Al Inspirar (With This Breath)
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Submitter Comments
I wrote this song to sing with the prisoners at San Quentin, who often acutely feel the longing to begin again and to remember who they are. However, even before the ink was dry on “With This Breath,” I realized that this song was for me as well, and for all of us–a reminder that we can begin again with every breath.
English language version: With This Breath.
[2022.06.06—Separate notations were created for the English version (“With This Breath”) and the Spanish version (“Al Inspirar”). Musically, a change was made in measure 6 in both versions to add tied or slurred notes connecting back to measure 5. The new Spanish version was also changed to better reflect the intended alignment of notes with the Spanish syllables. The English lyrics are shown as a reference for singers familiar with the English version, not as a word-for-word translation of the Spanish lyrics.]
T2P:AR—Songwriter approval of your recording is required before limited permission to share your recording is granted, as described here: Temporary 2020 Permission Details. (See also “What are the considerations for songwriters?” below on that page.)
Note: I also give permission for Threshold Choir members to share my songs, sung by them but not recorded, by virtual means in private venues (such as Zoom calls to private clients or nursing homes), but not to post or livestream the songs on social media or in public venues unless I give special permission for this. (Applies to all songs on TC website that I have contributed or will contribute.)
Lyrics
Al inspirar yo recibo mi vida.
Al espirar yo honro mi ser.
Este voto lo puedo hacer ahora mismo:
Una nueva danza de esperanza
Al respirar.