Fred Small 1983
In 2022, after consulting trans and nonbinary friends and colleagues, Small revised the lyrics of the second verse for greater gender inclusivity. The first line below is the new version, while the remaining three lines are from the original 1983 lyrics.
Nancy Kerr: https://towerseyfestival.bandcamp.com/track/everything-possible
https://towerseyfestival.bandcamp.com/track/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 Chorus: You can be anybody you want to be You can love whoever 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 Some children grow up strong and bold While some are 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 that’s possible for you Bridge: 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