New song: Welcome Home

Normally, I wait to post songs until after I've sung them in public for the first time. I'm making an exception here because this one is meant to be a singalong. I'm hoping some of you will look it over, and listen to this rough vocal track, so you can join in at OVFF. My apologies for getting it out so close to the con, but I just finished it yesterday.

This is for anyone at their first OVFF, or first filk con, or first con.

Welcome Home
Music and Lyrics (c) 2012 Mark Bernstein

Hi, it's good to see you
No, we haven't met
But I've worn the expression I see there on your face
That mix of hope and wonder
And a bit of doubt and fear
That most of us remember from when we first found this place
It's really just a small town
Though it stretches 'round the globe
And the village square's a circle, like the one you're in today
And it's thrilling and it's daunting
As you try to take it in
So I thought that I should stop and smile, and take your hand, and say

CHORUS
        Welcome home
        Though your face may be new
        Welcome home
        We've been waiting for you
        Take your place and sing your song here
        There's no way to do it wrong here
        Welcome home; You do belong here
        Welcome home, welcome home

Yes, we'd love to hear you
No, that's not a rule
Whether you perform or not will always be your choice
But if you feel the yearning, and don't know where to start
Maybe we can sit with you and help you find your voice
Some write, some sing, some strum or bow
And some can do it all
But all of us are listeners and that's what makes us strong
And if the key's elusive, well,
That will come with time
Just sing for joy, and for yourself, and we'll all sing along

CHORUS

BRIDGE
                We'll try to keep you safe here
                But people make mistakes
                Sometimes we may be thoughtless
                And leave you sick and sore
                We hope that you'll forgive us
                And take the risk again
                Of letting music draw you in
                To sit with us once more


If you're here to listen
And maybe harmonize
We thank you and we value you, for we know what you bring
Community is sharing
Joy shared is multiplied
And even when the mouth is still, the heart and soul can sing
So welcome to our village
Welcome to our town
We hope you'll make new friends and find the things you love to do
And maybe as time passes
You'll find that it's your turn
To offer up an empty chair and say to someone new

CHORUS
        Welcome home, welcome home
        Welcome home, welcome home