All these seeds must breathe as planted
And all these suns must glide their days
So all these things must live enchanted
Let the river flow her way
But all good things must be replenished
And so good things must die today
Oh say you will
Say you will
Let this life shine bright in your ways
If ever was a time to breathe
I’d fill my lungs right now
And if ever was a time to sing
Forever may it sound
So if ever was a time to love
The time is all around
When forever with a smile we bring
The vision of a thousand crowns
All these worlds within our features
Are gathered on a single stone
And wider than a single preacher
Open arms will never be alone
And all this time but once upon us
Inviting us with thorns and charms
Say you will
Say you will
Let this life shine
Bright I will burn until my flame is gone
To find its light in new arms
Say that you will
Say that you will
Make what you will of all this time
Don’t be still
Say that you will
Say that you will
Shine as your will may guide you
I’ll find you
All I have I give
To live and breathe inside this precious time
I swear I will
Take care, I will
For I am always here to share your smile
There is nothing that shines more brightly
Now or ever
So I am always here to share your smile
Yes and also your tears
If I may guide my purpose
I’ll be warm, ours, and here
So shy as creators
Of our own lives
Mine loves
And mine shines
Mine is yours as yours is mine
If I try
Will you care for me?
Take care for me
Now you are always here to share my smile
As we share the sun inside around us
And as we live and die
Whenever we may cry
Please let our tears be warm not dry
As we learn to love our fortunes
Just as we learn to count our days
With heart we may enhance our portions
Oh let the river flow her way
Oh let the river flow her way
Oh let the river shine!
And as I held my dying brother
I clearly read within his gaze
Say you will
Say you will
Let this life shine bright in your ways
© Cory Patrick Cullinan
Credits
Soprano Ruth Escher (soloist) & Claire Kelm
Alto Amy S. Hunn (soloist) & Liz Douthitt
Tenor Cory Cullinan (soloist) & Thayer Coburn
Baritone Perry Cook
Conducted by Stephen Sano
Notes
Bright In Your Ways was inspired by my brother Tracey Cullinan, who understood that to always love life is to make life always lovable. Tracey, who was two years my senior, died of cancer at the age of eighteen. He lived his life and faced his death with equal amounts of integrity and humor, and remains an inspiration to me to this day in large and small moments alike. We recorded the piece in Stanford University’s Memorial Church with its beautiful natural acoustics.