Winter Songs

When we were commissioned by Finchley Children’s Music Group to write a set of winter-themed songs for their 60th anniversary, images of idyllic snowy scenes, of twinkling fairy lights and cosy pubs with open fires immediately sprang to mind.

But… this picture-perfect impression of winter isn’t everybody’s reality. What about the increasing numbers of people who struggle emotionally with the lack of daylight hours in winter? What about the pressure to spend more money than we can spare at Christmas, buying presents for family and friends? And how do homeless people cope in the extreme cold? 

Winter Songs is a collection of three contrasting songs which depict view of winter and convey important messages for our time.

1. Hibernation [3:12]

2. Reality Check [4:50]

3. Presence [2:30]

Total duration is just over 10 minutes.

1. Hibernation

A scene-setting song which describes the desire all humans have experienced on cold winter mornings to hide under the duvet and go back to sleep rather than facing the day; this may work for those animals who hibernate through winter but, sadly, it’s not a viable option for us!

2. Reality Check

A punchy musical theatre-style song, with a contrasting lyrical middle section, requiring really clear diction. Written from the point of view of a homeless person in winter, it was inspired by a close friend whose family always invites a homeless person to join them for Christmas Day.

3. Presence

The lyrics for this final song were prompted by a TED talk we heard about our crippling culture of over-spending and how, ultimately, it’s time we need to be spending, not money. It's in a jazz style, so keep those quavers swinging and a smile on your face. Feel free to add some actions in the chorus.