Category Archives: Lynda Lyre

Divine Sunrise #Writephoto #Song

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1. The sunrise brings another day,
But mists of mind, they veil my way.
I look within and meditate
Upon the Great Eternal Flame.

2. The rising sun is in my mind,
And all the mists, I leave behind.
I seek within, that’s where I find
The rising sun, my Light Divine.

3. You rise the sun with each new day,
And all the mists You clear away.
And when I meditate and pray,
I know the Light is mine to stay.

O when I meditate and pray,
I know my Great Eternal Flame.

—
My response to Sue Vincent’s
#Writephoto Prompt, Veiled.

I composed this music on my lyre named Sunny 🙂 after reading the prompt word, veiled, and Sue’s photo description. But the lyrics were spontaneous, and I transcribed them from the recording. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, to write a song in the moment. It is improvisation in a way, but different, because I wanted the lyrics to rhyme. Please let me know what you think of the piece and the process!

Thank you to each and every one who takes the time to listen and comment! I truly appreciate it and hope you are calmed and uplifted!

Simple Gifts #Music #Mp3

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In the United States, this is Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is celebrated in remembrance of military personnel who died in the line of duty.

In remembering those who have fallen, we must not forget those who are still living, including ourselves. As long as we live, it’s important to be grateful, yet not to let memories keep us from living in the present moment. Our time here on earth can be tedious, difficult, and sorrowful. But it is also beautiful, enriching, and it presents opportunities for us to remember what is most important in life.

Here is “Simple Gifts,” played on lyre. This American Shaker hymn was written by Joseph Brackett, Jr. in the 1800’s. It is a reminder to return to simple things. Whatever we reach for, it is rarely the “big things” that bring us true joy and happiness, but rather the simple ones.

I hope you enjoy, and if you do, please share the link or mp3 with others!

Have a peaceful, safe, and happy Memorial Day!

The Red Bridge #Writephoto #Music #Mp3

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Length: About 5.5 minutes
Instrument: 22-string lyre
Root Chakra Meditation

If you read this poem along with the melody, you’ll notice it can be sung. For Sue Vincent’s
#Writephoto Prompt, Painted.
I didn’t actually use the word painted, but hope this still qualifies…

The Red Bridge

Red is the bridge in the color of life,
Leading from fear to the strength of the Light
Burning in darkness, a way through the storm.
Red is a beacon of safety and warmth.

Red is the root of our hearth and our home,
Always inside us wherever we roam.
Here is our Lifeforce, vital and strong,
Building a bridge from the night to the dawn.

Red is the color of passion and truth,
Shining so brightly we cannot refuse.
Rooted in Nature that heals and survives,
Fanning the Flame so our Spirit can thrive..

Red is the bridge in the color of life,
Leading from fear to the strength of the Light
Burning in darkness, a way through the storm.
Red is a beacon of safety and warmth.

The Ash Grove #Music #Mp3

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Also Known as “Let All Things Now Living”

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Before the hymn, “Let All Things Now Living,” this traditional Welsh tune was already well-known as “The Ash Grove.” One
source
points out that many people recognize the hymn because of the familiar melody. I agree – I was one of these people! I played the melody on pennywhistle and recorder long before I knew it was a hymn. This just shows the timeless and versatile nature of music!

My arrangement is played on lyre. I hope you enjoy it!

Open Causeway #Writephoto #Song

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Length: About 7 minutes

1. Calm is the sea.
Bright is the causeway.
Narrow it stretches
Over the view.
Open my eyes.
Clearly I see it,
Path of my purpose.
I’m walking through.

2. Tide rising high
Darkens the causeway.
Narrow it hovers
Over my fear.
Fog from the deep
Clouding my vision,
Making the bridge
From me disappear.

3. Here is the way,
Shining in sunlight.
I travel onward,
Guided and sure.
I realize
Only perception
Strays from the channel
That’s mine evermore.

Accompanied by Sunny, my lyre, this song is in the Dorian mode, which is grounding, and common in shanty songs. It’s about 7 minutes long, with musical interludes for meditation. I do hope you enjoy!

For Sue Vincent’s inspiring
Thursday #Writephoto Prompt, Causeway.

This is the first song I’ve written in 18 months! I’ve written a few instrumental pieces, meditations, and many poems; but I’ve missed the songwriting–lyrics, melody, accompaniment, singing… And even trying to remember the lyrics to make just one good recording all the way through! Thank you, Sue! 🙂

Song of the Sea

Original Ukulele Song
From the free album download
Mother Nature Sings

For the Beauty of the Earth #Music #Mp3

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“Dix” is the original title of this melody. It was composed by Conrad Kocher in 1838. The lyrics were written by Folliott Sandford Pierpoint in 1863. Though the text has been set to other melodies, Kocher’s tune is perhaps the most common. It’s the one I learned as a child, and I play it here on lyre. Enjoy, and please share!

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” #Easter #Music

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Charles Wesley’s well-known hymn is based on an older Bohemian hymn, whose author is unknown. The version we know today was written by Wesley, co-founder of the Methodist movement, in 1739. The original Bohemian title was “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” while Wesley’s title was “Hymn for Easter Day.” More recently, it’s most often known by its first line, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.”

Enjoy this lovely hymn, played on lyre, and have a blessed and happy Easter!

“This Is My Father’s World” #Music #Mp3

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You’ve probably heard this well-known hymn in praise of the vast world of nature that God created. Maltbie Davenport Babcock, a minister, wrote the lyrics as a 16-stanza poem. It was first published in 1901, after his death.

In 1915, Franklin L. Sheppard chose 3 verses for the hymn and set them to the tune “Terra Beata,” meaning “Blessed Earth” in Latin.

Please enjoy my lyre arrangement, and feel free to download and share the mp3!

“I Dream of County Carolan” #Music #Mp3

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One last nod to St. Patrick’s Day and the theme of Irish music–at least, for now.

Here is a medley played on zither, alto recorder (called treble in the UK and elsewhere), and lyre. It contains “Star of the County Down,” which is a traditional Irish tune, and “Carolan’s Dream,” written by
Turlough O’Carolan.

I call this “I Dream of County Carolan,” as a way of bringing the titles together. There is really no such county in Ireland. 🙂

“Star of the County Down” is played on zither. “Carolan’s Dream” begins with recorder and is then played on lyre. This is great for relaxation, stress relief, and meditation.

I hope you enjoy this, and feel free to download and share the mp3 above!

“Spirit Bright” #Music #HarpForPeace #Mp3

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I wrote “Spirit Bright” for a songwriting challenge in 2014 and posted a ukulele version with lyrics and chords
here.

I feel this song is just as important as it was when I wrote it. Perhaps it’s even more timely now.

This lyre arrangement is in C, instead of A. And with a nod to this month’s Irish theme, it has some Celtic musical elements.

May this be an encouragement as you remember to “Follow your spirit bright!”