Paul Rasporich and Ian Tyson

Meet Mike the Intern, Talk About Town — By admin on June 3, 2010 8:19 am

The Routes summer issue features the art and passion of artist Paul Rasporich (cover story).

Follow this link to read an article from today’s Calgary Herald about Paul’s students recording a song with legendary, local singer, Ian Tyson. Calgary Herald story

Read more about Paul’s story in Routes – get your copy today!

A Song for Spirit

Lyrics

Paul Rasporich has always felt connected to birds and nature.When he met ‘Spirit’, a Golden Eagle that lost its sight when was shot, he decided his school should help the Alberta Bird’s of Prey Foundation with the financial burden of caring for the wounded raptor.

Paul took the story to his Grade 1 & 2 students at Calgary Arts Academy and the young students opted to have a bake sale to raise funds. They also wrote a song to cheer the bird up. TV crews were on scene when the young students sang their special song to ‘Spirit’. By all accounts, there was not a dry eye in the house.

Since then, the song has been recorded by legendary Alberta singer/songwriter Ian Tyson, along with the students of Calgary Arts Academy. A portion of any funds generated from the song will go to building the new school.

A Song for Spirit

I was born to fly.

I was born to touch the sky.

I was born to fly,

with these great wings of mine.

I fell to Earth on a sunny day.

I can’t see anymore,

I guess I’m here to stay.

Fly Spirit.

Fly Spirit Fly.

I’ll be your eyes

And you can be my guide.

There’s something coming near.

The world is dark, but I still can hear.

I feel the tender hands

And they take away my fear.

She whispered, don’t be scared.

And I could tell that she really cared, she said

I know the place to go

And you’ll find sanctuary there.

I’m used to flying free.

I was as strong as a bird could be.

And though I may be blind,

I’ve helped many people see.

When I dream, I’m a mile high.

When I dream, I hear the voices cry.

I hear the voices cry…

Written by Grade 1 and 2 students of the Calgary Arts Academy along with Cam Bourque, who helped them write the song and composed a melody (2009).

Tags: Calgary Arts Academy, Ian Tyson, Paul Rasporich, routes, Routes Magazine, song for spirit, Spirit