, legs, or eyes
You’ll find that it’s fodder to push you much harder
And you'll begin to see a blessing waiting in disguise
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem hard to grasp, but it’s real
'Cause addition by subtraction
May seem funny, but it’s real
The less you have, and the less you have to worry about
And that’s the deal
Song Title: “Don't Feel Down"
Written By: David Head
Song Re-Structured By: Peter Linseman
A Cappella Arrangement By: No Strings Attached
Performing Vocalists: No Strings Attached
It is sometimes hard to see
Past a disability
And you question why fate deemed
That you should do things differently
There’s one thing that’s agreed
Self-belief is what you need
If you focus on your strengths
And not your weakness you’ll succeed
Don’t feel down
Celebrate the joy each day can bring
And don’t feel down
Relish life and love and everything
We all should face a challenge
With a smile and not a frown
And positivity
Will always be the key
To set your spirit free
So don’t feel down
Don't feel down
So don't feel down
Don't feel down
There’ll be days when things seem tough
And you feel you’ve had enough
No one said it would be easy
For you dealing with this stuff
But however hard things seem
Never lose sight of your dream
And enjoy life to the full
With confidence and self-esteem
Don’t feel down
Celebrate the joy each day can bring
And don’t feel down
Relish life and love and everything
We all should face a challenge
With a smile and not a frown
And positivity
Will always be the key
To set your spirit free
So don’t feel down
Don't feel down
So don't feel down
Don't feel down
So don't feel down
