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The Small Difference (SATB or SSAA)

 

 

I arranged Robin Riebsomer’s first published work, The Small Difference, for The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus. They premiered the work in December of 1999 and subsequently performed at the 2000 GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) International Festival.

Touching on spiritual themes and contemporary issues relevant to all minority communities, the work has been performed by choruses across the country.

Listen to the SSAA arrangement with piano accompaniment (in mp3 format).

Listen to the SSAA arrangement with guitar accompaniment (in mp3 format).

Click here for more information and information on ordering the score.

 

Lyrics

 

One small voice singing peace on earth,
One small hand bringing love to birth,
One small drop of water on a stone,
One small soul armed with truth alone.

We can be, we can be the small difference,
that makes all the difference in the world

One small home open to an outcast,
One small fire in the wintery blast,
One small kiss upon a leper’s face,
One small prayer in a vast desert waste.

We can be, we can be the small difference
that makes all the difference in the world.

I am a feather riding on God’s breath.
In God alone do I find my rest.
Often in the silence long do I wait,
Before I know the next step to take.
You will not see me bowed in despair,
For I know where ever I go, love goes before me there.

One small man dying on a cross,
A gay man on a fence,
A black man on a chain,
One small woman burning on a stake,
Six million Jews, Lord how long will it take?

‘Til we see, we must be the small difference,
That makes all the difference in the world.

God bless and keep you in that small difference,
That makes all the difference in the world.

© 2000 by Robin Riebsomer, all rights reserved,
lyrics used by permission.

 

performance – The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus
recording – Le Isaac Weaver