Background of this song:
At the beginning of the ’90s, I saw a dream where the dying tree stopped me and asked me to console her. The first thing in the morning, when I still remembered my dream, I opened my recorder and sang the story on the tape by accompanying myself on the piano. After the instant music session, I made only a few corrections to the lyrics and added the intro, which also served as an interlude. I called the song “Ystävä voisitko kasvoni pyyhkiä“(My Friend Could You Wipe My Face).
In 1996 I made a Music Album, Hiljaisia lauluja (Tranquil Songs), with a Finnish musician and my good friend Jouni Juola. Because the theme of the album was “Perishableness ja calmness” Ystävä voisitko kasvoni pyyhkiä was like it has made for it. Jouni sang the songs on the album, but we played the instruments together. Also, Jouni’s songs are on the album. This autumn (2014), when I translated the lyrics into English, I omitted the words My Friend from the title. I published the video on 6/23, 2013.
I included in this post both the lyrics and notes of the song. It takes more room on the screen, but I am sure those who like to follow notes will appreciate this effort. They don’t have to click on the other home page to see them.
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Could You Wipe My Face (Yelling Rosa)
1.
Once upon a time, when I saw the dying tree
that gently touched my hand and said in a husky voice:
“Could you take your T-shirt off and wipe my wet face with it,
could you help me and wipe my face, dear friend?
I spread my boughs towards the blue sky, but I can’t breathe.
There is no longer oxygen left for me.”
I shrugged and briefly told her:
“I am not the sun and certainly not the wind that clears the air.”
I am nothing more than an oil-stained dirty streamer at this time.
I’m only fumes of pollution. I’m just an oil-stained dirty streamer at this time.
I’m only fumes of pollution.”
2
“It doesn’t matter what you are because you can stay
and be my companion tonight when this pilgrimage
everlasting makes it back to the beginning
when this wandering gets back to the beginning.”
All night long, I heard the agonizing rattle
but lastly, the tree collapsed with a huge grumble.
When she weakly lifted her head once and for all
and thanked me for being her guardian, I gave her my hand.
Thus, it was easier for her to go away,
easier to vanish away. Sure, I held her hand tight
so it was easier for her to leave from here for good.
Final
Sure, I held her hand tight so it was easier
for her to leave from here for good.
Sure, I held her hand tight so it was easier
for her to leave from here for good.
Music and words © Yelling Rosa
I hope you enjoy listening to this song and perhaps think how much nature needs gentle love from us to feel better and survive as long as the last human beings and even longer.
