We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Concrete Forest

from Singles by Bill Milford

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

It is difficult to live in New York City, or really any place, and not be impressed by the magnitude of wealth, opportunity, and poverty. While living there in the 1980's, Joann and I attended St. Clement's church in Hell's Kitchen just down from Times Square. Part church, part theater, part day care, part homeless hangout... The pastor, Kathleen, was impressive in her calm and passion. I wrote this song in honor of her when she left and of my experience of living in NYC.

lyrics

CONCRETE FOREST

There are no knights in shining armor,
And there are no dreams come true,
But there is faith, hope and honor,
And friends who come stand by you.
And with faith there's no reason to be speculating,
About what it so and what is not so right,
I could spend my whole life debating,
About what could be justified,
For the line is not nearly as grey as they say,
Like the moon in the daylight is not the light of day,
It just appears that way sometimes.

So blessed are those who do not second guess their giving,
And live a life that's true to their heart,
And though that often means it's breaking,
It becomes new with a piece that's apart,
And blessed are those who live through their vision,
And hear cries without walking away,
To witness lives is a decision,
And each action a prayer that you make.
To know the sounds of city are those of a human chorus,
And the buildings are the landscape within the concrete forest,
And each life is fragile and porous, a tree alive.
Trying to survive.

And at times when I'm tired,
And need to be inspired,
I imagine the fire,
Amidst the brick and the pane,
And a woman I know,
With a strength and a glow,
Helping each person know,
In Her love.

There is no substitute for hard work,
In forging a life with the poor,
There is no option accepted,
Then to face what is at your door,
And I can throw away dollars to assuage my spirit,
And I can move to a prettier place,
But you can't forget the sounds of the city once you hear it,
And you can't forget its heart and its face.
For amidst the rubble is the soul of another,
Who taught that in grace we become sisters and brothers,
And what the world needs is lovers,
To make the scene,
People like Kathleen.

credits

from Singles, released February 1, 2019
Home recording - All instruments and vocal - Bill Milford

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Bill Milford image

Bill Milford Tallahassee, Florida

Bill Milford lives in Tallahassee, FL. He performed professionally during his 20's and still plays out occasionally. He has performed with Barb Siftar, Lindy Hearne, Lynn
Adler, Chris Peters, Gail Nickse, Fred Griffeth, Richie Summa, and many other fine artists. He made dozens of dollars during his folk career so he offers his recordings without charge. ... more

contact / help

Contact Bill Milford

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Bill Milford, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now