Nora McCarthy: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)

A tribute to the Godmother of us all.....written after viewing a documentary of the great one and only, Lady Day. I related to her story and pain and was so moved by her life experience, I was compelled to immediately put my feeings to music. An inspiration then as now, she continues to intrigue.

BILLIE
Music/Lyrics: Nora McCarthy ©1994

Poignantly you sang of life
living every word,
your tragedy was a work of art,
inspiring those who heard.

Some say your life was a torch song
filled with pain,
it's bittersweet song has remained, Lady Day. And, though the years, since your last song, have slipped away,
the music plays on in your name, Lady Day, Lady Day.

Dramatically you sang of love,
bearing every wound,
your tragedy was a work of art,
embracing all who heard.