Arms To The Sea
recorded at 1G Studios
mixed and mastered by Doug Conlon
publisher: 1G Studios
label: Chandojika Music
release Date: September 9, 2023
catalog ref.: CM016
format: Streaming Single
cd cover art by Charles Spitzack, used with permission.
taken from a 15” x 9” woodcut sheet art begun in 1987 and completed in 2022.
dedicated to Tokitae, entitled “Free Tokitae, Kill Lolita”
RIP Tokitae.
May all marine life find the same freedom that you only saw in death, and may that inspire us to protect and cherish all living creatures.
As an advocate for animal rights, it was devastating to hear about the passing of Tokitae (also known as Lolita), a Southern Resident Killer Whale, after spending over fifty years in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. While in Los Angeles, I composed "Arms To The Sea," a song dedicated to Tokitae to support her fight for freedom. The song delves into three interconnected themes: the challenges faced by captive animals, the memories and triggers these animals experience, and the emotional distress that Tokitae endured on a daily basis.
I wrote this song in 2019, but due to family tragedies, I couldn’t release the single until 2023.
RIP, dear Tokitae. You remain in our hearts forever.
I’d wish to be free.
To suckle for hours
Devour the flowers.
But such is my fate.
To be stuck in a cage
And so, I will dream.
But I am just me.
I am just me.
Arms to the sea.
Arms to the sea.
If I were a tree
I’d dance in the clouds.
And whisper out loud
All my fears to the sun.
But such is my fate.
To be stuck in a cage
And so, I will dream.
But I am just me.
I am just me.
Arms to the sea.
Arms to the sea.
If I were just free,
If I were just free,
To dream of the sunshine
The warm rays feel so fine.
The ocean a diamond
The gulf is all mine.
The sea birds are my friends.
Dolphins wonder where I’ve been.
But such is my fate.
To be stuck in a cage
And so, I will dream.
But I am just me.
I am just me.
Arms to the sea,
Arms to the sea,
Arms to the sea.
Copyright ©2023 Annette Conlon