Song of Remembrance: Clackmannanshire’s Tribute in Music
Music has always been a powerful tool for connecting people, expressing emotions, and healing wounds. During Clackmannanshire’s Remembering Together project, our community came together to create a deeply moving tribute through song, known as A Time of Healing. This project became a beautiful and diverse representation of the county’s journey from isolation and loss toward healing and remembrance.
The song’s creation was truly a community effort, with contributions from all corners of Clackmannanshire. Children set the beat with drumming, while local musicians, both young and experienced, added the sound of violins, saxophones, and keyboards. Choirs lent their voices to the melody, and local singers contributed to the harmonious blend that formed the heart of the song.
Not only did the people of Clackmannanshire participate in creating the music, but the land itself was also an integral part of the piece. Sounds from nature were captured across local landmarks like the tranquil waters of Gartmorn Dam, the rustling wind through the Ochil Hills, and the gentle chime of church bells. These natural elements were intertwined with the musical contributions, creating a unique auditory tapestry that reflects the sounds of the county itself.
The lyrics of A Time of Healing, penned by local poet John King, encapsulate the emotions felt by the community. The song’s refrain—"now that it’s gone, what are we feeling?"—is a poignant reflection of the collective grief and uncertainty experienced during the pandemic. It captures both the pain of the past and the cautious hope for the future, reminding listeners that healing is not just about moving on, but about understanding how we’ve been changed.
Healing Through Co-Creation
This song was not just about music; it was about the process of co-creation. In a time when people felt isolated and disconnected, coming together to create something meaningful enabled participants to express their emotions, share their experiences, and connect with others on a deeper level. In contributing their own melodies, rhythms, and words, they each became a part of something larger—a shared expression of remembrance and hope.
A Continuing Legacy
The song will continue to resonate with the people of Clackmannanshire. Through a series of QR codes embedded in public art installations around the county, anyone can scan the code and hear the song alongside visuals captured by filmmaker Cameron Watt, linking the musical experience to the physical spaces where the community came together. The song will also be performed live at the 2025 Healing Together Festival, ensuring that the legacy of the project lives on as a celebration of the county’s strength, resilience, and healing.
Through music, the people of Clackmannanshire have found a way to express the inexpressible and come together in a shared journey of healing and hope.