Be the Bridge

Be the Bridge

Kyle Pederson (2024)


Voicing: SSA(A)
Accompaniment: piano
Music and Text: Kyle Pederson

When you see the waters
rising up on your daughters,
lay yourself down...
be the bridge.

When the rushing river runs
up and over your sons,
lay yourself down...
be the bridge

We need more people who will reach across,
span the divide before the world is lost; 
count the cost of causing hate to spread
and go build that bridge instead.

When half of the world thinks one thing,
and the other thinks another--
and starts the yelling and expelling--
can you stretch yourself out
and be the bridge.

When you have the chance to stand for truth,
and a voice across the chasm starts to shame you and inflame you
Can you stretch yourself out
and be the bridge.

When goodness and kindness hide their face,
and empathy goes missing, and no one can find grace,
won't you stretch yourself out
and be the bridge?

What does your bridge lead to?
Where is your bridge leading you?

Is it leading to redemption and restoration?
Is it leading to reconciliation?

Be the bridge.


COMPOSER NOTE:

A bridge can serve as a wonderful metaphor. How might we be a bridge of connection and understanding in a world where a lack of connection and misunderstanding is pervasive? How might we be a bridge of grace and empathy in a world so quick to judge? In this piece, the choir invites the listener to do the work of bridge-building—where broken relationships are reconciled and communities are restored to wholeness.

 

PERFORMANCE NOTES:

Piano accompaniment:

The piano accompaniment has some involved rhythms, which will likely take some time to learn. However, once they are "comfortable in your hand" you'll be able to incorporate them throughout the rest of the piece, as I've intentionally kept those rhythms are consistent as possible. I think the work invested in learning the rhythms will be worth it--the accompaniment really "pops" and helps the piece groove in a specific way. All this said, I want accompanists to feel empowered to modify the piano part so that they are comfortable and able to propel the piece forward.  Better to find a rhythm that you can really feel and be confident with, rather than banging your head against a wall for too long and being uncertain during performances.  Play with confidence to support the choir.