Our Songs Will Rise, by Natalie Yule Yeoman

Our Songs Will Rise

by Natalie Yule Yeoman

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1.	That's a Capital G 00:16	lyrics	buy track
Say what?! say YEAH ! Put your hands in the air. There's a lot going down On the north side of town. That's George with a G That's a capital G, And it's going down a treat Right here on George Street!
2.	Anywhere Else 04:11	lyrics	buy track
In the city of Dunedin families come from everywhere From the north and south, from the east and west Learning to live and work and share There's a light on the flax and a song in the trees A pigeon swooping down the valley Flagstaff in the sun and Cargill in the cloud And I wouldn't want to be quite simply...anywhere else. Ōtepoti is our haven, sharing in this blessed space At the northeast end at the foot of the hills Guarded in this treasured time and place Kei te noho mātou, ki roto i te wahi paingia Kei te whakamoemiti mātou Mō tēnei taonga (we live in this favoured place, we are thankful for this treasure). Bordered by the great Pacific, underneath the southern skies Sheltered by the ancient hills and trees Singing with the birds, our songs will rise...
3.	He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata, 02:04	lyrics	buy track
Hutia te rito o te harakeke Hutia te rito o te harakeke Hutia te rito o te harakeke Kei hea te korimako kō? If you take the new shoot out of the flax If you take the young heart out of the flax if you take the baby out of the flax Where will the bellbird sing? He aha te mea nui o te ao? He aha te mea nui o te ao? He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. What's the most important thing in the world? What's the most important thing in the world? What's the most important thing in the world? It's people, it's people, it's people.
4.	Whakarongo 01:43	lyrics	buy track
Whakarongo, titiro, kōrero E tamariki mā Kanikani (kani kani), Takahia (takahia) Pakipaki ringaringa Hurihuri tinana. Whakarongo, titiro, kōrero E tamariki mā Kanikani (kani kani), Takahia. (takahia) Pakipaki ringaringa Hurihuri tinana. Haere atu, haere mai Hoki atu, hoki mai E oho, waiata Kia kaha, kia manawanui . . . Tahi Rua Toru Whā
5.	Matariki 04:09	lyrics	buy track
Matariki comes in June New beginnings and a big full moon Goodbye to the old year and in with the new Party time for me and you. Oh Matariki, oh Matariki, oh Matariki Whētu whitu, hei hei hei. Seven sisters, seven stars Show the travellers where they are Guide the waka over the sea To Aotearoa from Hawaiiki. Time to remember those who've gone Lived their lives and now moved on Think of them and feel the love Aroha shining from above. Time to dance and feast and sing Lots of kai so come on it Time to plant and say a prayer Welcome in a brand new year. (Whētu whitu = seven stars)
6.	The Responsibility Song 03:30	lyrics	buy track
I can learn to be dependable and do my share Look after my things and manage my affairs Tidy up and care for my stuff And in my classroom never pass the buck. So let's all get some responsibility It depends on you, it depends on my A very good combo the best way to go Add RESPONSE to ABILITY, together we grow. I'll say I'm sorry when I go wrong I'll deal with it, get over it and move right along I'll be reliable, my duty I'll do I won't make excuses and I won't blame you. I'll clean my teeth and wash myself Get plenty of sleep, take care of my health, I'll be on time and do what I say When I've done my work I'll enjoy my play.
7.	The Legend of Aoraki 04:33	lyrics	buy track
In the beginning, was a long dark night Rangi and Papa, blocked out the light Aue aue aue. Tanemahuta, pushed them both apart The greening of the forest, the breaking of a heart. Aue aue aue. The four sons of Rangi, came down to visit earth They came to see their mama, the one who gave them birth Aue aue aue. They travelled in their waka, got hit by a gale Turned head over turkey, and pounded with hail Aue aue aue. The four boys were freezing, as they huddled in their boat They held on to each other, and tried to stay afloat Aue aue aue. It was feeling very icy, they were chilly to the bone They couldn't do their magic, and they all turned into stone Aue aue aue. Aoraki was the tallest, his head up through the clouds Mount Cook is the champion, magnificent and proud Kia kaha, kia kaha, kia kaha. And so the South Island is the waka upside down We're proud of our South Island, Ōtepoti is our town Kia kaha, kia kaha, kia kaha. (Ōtepoti = Dunedin).
8.	The Colours Song 01:17	lyrics	buy track
Kikorangi blue is the great big sea Kākāriki green, I'm climbing up a tree Whero red is a helicopter high Kōwhai yellow is the sun up in the sky. Karaka is orange, a juicy drink Red and white, māwhero is pink Pango is black, as black as night Mā is snow makes everything white. Parauri is brown, chocolate in my tummy Pāpura is purple, grapes are very yummy Grey is kiwikiwi like a wintery day... Now I know my colours I'll go out to play. Yay! Ka mau te wehi! (awesome).
9.	Kapuka Tau Mahaka (Legend of Mt Cargill) 04:48	lyrics	buy track
Another world, another time Before reason, before rhyme Three young maidens travelled all alone In a waka over seas On the shore and through the trees They climbed a hill so far away from home. Kapuka - taumahaka Kapuka -taumahaka kaitiaki. Ōtakau was their home They were warned they must return Return no later than the appointed day But they laughed and ran and played They sang and danced and strayed When their hour came, they all turned into stone. A sleeping princess lies Her face turned to the skies Her body stretching over land and sea Resting free and proud reaching to the clouds Mount Cargill keeping watch above our town. Kaitiaki - Guardian
10.	The Rubbish Song 02:39	lyrics	buy track
Remember to pick up all your rubbish Remember to tidy up the grounds We won't leave a log or a stone unturned We'll find it if it's out there to be found. We're proud of our school, let's keep it tidy We're proud of our school, let's keep it clean It's not a trick, in fact it's a treat Making a miracle where muck .....has ...been We need to check behind this flax bush We need to check in every crack Be sure to search along the fence lines We'll get there if we keep on track Apples cores and gladwrap, it's not easy! Yoghurt pottles, teaspoons, don't you care? Wrappers from the dairy at the corner - Put them in the bin just over there Human beings, we're such messy creatures We leave a trail on our way But George Street children, you must take care Be responsible through every day Be responsible at work and play Be responsible in every way!
11.	Land of the Long White Cloud 05:27	lyrics	buy track
Far away islands and shores, forest and river meander Sunlight and raindrop you sing, earth and sky how you bring Breath of the mountains and snow, feeding all creatures below you On the horizon will rise songs of hope before our eyes Land of the Long White Cloud, Together we stand and sing it aloud From this small island home in the Southern oceans that we call our own Aotearoa, Te Waipounamu, Oranga te rā, e hi te ata. (a new day dawning) Wandering plain, rocky bluff, blended mosaic of colour Tussock and fern frond and bird, sweeter sound was never heard Starlight and moon guide our path, down through the ages and seasons Valley and peak, rolling waves, from coast to coast shout their praise
12.	It's All About the Team! 02:58	lyrics	buy track
It's all about the team my friend, it's all about the team You may think it's all about yourself, if so, you're in a dream No-one does this life alone, this lesson's nothing new So tune on in and listen up, this message is for you. Everyone needs sisters, brothers, dads and mums and leaders Whānau, nannas, grandpas, cuzzies, shopkeepers and teachers Uncles, aunts, cleaners, nurses, doctors, coaches, friends Principals and caretakers, this list has got no end. It's all about the team my friend, it's all about the team 'No one is an island', we're connected, that's our theme I can't do without you, you see, and you need me, it's true Together we achieve much more and that's our greatest clue. There's always someone there to feed us, dress us, pay the bills when needed Teach us how to tie our shoes and wipe our eyes when we feel blue Say kind things when we're discouraged, give us cuddles, build our courage Teach us skills and right from wrong and play the music for this song! NB! John Donne, the famous metaphysical poet wrote in 1624 , 'no man is an island, entire of itself'. Some truths never change.
13.	The Sharing Song 01:46	lyrics	buy track
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora te manuhiri With your food basket and my food basket Everyone will be well-fed. Kei te haerenga tātau i te ao, he waka eke noa We're all travelling through the world We're all in the waka together. Kia ū ki te pai, stick to what is good Kia ū ki te pai, doing what we should. Mā pango mā whero, ka oti te mahi If we all work together the job gets done. So haere mai, let's get together my friend 'Cos sharing is much more fun, sharing is much more fun!
14.	Papatūānuku 05:53	lyrics	buy track
Papatūānuku te matua o te tangata We live on these islands in the southern seas Surrounded by oceans and covered with trees We're called to respect and to care for our earth This earth is our mother and she gives us birth Papatūānuku, Papatūānuku Papatūānuku, oh oh Papatūanuku Love our earth let's share the dream All work together, play as a team Planting seeds and growing trees Build a garden and protect our seas Bees and insects, fish and birds Depend on each other, that's the word All are taonga, we all have a role Be kind to each other in Aotearoa No-one is an island out on their own We'll all walk the talk and love this home Mā pango mā whero ka oti te mahi If we all work together, it's more of a party! Mā pango mā whero ka oti te mahi Kia kaha, kia toa, he waka eke noa (If we all work together the job gets done Be strong, be brave, we're all in the waka together) Taonga... treasure
15.	Rata's Canoe (legend) 05:17	lyrics	buy track
Rata wanted a canoe, So what do you think he decided to do He went to a forest, chopped down a tree Then went home and fell asleep Lots of insects and lots of birds Came to see what they had heard They got very angry, 'what a pain' They put it all back together again Come together, little pieces Of this tall and lovely tree E tū! kia kaha! Spread your branches For all to see. Early next morning Rata came around Can't believe his eyes, no tree on the ground How did this happen? It's standing high! He gets back to chopping but he's very tired! Away he goes, has a great big feed Goes to bed dreams of chopping trees Out come the children of the forest once more Singing their songs just as before Next time Rata looks to the sky He sees that tree standing up so high He chops it down then disappears To see what happens when he's not there From the trees come the insects and birds Singing their song and Rata heard The busy noise of a job begun As they pulled together to get the work done Then Rata jumps out and says 'No Way' Holds them tight so they can't run away 'You stopped me building my canoe, Now what am I going to do with you?' We are children, of the forest We call Tane,' forest god' You must ask for permission If you want to cut a log 'Please forgive me I'm sorry ' he said 'I should have known better, so instead I'll go away, I won't build a canoe, I'm very sorry I bothered you' They told him to come back the very next day They worked and worked no time to play What do you think they set out to do? They made him the very best ever canoe! So Rata and his mates put out to sea They paddled their waka on a big journey So always show very BIG RESPECT to the forests and the creatures they protect!
16.	Kia Pai Te Mutunga Wiki (Weekend Song) 01:43	lyrics	buy track
Kia pai te mutunga wiki I hope you enjoy your weekend Ka kite ano, it's time to go We've had a good time together. Saturday and Sundays are rest and fun days Hanging out with the whānau So take a break and catch your breath And come back to school on Monday Kia pai te mutunga wiki I hope you enjoy your weekend Ka kite ano, it's time to go We've had a good time together. Ka pai!
17.	Build Another Day 04:14	lyrics	buy track
We have journeyed together We've travelled side by side Times of weakness, times of strength Time to laugh and time to cry And together we've shared the load And kept along the way There's a voice, there's a hope That calls us 'Carry on, Go out and build another day.' There's a new challenge rising New battles to be won Risks to embrace, struggles to share Old and new fears to overcome And there'll be times when the shadows fall And dawn seems far away There's a voice, there's a hope That calls us 'Carry on, Go out and build another day.' In southern sunshine and through the snow and rain Through all the seasons and the tides We've learnt to carry on through laughter and through pain Something ventured, much more gained That's the way we grow...... We will welcome what lies ahead Remembering all that's past Giving thanks for the friendships made And for the memories at last And when we're facing uncertainty And cannot see the way There's a voice, there's a hope That calls us 'carry on, Go out and build another day'.

about

PLEASE NOTE!
THE FULL 'OUR SONGS WILL RISE' SONGBOOK IS AVAILABLE IN PDF OR HARDCOPY - PLEASE CLICK ON 'MERCH' AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BUY.

Songs from George Street Normal School, Dunedin.
This album was produced as a fundraiser. All proceeds
return to the school for the good of the children.

Produced by Natalie Yeoman.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Thomas Bell.
Port Chalmers Recording Service,
Chicks Hotel. Dunedin. 2019.

Leo Sauaia - music score and songbook production
Jason Ansen - graphic design
Artwork - Anne Robertson and pupils
Album cover - Selwyn Yeoman and Megan Greer.
Colouring-in page - pupils

credits

released May 2, 2021

Natalie Yeoman - guitar, ukulele, piano, vocals
Emerson Yeoman - electric lead guitar
Rod Galloway - guitar
James Dickson - bass guitar
Andrew Harray - drums, percussion
Jayden Jesusdhass - saxophone, flute

Student Vocalists:

Julia Bai
Alex Barkman
Evie Barkman
Nina de Brelaz Sauaia
Tom de Brelaz Sauaia
Anna Goodin
Danielle Liu
Alexander Jansen van Vuuren
Safira McAnally
Oban Voice
Arrochar Voice
Saydie Wilson
Maya Satake

Small Vocalists:

Sharvin Bhusal
Hayley Foliaki
Ayden Pop
Abbie Roach
Sofea Saifulizam

Vocals also by the George Street School Senior Choir and staff 2019.

A NOTE FROM NATALIE , Dunedin, 2021.

Seventeen years since my last album.
Those seventeen years saw many changes and upheavals for me, but music was constant. Teaching continued and always songs. I have been blessed to be in a school with awesome children and a permission-giving principal, committed to music immersion and opportunity.
Realising the time was ripe, we set out on a venture, to record all the songs I had written in my time at George Street Normal School. I wanted to leave a treasure box of the songs we have all loved and sung together.
This was the work of many. We recorded at Tom Bell’s 'Port Chalmers Recording Services' studio at Chicks Hotel, Port Chalmers, Dunedin in the winter of 2019. Pre-Covid19, phew!
Tom, our recording engineer, hadn't worked with children before but quickly came into his own. Thirteen current and ex-pupils sang, relishing every moment in the quirky, museum-like studio with its bar and huge cosy log burner. Staff, parents and friends of the school (including my son Emerson) made a solid and relaxed team of proficient session musicians, rhythm and lead guitars, bass, drums, keys, sax, and flute. Parents transported, organised, fed and encouraged. A school dad Jason Anson did the graphic design; another dad, Leo Sauaia did the music score; teachers Megan Greer and Anne Robertson contributed artwork (my husband helped) and many children did little line drawings, culminating in a colouring-in page in the song book. The PTA put up half the funding so this could be a school fund-raiser as well as an ongoing resource.
Later, Tom came to school with trepidation and recorded the large senior choir and five highly-charged junior children. ‘We did it!’ a wee one unknowingly added to the finished product. Obliging staff came in after school and added vocals, particularly joyful as it was a song about the weekend. Tom breathed a sigh of relief at how easily it all came together.
The songs are stories, legends, environmental signposts, values encouragers. There is Te Reo Māori, alongside whakatauki (proverbs) and celebrations of our place, Dunedin and Aotearoa. The greatest compliment I’ve heard, is that it’s great music for road trips, because parents enjoy the songs as much as the children.
Celebration and accolades came together in a big launch concert. Our title...‘Our Songs Will Rise’. They did, and they do.
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A NOTE FROM DR ROD GALLOWAY, past principal George Street Normal School, Dunedin, 2019.

These songs have been our songs at George Street Normal School and are now set to be enjoyed more widely. And rightly so!
Natalie has written infectious melodies easily sung by young and old, with Te Reo Māori seamlessly woven into the lyrics with fun and meaning.
As a school community we are indebted to Natalie for her gift of songs. Her musical contributions have kept us inspired and uplifted as we’ve sung them with gusto and enjoyment – a special contribution to our school’s character. Natalie has led these songs in our school shows, assemblies, Polyfest, team singing and teaching and learning programmes. This collection of waiata is highly singable and speaks of timeless, cross-cultural values embodying a truly New Zealand flavour……
I warmly commend each song to you. A taonga (treasure) for everyone!
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A NOTE FROM LEO, GEORGINA, TOM, NINA, & ZAC, Dunedin, 2021.

Our children, Tom and Nina, were invited to take part in Mrs Yeoman's 'Our Songs Will Rise'. They already knew the songs by heart, and felt proud to join the choir and band in the recordings. As a family, we felt blessed to be part of such a special moment in Mrs Yeoman's life.
With her captivating and energetic approach, Natalie engaged the children impeccably during that whole Sunday at the studio. That event was such a privilege to them (and us), as a unique opportunity to experience the creation of those special recordings. Along with the tracks came the songbook, which I had the honour to notate and compile.
And now, after having shared so many dreams and accomplishments, we are pleased to rejoice in the release of the online tracks, allowing for all to sing along with the inspired words that have lifted our spirits for many years.
Beyond the music, Natalie has taught us all important values, exemplifying the teachings in her songs, making it all about the team, and showing us we're all in the waka together...
A waka that is now surfing the web and reaching far away seas.
Ka pai, Natalie!
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A NOTE FROM ANDREW HARRAY, SESSION DRUMMER, Dunedin, 2021.

'Our Songs Will Rise: A Drummers Experience'

I grew up with Natalie’s music all around me. In the same church community, I was always singing her songs, hearing her lead from the front and jumping on board with her end-of-year productions. This evolved to involvement with the music-making. Natalie encouraged me to join the band when she first heard me drum. I did, and ever since, I have been creating, playing and teaching music. It felt as though we had come full circle when Natalie invited me to drum on this album - a chance to give back to the person who introduced me to music.
At Port Chalmers I found Chicks Hotel, a huge basalt landmark of a building. Walking through the labyrinth, past the old bar, I found myself in the recording studio. A warm orange glow radiated from the fire, a wall was stacked with drums and cymbals and a dark, wooden four-piece kit was set up begging to be played. I met Tom Bell, our recording engineer, discussed options, checked various cymbals, tuned the kit a little and – good to go!
Others filtered in and friendly chat made the atmosphere even warmer. We settled into our respective corners, donned headphones and tried our first song. It soon became clear that Natalie had assembled a bunch of musos who really knew what they were doing. There was easy chat after each run-through to check where attention was needed. We just kept on till everyone felt the song was working well. Once we had a good take, we did a ‘Brucey Bonus’ just in case magic happened twice…and it often did!
I have never had such a relaxed recording session - friendly banter, food abundant and good musical vibes.
Slowly we made our way through the many songs, leaving the two most epic till last, when the keyboard had arrived. Working out the dynamics of Papatūanūku took a long time but turned out to be one of my favourites. When the intensity of the weekend started catching up, I raided gummy lollies from the food stash. The needed sugar hit and … we were done!
Twelve songs in two days. We all remarked on what a pleasure it had been making music together.
Later hearing it, I recalled a quality time recording with such wonderful musicians. It sounded great. Tom had exactly captured what it felt like on that weekend – the easy warmth of musicians coming together to create something special.

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about

Natalie Yule Yeoman Dunedin, New Zealand

Singer, songwriter, composer, musician, teacher, poet, writer, smitten by great words and tunes. Player of guitar, uke and keys. Fan of Te Reo Māori and Kapa Haka. In awe of nature.

Imperfect and very grateful follower of Jesus.

Daughter of two, sister of seven, wife of one, mother of five, Nana Nat of thirteen, Auntie Nat of...hmmm, lost count ...and friends galore...blessed to be alive. ... more