Kins-men
Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir
Written in collaboration with Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir, Michael Betteridge and SAF-S2E
“I’m just a man
with simple dreams.
A happy home
And a place to be.”
Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir enjoys singing, raising money for good causes and having fun. They decided to push themselves out of their comfort zone to take part in the Voices Weaving co-creation project, and worked with poet SAF-S2E to create a text touching on themes of male friendship and strength. They brought this to life, musically, in a new composition created in collaboration with Michael Betteridge.
The music video, captured as part of the process, shows the singers wearing suits, performing in the Derby and Hucknall Rolls Royce branch, tapping in to the company’s local history.
KINS-MEN
Where fellowship and harmony is everything there is
Like the sun from the east
Or the moon when its eve
With gallantry and kinship
Steadfast and true
Like blades of grass in the wind
I’m just a man
with simple dreams.
A happy home
And a place to be.
Breaking bread
Where brothers meet.
After sticks and stones
Through bloodied knees.
After laboured days
Chipped shoulders and faulty spirit.
As evolution lets us grow
Its reflection that we owe
To do as we would be done
In steady step through shaky stone
Valiant and bold
Standing strong
Where brothers meet.
After sticks and stones
Through bloodied knees.
After laboured days
Chipped shoulders and faulty spirit.
And if it wasn't for my kin
I’d have lost my way
They braved me through the rain
And the cold hard days
I sing here not in vain
It’s to rejuvenate
Holding Harmony
Where brothers meet.
After sticks and stones
Through bloodied knees.
For the sweeter days
Strong shoulders and sound spirit.
Voice as one
Fortified by song
Creative Team Credits
Composer, Michael Betteridge
Writer, SAF-S2E
Movement Director, Ruth Jones
Filmmaker, Luca Rudlin
Sound Engineer, Johnny Woodhead
Creative Producer, Holly Hunter