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The Ordinary Princess - Alternate Version

from opening my hand by david edward walker

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about

The Great Mystery allowed me to compose "Ordinary Princess" following a request by friends of Emily (1980-2005), a member of the Baha'i Faith, who lost her life to gun violence... I originally recorded two versions but forgot about the first, which I found recently and dusted off by updating certain instrumentation. Although I didn't know Emily, the lyrics refer to her favorite things - the color green, the fairy tale of "The Ordinary Princess," and her strong Baha'i faith. The ending passages are phrases taken from a letter of consolation to parents who lost their child written by Abdu'l Baha, Exemplar of the Baha'i Faith, and "Servant of Glory." Baha'is assert the complete equality of women and abhor violence of any sort. May we all engage in deeds of kindness and peace, unite in our common humanity, and protect the downfallen and oppressed, especially those victimized by violence.

lyrics

I feel that life is so unfair-
How can I get some rest?
When her smile comes to me from somewhere
Sparkling like a sequined dress
She’s in every tender leaf that grows
And everything that’s green
Calling out from the Unseen—
What will you make this mean?

Chorus:

The Ordinary Princess is never very far away
Crossing by the doorway on the other side of the day
She only wonders why we have to cry—
“Have you never seen a caged bird fly,
Finally free in an endless sky?”
Then she laughs while we try

I get so lost in this material life—
Imaginings and delusion.
All the subtle truths she liked to talk about
Bring me only more confusion
Living oneness, singing unity
How I miss this spiritual girl
Calling from where the galaxies swirl—
Will you make a better world?

From a sorrow-stricken shelter
Turn your face toward the Everlasting Nest
From this dark and narrow world
To where the spirit birds go to rest

Love

Emily

Love

credits

from opening my hand, released February 13, 2023
david edward walker - vocals, guitars, synthesizer, samples

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david edward walker Indianola, Washington

"With a style that encompasses urban and rural images, rich metaphors, spiritual themes, moving ballads, and ambitious fingerstyle guitar work, David Edward Walker (aka 'David Folks') is a singer-songwriter with special ability to reach listeners on an emotional level."
~ Music Hound,
The Essential Folk Album Guide

"Spilled poetic love." ~ Dirty Linen

"Folk Hero."
~Detroit Monthly ... more

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