Time Enough to Give

Time Enough to Give was commissioned by SING NSW, the Department of education and Training, directed by Jenny Gregory, as part of the song cycle ‘Young Australians, Voices of Achievement’ which was recorded for ABC Classics in 2006. The song cycle was a celebration of the achievements of inspiring young men and women making a difference to this world. Many of the dedicatees were at the world premier in Sydney Town Hall.

While conceiving the work, Paul felt that it was important to acknowledge the children who are reaching great heights each day by merely ‘surviving’. Children with disabilities, children overcoming hardship, children with cancer and children who work hard to make it through the day.

In 2004, Paul’s wife Bonnie Nilsson (a music therapist), met Natasha at the Children’s Hospital Westmead who In October 2003, at the age of ten, was diagnosed with leukaemia. It was here that through their love of music and other interests, Bonnie and Natasha would form a close friendship, resulting in them writing and playing songs together. In Natasha’s words, “I can’t wait to get out, just to run and shout. I can’t wait to get out, to jump about. I can’t wait to be free and just be me. I want to be free and just be me.”

This piece is dedicated to Natasha and her family

This sample recording is form the ABC album, ‘Young Australians, Voices of Achievement’.

Themes

Sing a choir favourite Sing a global story Sing a Jarman classic Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing from the heart
Duration 3:50
Key Bb Major
Range Standard SA, SAB. A higher version in C is available for younger choirs as this version has low Bb for Altos
More info
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

T I M E   E N O U G H   T O   G I V E                        

By Paul Jarman
                       
These are the times I remember
These are the days we have shared
This is my time, I will surrender
It’s never a short time
When there’s time enough to give

These are the years held so tender
Hold on to the good times we have
All of my years, a time to treasure
It’s never a short time
When there’s time enough to give

Every day I feel you closer
Every way you touch my fragile heart
Stay close beside me
Find hope in my dreams

These are the dreams I hold on to
Hope finds a way every day
There will come a time for going home
This is my time, our time
There’s time enough to live

© Paul Jarman 2004

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