I’m a journalist, a playwright, and a songwriter. The latter was somewhat discouraged after my youth and many of my compositions and lyrics were lost forever. I convinced myself I had lost my musical ability altogether. Then, after years of meditation and somatic movement and just continuing to love and appreciate music, I’m picking up in my 50s what I tossed away in my 20s. How this serves you, the readers: songs can be a form of learning and commentary that allows you to use a different part of your brain from just reading the news or listening to a podcast or watching a video. Songs can be a catchy way to retain information, too. These songs are a new way to mash up English and Spanish lyrics and various American musical styles to reflect our communities.

What I seek: a few instrumentalists and singers to actually rehearse then perform these songs with me for YouTube and beyond.

Rights: If you want to cover this song, you’re free to do so if you give credit to Amy at The E’ville Good. Please record it if possible so I can promote it on our emerging networks.

EN ESPAÑOL

Soy periodista, dramaturga y compositora de canciones. Esta última se desanimó un poco después de mi juventud y muchas de mis composiciones y letras se perdieron para siempre. Me convencí de que había perdido mi habilidad musical por completo. Luego, después de años de meditación y movimiento somático y simplemente seguir amando y apreciando la música, estoy recogiendo en mis 50 años lo que tiré a la basura en mis 20. Cómo les sirve esto a ustedes, los lectores: las canciones pueden ser una forma de aprendizaje y comentario que les permite usar una parte diferente de su cerebro que simplemente leer las noticias o escuchar un podcast o mirar un video. Las canciones también pueden ser una forma pegadiza de retener información. Estas canciones son una nueva forma de mezclar letras en inglés y español y varios estilos musicales estadounidenses para reflejar nuestras comunidades.

Lo que busco: algunos instrumentistas y cantantes para ensayar y luego interpretar estas canciones conmigo para YouTube y más allá.

Derechos: si desea hacer una versión de esta canción, puede hacerlo si le da crédito a Amy en The E'ville Good. Si es posible, por favor grábalo para poder promocionarlo en nuestras redes emergentes.

En Inglès y Español — In English and Spanish

Heart of America/Corazón de América

Song Structure

Time Signature: 6/8 Key: D major Tempo: ♩. = 65 (Ballad feel)

Intro

[Piano: Gentle arpeggios in D major] [Saxophone: Soft melodic line suggesting "America the Beautiful"] [Guitar: Clean tone, subtle chord swells]

Verse 1 (English)

From sea to shining sea, we built these dreams On backs of workers, immigrants and hopes unseen Now darkness gathers at our door But we've been here before And we'll rise once more

Pre-Chorus 1 (Spanish/English)

Juntos somos más fuertes (Together we are stronger) Than the walls they try to build Nuestro amor es más grande (Our love is greater) Than the hate they try to yield

Chorus

This is our time to stand (Es nuestro momento) Hand in hand across this land (Mano a mano) From mountain high to valley low We are the heart, the soul, the hope Of America

Verse 2 (Bilingual)

In factory floors and field's first light En las cocinas, working through the night Your worth is more than what they say Tu valor es más Than numbers on a page

Bridge

[Saxophone solo over building instrumentation/Solo de saxofón sobre instrumentación intensificada]

Final Chorus

Rise up, stand tall (Levántate) Answer freedom's call (Libertad) From every town and city street We are the power, we are the beat Of America De América

Musical Arrangement

Piano

• Intro: Rolling arpeggios in D major

• Verses: Subtle chordal accompaniment

• Chorus: Fuller chords with rhythmic emphasis

• Bridge: Building intensity with ascending patterns
  
  Introducción: Arpegios progresivos en re mayor

  Versos: Acompañamiento sutil de acordes

  Estribillo: Acordes más plenos con énfasis rítmico

  Puente: Intensidad creciente con patrones ascendentes

Saxophone

• Intro: Melodic motif reminiscent of "America the Beautiful"

• Verses: Subtle background fills

• Chorus: Harmony lines

• Bridge: Featured solo with emotional build

Guitar

• Intro: Clean tone, volume swells

• Verses: Arpeggiated patterns

• Chorus: Fuller strumming pattern

• Bridge: Building intensity with power chords

Bass

• Steady, flowing pattern in 6/8

• Walking lines during bridge

• Root movement emphasizing key changes

Drums

• Gentle brushwork in verses

• Full kit in chorus

• Building intensity through bridge

• Dynamic control throughout

Vocals

• Lead vocal: Warm, emotive delivery

• Backing vocals: 3-part harmony in chorus

• Call and response between English/Spanish

Performance Notes

• Build tension gradually through arrangement

• Emphasize the blend of languages naturally

• Allow space for emotional delivery

• Create contrast between intimate verses and powerful chorus

• End with strength but not aggression

Production Notes

• Warm, organic sound

• Natural reverb

• Clear separation between instruments

• Emphasis on vocal clarity in both languages

• Dynamic range from intimate to powerful

Chord Progression

Verse: D - Bm - G - A Pre-Chorus: G - A - Bm - F#m Chorus: D - A - G - Em - A Bridge: Modulation to E major Final Chorus: E - B - A - F#m - B