From the recording For the Animals
Internet memes that feature friendships between so-called “odd couples,” animals of different
species, remind us that our love, caring, and friendship need not be limited to humans and
companion animals like dogs and cats. Observing the relationship between Oliver the calf and
Helen the blind buffalo was among the most deeply moving experiences of my life. This song
reminds us that the light of love, truth, and kindness shines strongly in our animal relatives.
Words by Beth Lily Redwood
Music by Daniel Redwood
Daniel Redwood: guitar, vocals
Michael Mandrell: guitar
Mark Thies: electric bass
Lyrics
Looking for the light in a sea of darkness
Looking for the light in a world of despair
A light of love, truth and kindness
A sanctuary will take you there
A sanctuary will take you there
In a manger on a wintry night
Not so long ago
A frightened mama birthed her baby
Feared she’d have to let him go
Like all her others who'd been taken
But this calf was safe and warm
Hers to nurse, hers to nurture
Hers to keep, free from harm
Looking for the light in a sea of darkness
Looking for the light in a world of despair
A light of love, truth and kindness
A sanctuary will take you there
Sanctuary will take you there
Oliver, the playful calf
Tender heart, soulful eyes
Always sees the good in others
Looks beyond their shape and size
His best friend is a lonesome bison
Blind from birth and yet she sees
The light of love that he brings to her
Every day in fields of peace
Oliver he lives each day
The way that every life should be
Celebrating who he is
The innocent joy of being free
When so many animals live in sorrow
Filled with so much pain and fear
Oliver's pure light can guide us
Shining bright, shining clear
Looking for the light in a sea of darkness
Looking for the light in a world of despair
A light of love, truth and kindness
A sanctuary will take you there
Sanctuary will take you there
© 2017 by Beth and Daniel Redwood (ASCAP)