During this month of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4), Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity collaborate with James Lee Stanley to offer you ‘What Would You Do’ as a free music download.
St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), an important Renaissance figure because of his openness to the world of nature, humbly encouraged his followers near his death with these words: ‘I have done my part. May Christ teach you yours.’
Sensitive to the breath of the Spirit among us, what is ours to do today?
The song was inspired by the idea that protests songs only reach those who are already in agreement and only sung by those already in agreement. I thought that I needed to write a song that the opposition could hear and perhaps effect what I consider to be positive change.
-James Lee Stanley
About James Lee Stanley
During St. Francis of Assisi's feastday month of October, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and James Lee Stanley collaborate to offer the free music download 'What Would You Do'.
Revered in the world of music as a true renaissance man in his own right, James Lee Stanley, was born in Philadelphia, PA, and has been recording and performing since he was fourteen. He has toured consistently since he returned from the USAF (as a Chinese linguist) and has performed up to three hundred dates a year since then with such diverse acts as Bonnie Raitt, Robin Williams, Nicolette Larson and even Bill Cosby. Steven Wright chose James Lee as his opening act for three year in a row; a testaments to his professionalism and talent.
It is only a long lived singer-songwriter career that lets James Lee Stanley unite the unpredictable creative turns and the eclectic elements that make up his world. His remarkable ability as a vocalist and composer allow him to create truly great songs, each accompanied by his amazing guitar orchestrations. When you couple with his outrageously hilarious repartee, you get one of the most entertaining concerts on the circuit. He has been hailed as one of the few all time greats and undisputed geniuses among singer-songwriters. Fi Magazine listed his Freelance Human being as one of the finest recordings of 1998 and one of the Top 200 Recordings of all time.
Lyrics:
What would you do, were it’s all up to you,
Say the whole world’s in your hands?
Would there be change or would things be the same
Have we already done all we can?
Would your world be about power and greed?
Would the choices you make lose our souls?
Or would you stand for the freedom of man
And see every heart broken made whole?
All of our lives we’ve been told paradise
Resides in the heavens above.
What would you do if you suddenly knew
It was here with the people you love?
Would you wage war?
Would you breed hate more?
Would you use terror to rule?
Or would the water run sweet and the land at our feet
Be peaceful and green, clean and pure?
Website:
http://www.jamesleestanley.com/
