2025 Competition Entry:

Breathe A Different Air by Jill Dawson

Genre

Pop

Artist

Website

Co-writer(s)

no

Performer(s)

just me.

Description

Partly based on the experience of a close friend whose life has been dogged by many difficulties. Moving to a new house came with new optimism and the house itself is great and feels safe – but the area is still edgy, with football and other gangs that can bring trouble. Having a small child can serve as protection.

Bio

I used to perform in folk clubs and wrote some of my own material. Then life got in the way. Returned to songwriting 4 years ago and have started to do the occasional Open Mic session.
My songs cover many styles (folk, retro, adult contemporary, protest, rock, – and one punk!) and are not genre-specific. I like to write a song that draws the listener in to another world or point of view, based on lived experience – my own or vicarious.

Lyrics

Breathe a different air


I’ve just moved into a house that looks so good inside

Clean and freshly painted everywhere in cream and white

Radiating light – is the end in sight?

Then I go outside – where my worlds collide

And I know you’re there – seen my share

Have to mind the colours that I wear – set my gaze…..



Where I lived before, there was a menace shared our space

Maintenance so poor, for years, that trouble lay in wait

Wires and Bakelite – walls and floors subside

Weighing on my mind, gave me sleepless nights

Then I’d go outside – where worlds collide

Feel relieved to breathe a different air – but see the signs…..


Purveyors of despair, easy if you dare

But I’ve paid that price – won’t pay it twice

Now I have this person in my life – I can walk in shade….

Parenthood detente, and you shall not want, I breathe a different air

– ‘cos you are with me…

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