A SONG FOR ANGELA
© 1995 Bill Gallaher, SOCAN
Gordon – vocal, 12-string guitar & viol da gamba
Bill Gallaher says, “The NFB docu-drama For Angela, told the story of a young First Nation Cree girl in Winnipeg who was on her way to school one day on a city bus, with her mom, when they were harassed by three white teenage boys. This was done with such utter cruelty that it put thoughts in the little girl’s mind no child should have to bear. That night, feeling profoundly ashamed of her heritage, she slipped quietly into the bathroom where the scissors were kept, and cut off her beautiful braids. The scene was so moving it stirred my soul.”
A cold wind's blowing, Angela
Do up your coat against the chill
And pay no mind to things you hear
They're mindless calls of whippoorwills
I know some hurtful words were said
And that they made you feel ashamed
They've got you tangled in their web
Don't let them cause you so much pain
But believe that time can heal the hurting
The shadows disappear, and so will the scars
One day you'll look inside and know just who you are
Thought sometimes the seeing isn't easy, Angela
Angela, those pretty braids you wore
As shiny black as ravens' wings
Lay cut and scattered on the floor
One day you'll grow them back again
One day your pride will rise and soar
And you will let them grow again
A Song for Angela is recorded on the album Because You Asked.