Edward Gamblin - "Survivors Voice" 2004 (A Song for Canadian Residential School Survivors)

For decades many of the children of Residential Schools suffered emotional, physical and sexual abuse. All punishment for being who they are. The church and state of the time were intent to change First Nations children and convert them to a more "Civilized" way of life. Over the years, may First Nations and Metis adults who attended these schools have shared these horrific stories of abuse. The many scars and pain with which these people life still addicts most First Nations/Metis communities and their people today. As a survivor of this system and it's abuse, Edward Gamblin has witnessed and experience first hand the cruelty and life long suffering it brings. "Survivors Voice" is part of the healing process for Edward and is his attempt to hall himself and others in getting past and moving on. Through his words and music, Edward is reaching out to all involved, past and present, in a leadership role to ensure that closure and healing are indeed in the foreseeable future... LYRICS Her words cut like a knife, when she asked "How come you never say you love me, Daddy?" At five years old they tore me up inside Took away my innocence and poured holy water on me Took amy soul and placed it at the foot of their cross Took me down forbidden fields late at night Elevel long years still haunting me If you look close enough you can see the pain in my eyes With calculated skill they took away who I am Then they filled my innocent head with strange white lies Chorus: I can never understand why you can't look at me The fire I walked through wasn't my choice Why just me...Canada heal with me!!! (If you) Open up your heart you'll hear a Survivors Voice You called it a sin, called down my peoples' wheel Started to believe, starting thinking it was real With calculated skill you took away who I am You cut away the cord and you taught me not to feel Chorus: I can never understand why you can't look at me The fire I walked through wasn't my choice Why just me...Canada heal with me!!! If you open your heart you'll hear a survivors voice Programming: Daniel Natyna Acoustic Guitars: Edward Gamblin & Daniel Natyna Fiddle - Sierra Noble Electric & Slide Guitars - Jimmy Flett Vocals & Harmonies - Edward Gamblin Written by - Edward Gamblin Produced by - Edward Gamblin & Daniel Natyna Engineered by - Daniel Natyna