stillness

by Oropendola

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about

“Stillness” is an ode to the season of patience and hibernation, imagined through the lens of the oropendola.*
Rather than merely waiting for Spring to emerge, may we slow down and be present where we are, feel into the months of darkness and muted tones, and nestle deep into our most internal layers. Savor the precious, expansive silence of our own empty nests.

*The oropendola is a gregarious, enchanting bird native to South and Central America. Ki's** name translates to "golden pendulum," due to a charming penchant for swinging upside down from tree branches while seeking a mate.
**Ki (singular) and kin (plural) are pronouns that "signify a being of the living Earth," coined by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

"Stillness" was written in 2019, initially in the backseat of a car during a wild November snowstorm, and finished during a songwriting retreat in upstate NY. I had not yet started calling myself Oropendola, though this song helped me find my way there. <3

Live vid feat 49-key antique celesta: www.youtube.com/watch?v=18wO-UsVq9k

lyrics

january air heavy
the restless oropendola is swinging
where are you, my sweet?
trills the feathered fella
singing a spring song

don't you worry
winter won't last much longer, dear
but while it's here
slow down
don't you hurry
the silence of empty nests

do you feel this stillness?
do you feel this stillness?
do you feel this stillness?

credits

released February 24, 2022
music, lyrics, arrangement by Oropendola
recorded, mixed, mastered by Zubin Hensler
co-produced by Oropendola & Zubin Hensler

celesta recorded by Landon Peer

vocals, celesta, ukulele, piano, synths, breath percussion: Oropendola
harp: Rebecca El-Saleh
flugelhorn: Zubin Hensler
clarinet: Kristina Teuschler
background vocals: Gabby Sherba

photo: Landon Peer

license

about

Oropendola New York

golden pendulum.

singer-keyboardist-songwriter-arranger-frolicker.

debut Oropendola album Waiting for the Sky to Speak out now <3

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