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
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 youÂ