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Easy on the Earth (Sons and Daughters)

Composition Details

Performed in Concert

In Collections

Conductor Notes:

SSA, available with piano or a cappella. Also available for SATB.

Composer / Arranger Notes:

An appeal to go “easy on the earth” is the core message of this singable eco-themed song.  The tune is as catchy as could be, with upper three-part harmonies enlivened by an off-set bass ostinato. The arrangement includes an optional call-response section to use with your audience.

This piece is now a part of the E.C. Schirmer (ECS) catalog and will be released during 2026. The new and improved version will include full piano accompaniment and additional vocal material.

A song circle convened by Moira Smiley was the festive occasion to meet visiting Vancouver songwriter and eco-activist, Luke Wallace. Luke’s body of inspired, well-crafted songs is truly impressive, and I felt immediately (as the “room” learned it in 30 seconds flat) that his “Sons & Daughters” AKA “Easy on the Earth” was a winner.

Luke and I co-arranged his song for SATB and SSA choirs, incorporating the tried-and-true audience call-and-response from his live shows as well as a lively bass ostinato brainchild of mine. Alex Blake programmed the premiere of “Easy on the Earth” at Tonality’s spring 2023 environmental-themed concert in Los Angeles.

Text:

Easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember this place is for your sons and daughters
Easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember who this place is for

Yeah, get your kids to a garden, with the garden they’ll grow
And they’ll learn to go easy, they’ll learn to live slow
Get your kids to a garden, with the garden they’ll grow
And they’ll learn to go easy, yeah

And go easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember this place is for your sons and daughters
Easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember who this place is for

And get your kids to a river, with the river they’ll flow
It’ll teach em’ how to paddle, it’ll teach em’ how to row
Get your kids to a river, with the river they’ll flow
It’ll take em’ where they need to go

‘m goin’ easy, easy,
I’m goin’ easy, yeah

Let them see their reflection wherever they go
In the rain water, flood water, sleet, hail, snow
Let em’ see their reflection wherever they go

And go easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember this place is for your sons and daughters
Easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember who this place is for

Ima’ go easy, easy, easy yeah (call and response)

Goin’ easy on the earth, lightly on the water
Remember who this place is for

Text Source

Luke Wallace