In these turbulent times, people of all ages and belief systems need to believe in possibilities. We can be inspired by Fred Small, an American singer-songwriter, who began his career as a lawyer. He later became a Unitarian Universalist minister. Educated at Yale (BA 1974) and the University of Michigan (JD and MS in Natural Resources 1978), Fred served as a staff attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation. In 1980, Fred left CLF to tour internationally as a folksinger and songwriter, releasing seven albums over two decades on the Rounder, Flying Fish, and Aquifer labels. Pete Seeger called him “one of America’s best songwriters.” Source.
Sharing the Message with Young Children
Nosy Crow recently published a picture book that includes an audio of Fred Small's beloved folk song. Publishers Weekly described the message of the book: “Everything Possible,” which Small wrote in 1983, is a lullaby that expresses unconditional love and assures listeners of their freedom to live proudly, boldly, and according to their own personal truths. The picture book adaption includes illustrations by Alison Brown and a QR code that allows readers to hear a new recording of the song.
Speaking of Everything or Anything Possible, Check Out "QR Codes" in Children's Literature
As you read this article, QR codes are exploding in children's literature. The first time I came across QR codes in children's books was a #1 NY Times Bestselling Author of "The Da Vinci Code," Dan Brown, in his first picture book, Wild Symphony, which includes music composed by the author, himself! The QR code allows viewers to place their cell phone or other handheld device over each page in the book to view the movement of the symphony that relates to that page.
Another picture book, entitled Anything I Possible, by Giulia Belloni, has a similar message. The book "Anything Is Possible" can be viewed in a read aloud for children, written by Giulia Belloni & illustrated by Marco Trevisan. The sheep is a dreamer, while her friend the wolf has a more practical disposition. One day the sheep runs to the wolf with an idea. She wants to build a flying machine! But the wolf tells her it's impossible. Eventually, however, the sheep's dream gets the better of the wolf's doubts, and they begin to work on the project together.
Spreading the Message Universally
The "Everything Possible" song has been sung by people of all ages, since Fred Small composed it in the 80s. Here are a couple examples:
The Lyrics
Following are the lyrics to Fred Small's original song, "Everything Possible:"
We have cleared off the table, the leftovers saved, Washed the dishes and put them away I have told you a story and tucked you in tight At the end of your knockabout day As the moon sets its sails to carry you to sleep Over the midnight sea I will sing you a song no one sang to me May it keep you good company.
You can be anybody you want to be, You can love whomever you will You can travel any country where your heart leads And know I will love you still You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around, You can choose one special one And the only measure of your words and your deeds Will be the love you leave behind when you're done.
There are girls who grow up strong and bold There are boys quiet and kind Some race on ahead, some follow behind Some go in their own way and time Some women love women, some men love men Some raise children, some never do You can dream all the day never reaching the end Of everything possible for you.
Don't be rattled by names, by taunts, by games But seek out spirits true If you give your friends the best part of yourself They will give the same back to you.
You can be anybody you want to be, You can love whomever you will You can travel any country where your heart leads And know I will love you still You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around, You can choose one special one And the only measure of your words and your deeds Will be the love you leave behind when you're done.
Taking the Theme of Everything Possible into Science
Since the "Everythig Possible"song came out in the mid 80s, other musicans have composed related lyrics, such as Symphony of Science, We are All Connected.
"Symphony of Science - Our Biggest Challenge, a Climate Change Music Video, " is a musical investigation into the causes and effects of global climate change and our opportunities to use science to offset it. Featuring Bill Nye, David Attenborough, Richard Alley and Isaac Asimov. "Our Biggest Challenge" is the 16th episode of the Symphony of Science series by melodysheep. Source
Something To Think About
After reading this article and exploring the lyrics, music, stories, and videos, do you believe everything or anything is possible? Why?
What have you done in your life that at first you didn't think you could do?
Does the last stanza of Fred Small's song ring true for you?
You can be anybody you want to be, You can love whomever you will You can travel any country where your heart leads And know I will love you still You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around, You can choose one special one And the only measure of your words and your deeds Will be the love you leave behind when you're done.