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 you only saw in death, and may that
inspire us to protect and cherish all living creatures.
As someone passionate about animal rights, it was heartbreaking to learn about the death of Tokitae, a Southern Resident Killer Whale, after her many years in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. I wrote "Arms To The Sea," a song dedicated to Tokitae (also known as Lolita) while we were still in LA, to help in her fight for freedom. The song explores three interconnected themes: the plight of captive animals, the liberating sensation of flying (inspired by my father, a pilot), and the emotional turmoil that Tokitae experienced daily.
Fast forward through losing my dad, a move to Colorado, a pandemic, and back surgery; in 2023, we recorded and released a master version of this single.
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