We've Only Just Begun
We've Only Just Begun was inspired by the singers of Gettysburg Children's Choir, and their reflections on why singing in a choir is so important. Students value the bond that they form with each other through singing. They feel a deep sense of belonging with both their peers and their audience, and they appreciate the opportunity to use music to connect with other people and cultures. Core values of empathy, diversity, and social justice also emerged from their words. As one student wrote, "what we're singing isn't just a pretty song. It's an important message." Students in this choir use their voices to make positive change in our world. This piece is dedicated to them, to all that they have done, and all that they will do. They have only just begun.
So we’re finally together,
Back together in one place.
And it feels it’s been forever
Since we have shared a space.
After all that we have been through,
After all that came before,
What a joy it is to see you,
See you walking through the door.
Though the road that we have traveled twists and turns,
We remember all the lessons we have learned.
We are strong enough.
We’re original.
We are capable of making something beautiful.
When our voices rise and our hearts are one,
We can share our story, shining like the sun.
And we’ve only just begun.
Close your eyes and I will guide you.
Let the music lead the way.
May our harmonies remind you
Of the hope that’s here to stay.
We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.
All our different voices gathered in one song.
We are strong enough...
...And we’ve only just begun
To make new memories,
To celebrate the people who have shown us how to lead.
We’ve just begun to practice empathy,
To listen to the world and all the different things it needs.
It takes all of us to make our message heard.
So we’re singing for whoever out there needs to hear these words:
You are strong enough.
You’re original.
You are capable of making something beautiful.
When our voices rise and our hearts are one,
We can share our story, shining like the sun.
Be a beacon for the hope of days to come.
We will make a better world for everyone.
And we’ve only just begun.
Back together in one place.
And it feels it’s been forever
Since we have shared a space.
After all that we have been through,
After all that came before,
What a joy it is to see you,
See you walking through the door.
Though the road that we have traveled twists and turns,
We remember all the lessons we have learned.
We are strong enough.
We’re original.
We are capable of making something beautiful.
When our voices rise and our hearts are one,
We can share our story, shining like the sun.
And we’ve only just begun.
Close your eyes and I will guide you.
Let the music lead the way.
May our harmonies remind you
Of the hope that’s here to stay.
We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.
All our different voices gathered in one song.
We are strong enough...
...And we’ve only just begun
To make new memories,
To celebrate the people who have shown us how to lead.
We’ve just begun to practice empathy,
To listen to the world and all the different things it needs.
It takes all of us to make our message heard.
So we’re singing for whoever out there needs to hear these words:
You are strong enough.
You’re original.
You are capable of making something beautiful.
When our voices rise and our hearts are one,
We can share our story, shining like the sun.
Be a beacon for the hope of days to come.
We will make a better world for everyone.
And we’ve only just begun.