From the recording You, Me, and All of the Above
The winter and summer solstice are observed all over the world and have been for millennia. Here is a song to take us through the “dark days,” remembering that the light will return.
Susan Draus created the magnificent choral arrangements for this song and will make it available for use by choirs. To purchase the sheet music, please click here. To contact Sue, please use this.
Lyrics
1. This is the time, the time of year
For gathering together
We can brave the longest night
And all the wintry weather
Longest night, we fear you not!
For we have kept our hearthstones hot
This is the time, the time of year
For gathering together.
2. Winter with its icy breath
Has thrown its spell upon us
All the birds and geese have left
And ice and snow surround us
But tonight, the balance shifts
Back toward life and all its gifts
This is the time, the time of year
For gathering together.
3. Force of darkness, force of night
You shall no longer lead us!
Rattle the windows, steal the light
But you shall not defeat us!
You wrestled us right to the ground
But we will win the coming round!
This is the time, the time of year
For gathering together.
4. So raise your glass and raise your voice
In fellowship and courage
Against the cold, against the odds
Our lasting lives will flourish
For we are all brave women and men –
And like the sun will rise again!
This is the time, the time of year
For gathering together!