Miracle’ Song by Absolute Novices on its Way to a Recording Studio
For Carers Manchester, doing something different for this year’s Carers Week celebrations (5th – 11th June 2023) was a must. And unwaged Carers from across Manchester were keen to volunteer – both writing and performing a song about what it’s like to look after someone you love.
Lynne Stafford, Chair of the Carers Manchester Network, explained.. “‘Miracle’ is a celebration of the joys and sorrows of being there for someone as their Carer. This song is totally from the heart, and it will resonate with anyone who looks after someone, whether it’s their partner, child, friend or neighbour.”
At their first session on 2nd May, Carers got to know each other by sharing their own caring journey, favourite moments, the relationship with the person they care for, and what they love most about them. These personal stories were then used to create the lyrics, followed by developing the song’s melody.
The song is very personal, and the experience was as important as the end result. As Aureen, who cares for her mother, commented: “I found the process very emotional and therapeutic, listening to everyone’s caring journey has been amazing”.
Miriam, who cares for her partner Alan, said: “Alan and I were a little bit nervous at the start because it’s something we’ve not done before, but once we got going the process got easier, and we love the togetherness.”
The song was recorded on 23 May, together with a video so everyone had great memories to keep.
Zsuzsi Foldes, a Music Therapist, and String of Hearts, an arts organisation which brings adults together through music worked with the Carers to write and create the song.
Zsuzsi Foldes, who approached String of Hearts with the initial idea, says: “We wanted to create a song that could express all the emotions that caring involves from both sides, and make the song writing an empowering, fun, and inclusive process for everybody involved.”
Lucy Geddes and Amina Hussain, Co-Directors, String of Hearts: “This project celebrates the power of music and what a community of likeminded people can achieve when they come together to share their lived experiences. We are so proud of everyone who has co-written this song.”
