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How to Stand Still

from A Twist in the Story by Anne Lister

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about

First recorded in 1987 on "Burnt Feathers", when I was singing with Mary Mc Laughlin as Anonyma.

lyrics

I don’t need lessons in flying, don’t need ideas for trying
I don’t need that at all
‘Cos all the time that you’re flying you’re looking down and behind
And you’re scared you might fall.
And everyone knows it’s true, the one thing you need to learn to do
Is how to stand still.

I don’t need hints on succeeding, I’ve got no pride left for feeding
And I don’t need tat at all
‘Cos all the time that you’re winning you think of ending not beginning
And you’re scared you might fall.
And everyone knows it’s true, the one thing you need to learn to do
Is how to stand still.

Teach me how to stop awhile, teach me how to stay
The one thing I know about is walking away
Teach me how to breathe deeply
Teach me how to sleep easy
And most of all teach me how - how not to dream.

I don’t need coaching in running, that’s a thing that I’ve done
And I don’t need it a tall
‘Cos all the time that you’re racing there are things you’re not facing
Everything in the world.
And everyone knows it’s true, the one thing you need to learn to do
Is how to stand still.

Teach me how to stop awhile, teach me how to stay
The one thing I know about is walking away
Teach me how to breathe deeply
Teach me how to sleep easy
And most of all teach me how - how not to dream.

And please don’t leave me here thinking, dreaming, weaving, spinning
All those castles in Spain
There’s only one life for the taking, and there’s no point in mistaking
That we can start again.
And everyone knows it’s true, the one thing you need to learn to do
Is how to stand still.

credits

from A Twist in the Story, released April 29, 2022
Steafan Hannigan - whistle
Jacey Bedford - harmonies.

license

all rights reserved

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Anne Lister Wales, UK

Anne is best known for her song "Icarus", recorded and performed by a number of different singers, including Martin Simpson and Nic Jones. "Astrolabe" is her ninth solo album.

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