The Colour’s Coming Back
The Colour's Coming Back, is an album of original songs for people living with cancer and their families and friends. Each song deals with a different aspect of the cancer experience. Most are based on true stories, conveying an uplifting and meaningful message to listeners.
The Writers and Composers
Mary Cowan
Mary Cowan was born in 1956 in the Montreal area where she still resides. Music has been her life-long focus and avenue of expression. She studied classical piano through the programs offered by L'École de Musique Vincent d'Indy and the Royal Conservatory of Music. Always a composer and improviser, she chose to study jazz at the college level. She attended Berklee School of Music for one year and continued her university education in the Studio Music Program at Concordia University where she graduated with a B.F.A. in 1984. In 1985, she obtained a Diploma in Music Education from McGill University. Through the 1980's she worked with various bands in the Montreal area but has since chosen to teach jazz piano harmony and improvisation as her main occupation. This career choice allowed her to remain at home for her two children. The idea of creating an album of original songs about and for people touched by cancer was inspired by a song entitled "Just Wanna Hold You" that she wrote for her sister, Heather, who is living with this illness. A cancer survivor herself, Mary is grateful to have had the opportunity to compose the music for 12 songs on the CD "The Colour's Coming Back".
Sharon Zigman
Sharon Zigman is a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and hypnotherapist whose lifelong passion has been music. She began taking classical piano lessons at age 9 and continued for 20 years. Later she switched to rock and jazz. In addition to piano, she took up mandolin, guitar, and drums. She enjoys entertaining at local events, either playing keyboard solo or as part of a trio with Ilona Eliakim (vocals) and Spiros Damianos (drums). Acknowledging the connection between physical activity and emotional well-being, Sharon spends many hours a week cross-training in a variety of sports and attending dance classes. She finds that some of her most creative moments occur while swimming, skiing, or rollerblading. Through her involvement with Gilda's Club Montreal, she was inspired to write lyrics that would be meaningful to people touched by cancer.
Daniel Zigman
Daniel Zigman is a psychiatry resident at McGill University. During his internal medicine rotation in medical school, he trained in hematology/oncology and took care of several patients living with cancer. Finding the interpersonal aspect of medicine to be the most satisfying, he chose to specialize in psychiatry. Daniel began taking piano lessons at age 6 and continued until he entered high school. At that point, he picked up the guitar and started playing in a rock band at school events. His love of music continued through college and university during which time he began to compose his own melodies. His musical influences include: U2, the Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead.
Sarita Benchimol
Sarita Benchimol has always pursued a career that included human health issues. The loss of a sister to cancer triggered a desire to focus on cancer research. She is now the Assistant to the Director of the McGill Cancer Centre at McGill University. For the past 25 years, her efforts have been devoted to many areas of cancer research from carrying out scientific projects at the bench to being in charge of the administration of the Cancer Centre. She has also been involved with the biomedical/biotechnology industry to promote the development of new drugs for cancer. In addition, she dedicates several hours of her personal time to responding to the needs of patients suffering from cancer. She was a founder of the Gilda’s Club in Montreal, a wellness center for cancer patients.
The Singers
Because most of the songs were based on the experiences of real people, singers were carefully “cast” to portray the individuals whose stories they told. All of the vocalists who were chosen were professional vocalists on the Montreal music scene.
Josee Brault
Josee Brault has enjoyed a lengthy musical career on the blues scene in Montreal. Originally a folk singer, she has benefited trying her hand at a variety of musical styles over the years. She teaches science at the secondary level and raises her 7 children in Pincourt, Quebec. In her divided time she competes and trains her horses. Her band, Soul Fusion, can be heard playing in various blues and live music venues throughout Quebec.
Vivienne Deane
Vivienne Deane is known for her wide variety of talents as a singer, songwriter, vocal coach, choir director, and children's music specialist. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (Integrated Music Studies) at Concordia University in 1990 and has been active in the music world for over 25 years. Television, radio, and live performances, including the International Jazz Festival on numerous occasions, have been on her agenda. She has worked with all the top jazz musicians in the city, including Oliver Jones. She presently directs three choirs in Montreal: the Union United Gospel Church Choir, Out of NDG Choir (Gospel +), and the Wesley United Choir. She also works with children, teaching them the basics of music with original songs she composes just for them. She has two CDs of all original content. She continues to perform for different events, and writes music for people of all ages. Her future projects are to record an all-original gospel album, many more children's albums, and a really classy jazz CD.
Ilona Eliakim
Ilona graduated from Mcgill University in 1970. After completing a library studies program from Concordia University in 1984, she began working at Akiva Elementary School as teacher-librarian. For many years, she was involved in the total school experience, collaborating with colleagues and providing students with positive and challenging literary and literacy opportunities. Ilona's passion for life allows her to participate and enjoy many activities. Friends and family are very important to her. She exercises regularly, reads, travels, writes poetry and children's stories, skis, canoes and loves to sing. Ilona is married, has two children, and three grandchildren.
Monique Fauteux
Back-up singer and keyboard player, Monique Fauteux, has been part of Quebec’s song landscape for many years. Her association with the legendary band, Harmonium, will certainly be remembered as her first big break. Since then, she has shared her talents for studio projects or stage work with many leading artists, from Roch Voisine to Ginette Reno, François Cousineau to Charles Trenet and Jean-Pierre Ferland, to name only a few. In recent years, Monique became a faithful collaborator to Judi Richards and Sylvie Tremblay, with whom she shared centre stage in the «Un zest de jazz au Zest» concert, which was also presented at the Montreal Jazz Festival. Always aiming in bringing her team spirit to projects, she recently added to her credits collaboration with Marie Denise Pelletier for the singer’s recent «Plaisirs d’amour» concert series. Audiences have also had the chance to see her perform with Bob Walsh. The word comforting has often been used to describe Monique Fauteux’s voice. To this quality, she also offers her enthusiasm for group projects contributing to the blossoming of pop music in Quebec.
Janice Greenberg
Janice Greenberg is a native Montrealer, who performs under the name of Just Janyss. She first started singing at her family's resort in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal. Janyss knew from the first time she performed that she had to pursue a singing career. Soon after her debut, Janyss sang as lead vocalist in a couple of well-known local bands, City Lights and the Robert Rail Orchestra. She now sings as lead vocalist with a group called Timeless and is currently singing as part of a trio at local venues in and around Montreal. Janyss has a true passion for singing, which is seen and felt in all of her performances. She has a unique and powerful feel for entertainment. It is clear that Janyss is at home on the stage.
Joe Meffe
Singer and bassist with Montreal orchestra, City Lights, for more than 2 decades, Joe has covered many different styles of music from jazz to pop. He is presently involved in a variety of projects, including a compilation of his own original compositions.
Stephen J. Scott
Stephen is renowned for his ability to change the tone of his voice to suit the different styles of music that he sings. He was born in Montreal and started playing music in high school as a drummer. In 1986, Stephen had his first debut single with Island Records (4th & Broadway), title song, It’s Time for a Change. Later he went on to having many dance tracks placed on various dance compilations. As a singer-songwriter and producer, he was involved with the local French group, Infinite, on their English debut album and with the French group, Emotion.
Stephen has performed for such artists as Celine Dion and was background vocalist at the Chris de Burgh concert at the Molson Centre. Presently he is producing several different artists. By day, Stephen works at Mont Sinai Hospital and sees everyday how cancer takes the ones you love. At night he is the lead singer of the corporate and wedding Mix-up Orchestra, lighting the evening with that powerful voice.
About the Songs
When most people think about cancer treatment, they focus on a variety of medical procedures. However, psychological support is another aspect of cancer treatment that has recently been shown to have a significant effect on the well-being of patients and their loved ones. This is no surprise considering the wide range of feelings that people go though when faced with this difficult illness.
Music is a medium that can be very therapeutic since it touches people on a deep emotional level. The Colour's Coming Back offers cancer patients and their friends and families a unique kind of listening experience that brings hope and healing.
Track 1 - A Taste for Life
Often people's initial reaction to hearing they have cancer is one of fear and shock. Sometimes they wonder if there will ever be a light at the end of the tunnel. This is especially true if the treatment process is difficult. A Taste for Life touches on these feelings, but also offers the possibility that deep within one's psyche there is a life force that gives people courage and motivates them to go on.
Track 2 - I Feel Your Sunshine
This song was written as a tribute to everyone who brightens your day by being there to offer comfort when you are going through a hard time. Its upbeat rock groove coupled with a Latin bass conveys a "sunshine" feel that underscores the message of support and encouragement.
Track 3 - Why Me?
"Why Me?" is the question that probably gets asked more than any other as people try to make sense out of a situation that makes no sense. We learn that if we are "good" we are rewarded, and that if we are "bad" we are punished. So where is the justice when those who are "good" fall ill or have loved ones who are sick? The tension and mental anguish in this song are heightened by the wailing of an electric guitar and the heavy beats of the bass drum.
Track 4 - My Quiet Place
In order to feel more comfortable, many people try visualization and hypnosis. The lyrics of My Quiet Place are a hypnosis script written by psychologist, Sharon Zigman. Listeners are encouraged to find the special corner in their minds where they can be free from stress. The sensory images and easy Latin rhythm help them imagine being in a beautiful, calm tropical island. In the background, the sounds of ocean waves are deliberately timed to coincide with slow breathing. This increases the kind of relaxed mood that can be experienced in hypnosis.
Track 5 - Gilda's Song
Gilda's Song celebrates the spirit of the late comedienne, Gilda Radner, from Saturday Night Live, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Gilda believed that people touched by cancer should have the opportunity to participate in a support community where they can feel free to be themselves and where they can live with cancer as opposed to just cope with it. After Gilda's death, her husband, Gene Wilder, created a cancer wellness center called "Gilda's Club". Since its inception, Gilda's Clubs have opened in cities across the US, Canada, and even in Europe. When people enter the trademark red door, they are immediately welcomed into the realm of acceptance, understanding, inspiration, and growth that Gilda Radner wished for.
Track 6 – Monique
A quarter century ago, biochemist and researcher Sarita Benchimol lost her sister, Monique, to a rare form of cancer. Throughout her illness, Monique always maintained her beauty, elegance, and above all her dignity. Upon her sister's death, Sarita vowed to devote her life to cancer research. For 25 years, she was unable to express her sadness. However, in the song, Monique, which is a tribute to her sister, she finally speaks out. In this moving message to her sister, she brings exciting news - that through all the research that has been done, many people with cancer can now survive.
Track 7 - A Gift
A Gift is the true story about Arthur, a 13 year-old boy who succumbed to leukemia. With a perspective well beyond his years, he rejected the materialism of many youngsters his age and touched people at a very deep level with his human sensitivity. When a child dies, what can anyone possibly say that can inspire hope? This young man's foster dad, Jack Fitch, had an answer that he wanted to share with everyone: Life is so short that we must take advantage of each moment and live it to the fullest. Though stricken by leukemia at such an early age, Arthur was the wonderful gift, the "shooting star …that made [its] mark/A stream of light fading into dark".
Track 8 - When You're Near
When faced with life's challenges, it is often difficult to manage on one's own. Having someone who can be there to listen and offer support can make a tremendous difference to one's morale. The melodious flute, smooth vocals, and rhythmic Latin accompaniment create a pleasant upbeat feel that listeners can enjoy.
Track 9 - Can't Catch Me, I'm Houdini!
Barry D. Stein was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in the mid 1990s. Though his cancer spread to his lungs and his liver, he was not about to take his condition lying down. After going through nine major surgeries and participating in a novel vaccine trial, he successfully fought the disease. Committed to winning the battle against this all too prevalent cancer, he became the president of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. With a twinkle in his eye and a personable grin, he flies across the continent promoting awareness and educating people about colon cancer. He is dedicated to advocating for patients with colon cancer so that they get the support they need as well as timely access to diagnosis and treatment.
Track 10 - At a Crossroads
Quitting smoking is one of the most notable means to prevent all cancers, particularly lung cancer. Therefore, no CD about living with cancer would be complete without a song encouraging people to quit. At a Crossroads emphatically communicates this message. It was inspired by Fred Davis, a retired high school principal who had smoked in his younger days and then quit. Unfortunately, he got lung cancer several years ago and recently passed away. He felt so strongly about encouraging people to stop that he went around to schools to convince students to make this healthy choice. At a Crossroads, an upbeat rock tune, appeals to everyone who is thinking of quitting smoking and strengthens their resolve to take control over their addiction.
Track 11 - I'll Be There
When people have cancer, having both faith and a reason to survive can have a significant effect on their prognosis. Based on a true story, I'll Be There is about a grandmother whose faith is so strong that it enables her to fulfill her dream to be at her grandson's wedding.
Track 12 - I'm Not Ready
Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and monthly chemotherapy treatments did not stop Ruth Goldstein from maintaining a positive perspective. Despite the nausea and fatigue, she continued to confront each difficult challenge one day at a time. Inspiring us all with her courage and optimism, Ruth was not about to be defeated in her fight against breast and ovarian cancer, the two most pervasive cancers among women.
Track 13 - Just Wanna Hold You
Saying good-bye to someone close is one of the most difficult challenges in life. Often, no words can express the deep feelings between loved ones when they know death and separation are imminent. Just holding each other offers the comfort that creates an exceptionally meaningful connection during these final moments. Mary Cowan wrote this song for her sister who was faced with the possibility of dying of a rare kind of cancer. A breast cancer survivor herself, she understood the importance of being held and of sharing the painful reality of loss with someone who cares. The rhythm and tone of the music suggest the inevitability of time passing and the sense of nostalgia that is an inherent part of the grieving process.
Track 14 - The Colour's Coming Back
After the death of a loved one, how can people work through their grief? The process can be long and difficult, especially if the individuals were very close. Finding a creative outlet can be an inspiring way to heal. The Colour's Coming Back is a song about Eva Shainblum, who lost her husband to cancer and started to get over her grief by painting. Through her artwork, she experienced a great sense of satisfaction and inner peace that gradually helped to fill the emptiness in her heart.
LYRICS
A TASTE FOR LIFE
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Janice Greenberg)
I feel like I am falling
From a cliff into the sea.
How can I keep from drowning
When a wave sweeps over me?
It seems as if I'm going to sink –
I barely catch my breath.
The panic that's inside of me
Is choking me to death.
(Chorus)
Seeking faith that's in my soul,
I struggle to regain control.
Then in some way that I can't explain,
I have a taste for life again.
I'm tossing and I'm turning
'Til my frightful nightmare ends.
At last I am awaking
In the arms of loyal friends.
My demons slowly fade away
As I see into their eyes,
Soon night-time shadows disappear
And the chill in me subsides.
(Chorus)
Finding faith that's in my soul,
I'm trying hard to keep control,
And in some way that I can’t explain,
I have a taste for life again.
I trudge along like a war-worn soldier.
With each battle I feel older.
I'm tired and I drag my feet
While stumbling down this rutted street,
But I do my best to carry on,
Though my limbs are weak, my heart is strong.
(Chorus)
Through the faith that's in my soul,
I'm hopeful now and in control,
And in some way that I can't explain,
I have a taste for life again.
A taste for life.
I FEEL YOUR SUNSHINE
(Music by Daniel Zigman, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Stephen Scott)
Travelling empty down a lonely road,
Don't know what to do to ease my load.
Up above me is a darkened sky,
I just sit down and I start to cry.
Wondering where I should go from here,
Then like a guardian angel you appear.
I'm uplifted by your easy style,
Your laughing eyes, and radiant smile.
(Chorus)
I feel your sunshine warming my heart.
It makes the clouds seem far away.
I feel your sunshine warming my heart.
It helps to get me through the day.
Getting back hope that I'd lost before,
I'm in control and on my feet once more.
When you're with me, all the weight is gone,
My step is light, I skip along.
(Chorus)
Like a gardener
Tending a precious seed,
You nurture me
When I'm in need.
You're a spring
That waters the ground,
A sparkling diamond
Rarely found.
(Chorus)
WHY ME?
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Stephen Scott)
A burning question,
Wakes me from my sleep.
At times it makes me angry,
At times it makes me weep.
I stare up at the ceiling,
My eyes are open wide.
I don't know who to turn to,
But I must have a reply.
(Chorus)
Why me?
I need an answer…
Why me?
I don't want this cancer!
It's like I'm up against a wall,
There's nothing that makes sense at all.
Why me?
Reality's shattered,
Lost my view of life.
The pain of injustice
Cuts me like a knife.
I always thought that fortune
Came to people who were good,
But everything is different
From what I understood.
(Chorus)
If I knew the reason,
If I had a sign,
Maybe I'd be able
To get some peace of mind.
(Chorus)
Why me?
MY QUIET PLACE
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Vivienne Deane)
When I must unwind
Get peace of mind
Leave my worries far behind me,
There's a paradise
Romantic isle
Somewhere no one ever finds me.
It's my quiet place
Secluded space,
Where I can just feel free.
There, my spirits rise
'Neath azure skies
Where no limits can confine me.
I sip my lemonade
By trees of jade
While the seagulls serenade me.
I'm calmed by lapping surf
That licks the shore
Its serenity pervades me.
In my quiet place
My tranquil space,
Is a corner just for me.
Here, the orchids bloom
With sweet perfume,
And the swaying palm trees shade me.
Breezes kiss my face
With warm embrace
And like lover's arms encase me.
I'm rocked by gentle seas
In Nature’s hands
Touched by playful waves that chase me.
In my quiet place
My private space,
Where I can just be me.
I can close my eyes
Be hypnotized
And then sleep rejuvenates me.
Ah…
GILDA’S SONG
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Janice Greenberg and Joe Meffe)
(Celebrating the spirit of Gilda Radner)
The red door leads into a place,
A safe, comforting space.
It's a house to call home,
Where we're not alone.
A shoulder's there to catch our tears,
A blanket lessens our fears.
It's a shelter from the rain,
And a respite from pain.
(Chorus)
Gilda has shown us the way
To celebrate life every day.
Her humour abounds,
Her laughter resounds,
Her vision is here to stay.
There's a lively beat, a pulse within,
As bonds of friendship begin.
The strength in us grows,
Our energy flows.
Like fledgling birds we learn to fly,
We soar and reach for the sky.
Our wings soon open wide,
We rejoice as we glide.
(Chorus)
Gilda, we carry the flame
For all that you overcame.
We know your spirit's near
As we face the new frontier.
(Chorus 4x)
MONIQUE
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sarita Benchimol,
Vocals by Monique Fauteux)
(Inspired by the life of Monique Benchimol)
Depuis que tu es partie
Vingt-cinq années sans répit,
Installée dans mes entrailles
Ta souffrance me tiraille.
Jusqu'à maintenant, je n'ai pu,
Ni d'ailleurs, jamais même su
Te dire qu'à ce moment là
D'impuissance me tombaient les bras.
(Refrain)
Une héroïne à nos yeux
Devant ce mal et ce feu,
Monique, tu as su garder
Ton élégance, ta beauté.
Bien que le temps t'ait trahie,
Je sais que tu sera réjouie
De connaît' tous les efforts
Qu'il met à réparer ses torts.
Beaucoup moins d'âmes, aujourd'hui
A la tombée de la nuit
S'attristent ou sont prises de peur
Leur corps froid et en sueur.
(Refrain)
Je veux que tu saches
Que je me sens bien moins lâche,
A ce jour je tiens encore
Ma promesse faite à ton corps.
A ce temps je me suis ralliée,
Au progrès, je me suis acharnée,
Aucune entrave, ni retard
Je n'accorde à son égard.
(Refrain 2x)
MONIQUE
(English Translation by Sarita Benchimol)
For 25 years since I have lost you,
Your painful suffering
Embedded in my soul,
Has been tearing me apart.
Until now I never had the strength,
Nor did I know how to tell you,
That at the time, I felt powerless.
(Chorus)
You are a heroine in our eyes,
Who, faced with evil and fire,
Continued to display elegance and beauty.
Although time betrayed you,
I know you are going to be delighted
To hear how much effort
It has been devoting to atone for its wrongs.
Fewer souls today,
As night approaches,
Are overpowered by their sadness and fear,
Their bodies breaking into a cold sweat.
(Chorus)
I am coming to tell you
That I now feel much less cowardly,
For I have kept the promise I made
As your soul was leaving your body.
I have teamed up with time
In the pursuit of progress;
I am determined to ensure that
No obstacle or delay stands in the way.
(Chorus 2x)
A GIFT
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Joe Meffe)
(Inspired by Jack Fitch in memory of Arthur)
He was just thirteen,
His skin so pale,
Weakening fast,
His body frail.
Yet he had a way
To take people in,
With his warm brown eyes
And innocent grin.
Like a shooting star,
He made his mark
A stream of light
Fading into dark.
(Chorus)
Life is short,
It slips away
Like water
Washing over clay.
The hands of time
Are far too swift
So treat each moment
As a gift.
This brave young man
Who hid his fears
Had a view of life
Beyond his years.
His faded jeans were torn,
He said he didn’t care,
“Who looks at clothes
When you have no hair!”
Though he now is gone
And we're far apart,
He'll always stay
Deep within my heart.
(Chorus)
The young man left a present
To brighten up my day,
A sprinkling of stardust
Inside the Milky Way,
Wrapped in shades of laughter
That lingered for a while,
And tied up with a ribbon
The colour of his smile.
(Chorus 2x)
WHEN YOU’RE NEAR
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Vivienne Deane)
I hum a happy melody,
At ease because you comfort me.
When you're near, my dreams don't fade away,
And I can taste the fresh cool air of spring
Every day.
The road I walk's a rocky one.
At times, I hardly see the sun,
But when you're near, I'm not afraid to cry.
The rugged slopes I have to climb are not
Quite so high.
(Instrumental verse 2x)
I'm faced with life's fragility,
But your warmth has set my spirit free.
When you're near, somehow my heart feels light,
And like an injured dove whose wings have healed,
I take flight.
I take flight.
CAN’T CATCH ME, I'M HOUDINI
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
(Inspired by Barry D. Stein and the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada)
Some people think that cancer's tragic,
But I defy it with my magic.
I learn the tricks to stay alive,
I play the odds and I survive.
(Chorus)
It can't catch me, I'm Houdini,
I escape like I'm a genie.
There's no way it can box me in,
'Cause I'll elude it with a grin.
I see the doctors' worried faces,
But I'm the one who holds the aces.
They can't confine me to a bed,
I'm flying in a plane instead.
(Chorus)
They can't catch me, I'm Houdini,
I escape like I'm a genie.
There's no way they can box me in,
'Cause I'll elude them with a grin.
Abracadabra, hear me shout,
“When cancer strikes, I cut it out.
I snap my fingers – nothing to it,
Three weeks later, I am through it.”
(Chorus)
It can't catch me, I'm Houdini,
I escape like I'm a genie.
There's no way it can box me in,
'Cause I'll elude it with a grin.
Can't catch me!
AT A CROSSROADS
(Music by Daniel Zigman, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Stephen Scott)
(Inspired by Fred Davis)
Your smokes are killing you, my friend,
Your body's weak and you’re in pain.
I see the sadness in your eyes,
I've come to realize this is no game.
Now all our days of youth are gone
When we thought we were above it all.
My knees feel weak, I shake inside,
Like a tightrope walker about to fall.
(Chorus)
I'm at a crossroads
Gonna go the right way,
O-o-o-oh …
I’m at a crossroads
Gonna turn away
From the black cloud
Blocking my way.
I'll break the chain that ties me down,
And hold my head up, proud and free.
I'll smell the sweetly scented rose
And salty fragrance of the sea.
Then with my lover in my arms
As I taste the freshness of a kiss,
I'll take the route that’s straight and smooth
It's a highway leading to happiness.
(Chorus)
I want to breathe…
I know I'm strong
When my mind is set.
I want to breathe…
I'll make the choice
That I won't regret.
(Chorus 2x)
I'LL BE THERE
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Ilona Eliakim)
(Inspired by Sam Faierman, Ethel Zigman, and Henny Feldman)
I remember when I held you,
A tiny baby boy,
My precious little grandson,
Who brought me so much joy.
Now here you are a young man,
And you're soon about to wed.
You're beaming with excitement
As your future lies ahead.
(Chorus)
I'd know no greater pleasure
Than to share your special day.
But my fate is in God's hands
To find a way.
I'll never stop believing
There's an answer to my prayer.
My faith will get me through
And I'll be there.
There is sunshine in your face
When you talk about your bride,
And passion in your heart
That's impossible to hide.
My grandson has grown up now,
And it hits me with surprise.
I'm overcome with feeling,
And then tears come to my eyes.
(Chorus)
As I look back through your albums,
Reminisce about the past,
So many cherished moments
Are returning in a flash.
I've always been beside you
Off'ring comfort or a kiss,
Your wedding's one more milestone
That I'm not about to miss.
(Chorus)
I'd know no greater pleasure
Than to share your special day,
But my fate is in God's hands
To find a way.
I'll never stop believing
There's an answer to my prayer.
My faith will get me through
And I'll be there…
I'll never stop believing
There's an answer to my prayer.
My faith will get me through
And I'll be there.
I'M NOT READY
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Vivienne Deane)
(Inspired by Ruth Goldstein)
You ask what keeps me going
After all I've been through.
I'm smiling as I answer,
'Cause I've thought about that, too.
I guess it's my perspective,
Taking one day at a time,
And just a bit of courage,
But here's the bottom line …
(Chorus)
I'm not ready
There's ground I haven't tread,
I'm not ready,
Ther'’re words I haven't said …
Sometimes I get to wond'ring
'Bout a large eternal plan.
Can there be a deeper meaning
That I don't yet understand?
Perhaps it's just a life force,
That I feel inside of me,
Which leads me to discover
There's more for me to see.
(Chorus)
You know my life has been a challenge,
Hard to face with a grin,
But there's fire in my spirit,
I refuse to give in.
Though somewhere in the distance
I'll reach my journey's end,
Now a light is shining,
It's just around the bend.
(Chorus)
JUST WANNA HOLD YOU
(Music and lyrics by Mary Cowan)
(Inspired by Heather Cowan)
I can see it in your eyes,
The pain of our last goodbyes.
Just wanna hold you
Until your spirit flies.
Don't want any regrets
Over feelings not expressed.
Just wanna hold you
And make you feel your best.
(Chorus)
Just wanna hold you in my arms,
Just wanna hold you
In my arms today.
Want to give you all my comfort
And I know no better way.
Just wanna hold you in my arms,
Just wanna hold you
In my arms today.
We will wait together for the light
To carry you away.
I can see it in your eyes,
Our love will never die.
Just wanna hold you
Until we say goodbye.
Know that this is not the end,
Life's unfolding once again.
Keep your faith that soon
You'll be among old friends.
(Chorus)
THE COLOUR'S COMING BACK
(Music by Mary Cowan, Lyrics by Sharon Zigman,
Vocals by Josée Brault)
(Inspired by Eva Shainblum in memory of Max Shainblum)
The moment we met
The sky was bright.
Then cancer took you
And day turned to night.
I struggled in darkness,
My life surreal,
But then through my painting,
I found I could heal.
(Chorus)
The black and gray of winter's gone,
Erased by mauve and pink of dawn.
The colour's coming back again,
A golden sun beyond the rain.
In learning to paint,
I cleared my mind,
And started leaving
My sadness behind.
When dotting my canvas,
I pictured you,
A lasting reminder
Of joy that we knew.
(Chorus)
Out of my pain
My strength has grown,
Through a part of me
I hadn't known.
When waking up now,
I greet the day.
Outside my window,
Snow's melting away.
I look at the tulips,
Young blades of grass.
A new life's beginning,
It's springtime at last.
(Chorus 2x)
The colour's back again.
Zigman Creative Projects Foundation
Supports Cancer Charities
The executive producers of the album, Zigman Creative Projects Foundation, had a vision - to support cancer prevention, research, treatment, and wellness through the sale of the CD. To this end, a portion of the proceeds from album sales has been donated to various cancer-related charities and to hospitals.
Reviews
Because of the unique nature of the CD as a medium for providing emotional support for people touched by cancer, there has been a very positive response to the album from journalists in both in the music and health care communities. Here are some of the comments:
“It’s rare for a CD to keep generating media attention some two years after its release, but that has been happening with The Colour’s Coming Back. That testifies to both the important and timeless nature of the project, and the determination of its creators. The album is a collection of original songs dealing with the theme of people living with cancer. The songs are based on real-life stories, resulting in material that is by turns poignant and uplifting.
- Kerry Doyle, SOCAN Website Feature Article Autumn 2007
“The Colour’s Coming Back is a heartfelt lovely way for people to connect with others who have cancer. The styles are eclectic and the lyrics refreshingly honest. The music is soothing and empowering, the voices polished … It was cathartic and surprisingly effective in connecting me to my innermost feelings about those we have lost through this rampant disease.”
- Nancy Snipper, The Chronicle West End Edition, July 6, 2005
“The Colour’s Coming Back Makes Waves Among Cancer Victims”
- Canadian Musician, Summer 2007
“Although all songs [on the CD, The Colour’s Coming Back] are inspired by real stories, the essential aim was not only to remind us of the tragedy of living with cancer or losing someone to this dreadful disease, but also to emphasize the survivors’ strengths and courage.”
- Nicole Aubé, Ph.D. Psychologist, Psynopsis (Canadian Psychological Association’s Newspaper), Winter 2008
All 14 songs on The Colour’s Coming Back are based on true stories and were written to inspire people affected by cancer. The CD’s lineup is unique in content and musical style – ranging from pop and rock to blues and Latin bossa novas.
- Voilà, McGill (McGill University Electronic Newletter), July 26, 2005
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