Take Flight

by Darrell Grant feat. Michelle Willis

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This project arose from my desire to represent the beauty, hope, and potential embodied in our young people. Check out the beautiful video by filmmaker Adolfo Cantú-Villarreal on YouTube. If you find yourself inspired by the Take Flight song, video, or the mural project, please add an additional contribution. Half of all funds raised through the release will be donated to the Portland branch of Friends of the Children, a national non-profit organization breaking the cycle of generational poverty through one-on-one youth support.

—Darrell

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about

Take Flight started with a request from my son’s 8th-grade teacher that I write aa song that we parents could sing to the children at their upcoming middle-school class promotion/

Fast forward to spring 2020. The coronavirus descended on the US and traditional rites of passage for youth were suspended, followed by the nationwide protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. In this challenging and painful time of re-evaluation, I especially feel for our young people.

I have been inspired by their emotional resilience and courage in the face of the pandemic and the fight to end racism. I hope this song can remind us all of the beautiful potential they bring into the world. I’m also grateful to those who offer opportunities for them to fulfill that potential.

"I have cast my lot with those who, age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world.” —-Adrienne Rich

lyrics

TAKE FLIGHT

Today’s the day
It’s all in place
We’ll celebrate and watch you
Take flight.

You’ve set the stage
Now turn the page
Take off the brakes, the sky awaits
Take flight

And we will wish you closer
And watch you stretch your wings
Hoisting up our banners
Sayin' “You can do anything!”

So seize the day
Make your play
We’re lining up the runway
Take flight.

So go explore. – because the world still bids you welcome.
Strike out from shore – though the future is obscured
Discover what the sky is for.
Take flight!

And we will wish you closer
And watch you stretch your wings
Waving high our banners
Sayin' “You can do anything!”

You'll do your best
Forget the rest
Go chase a dream, find a quest
Take flight!

And from the ground- we bear witness to your moment.
We circle round- all your family and friends
And marvel at these wings you’ve found.
Take flight

And we will wish you closer
As you stretch your wings
Look down on this banner
Sayin' “You can do anything!”

We will wish you closer
And cheer you through the door.
Gazing up in wonder,
We could want nothing more,
Than the chance to watch you soar.

When you’re ready, test your reach.
Hold it steady, we’re still teaching.
Winds are fair, the sky is calling.
We’ll still catch you, when you’re falling.

credits

released August 2, 2020
Take Flight

Music & Lyrics by Darrell Grant
Vocal arrangement by Michelle Willis
Mixed by Sacha Muller at Dead Aunt Thelma’s Studios, Portland, OR
Mastered by Dana White at Specialized Mastering, Portland, OR
additional engineering by Prince Strickland atPortland Underground Sound
Produced by Darrell Grant
Cover image by Alex Chiu

featuring

DARRELL GRANT | piano, keyboards
MICHELLE WILLIS | lead & background vocals
CLARK SOMMERS | bass
GREGORY UHLMANN | guitars
JORDAN PERLSON | drums

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about

Darrell Grant Music Portland, Oregon

Darrell Grant harnesses the power of music to create change.
Whether through performing, composing, teaching, or organizing musical initiatives around community, sustainability or social justice, he seeks to leverage a deeper level of engagement and connection. ... more

darrellgrant.com

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