From the recording Songs for Animals, People & the Earth
In Jenny Brown’s powerful book. The Lucky Ones, she explains that animals are “with us, not for us.” They are companions, not commodities. Each is an individual, with his or her own purpose, able to experience love and pain, and worthy of our respect and attention.
Words by Daniel Redwood
Music by B.J. Leiderman
Lyrics
With us, not for us
To love, not to own
We share this life’s journey
We don’t walk alone
We’re different, yet equal
In God’s eyes, in mine
And the bond forged between us
Endures beyond time
Let me see what you see, let me hear what you hear
Let me love as you love, let me sing without fear
The song of your beauty, the song of your soul
A song of celebration where all are made whole
With us, not for us
On four legs or two
On wings rising skyward
Or fins bathed in blue
Forgive what we’ve done
Guide our hearts to be true
You’re with us, not for us
That’s our promise to you
Let me see what you see, let me hear what you hear
Let me love as you love, let me sing without fear
The song of your beauty, the song of your soul
A song of celebration where all are made whole
© Daniel Redwood and B.J. Leiderman. B.J. Leiderman Music (ASCAP)