Singing for Water, by Brent Michael Davids

SINGING FOR WATER tells the story of Native Americans protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2017, recreating elements of the experience alongside the narration. The piece is written for layered chorus, meaning it can be performed by just about any ensemble from 2 to 6 parts, and in combination with other choirs doing the various arrangements. There are also optional instrumental parts for recorder, piano, and percussion. For more info about SINGING FOR WATER including scores, visit ! Audio credit: Performed by the University of Wisconsin Choirs. Robert Gehrenbeck, Conductor. ______________________________________ Lyrics: They say we are violent. We are unarmed. They say we are rioting. We are praying. Love water not oil; people over pipelines. We are singing for the 7th granddaughter. Indigenous women offer tobacco and sage to the police. One officer accepts the braid of sweet grass I hold out. That officer gives me hope. Honor the earth; planet over profits. We are Water Protectors singing for water. We can live without oil. We cannot live without water. Love water not oil; people over pipelines. We are singing for the 7th granddaughter. Honor the earth; planet over profits. We are Water Protectors singing for water. Water invites a living ceremony. Water is life, Mini Wichoni.* */water is life/ (pronunciation: MIN-nee wi-CHOH-nee) Lyrics are adapted from text written by Tara Zhaabowekwe Houska, the Water Protector movement, and Brent Michael Davids.