Mary Lambert - Not Ready To Die Yet

A few years ago, I was in upstate Michigan for a show. The airbnb I was staying in happened to have a piano, and as soon as I sat down, I felt like I was in a trance. I wrote this song in one sitting. There are some songs that live inside you for years and just need space to be born. I was inspired by Aracelis Girmay’s poem, “I’m Not Ready to Die Yet” from her collection, Kingdom Animalia. Interestingly, Aracelis Girmay was inspired by Joy Harjo’s poem of the same name, so this is a kind of creative nesting doll of not wanting to die.

Melissa Achten is a dear friend from many years ago, and is one of the most talented people I've ever met. I am so lucky to have her harp hands all over this song and on the rest of the album.

Most of this footage was filmed by Diane Garvey at the Grief Creature release show in Seattle. It was also shot at Jonah Cohen's house, Jeremy Cays' studio, and backstage at the Neptune. When I performed this song in Seattle, I was not prepared for how emotional it made me. How many times in my life have I wanted to die? How many times in my life have I tried to end it? And then, after all of the trauma and therapy and processing and writing and healing and crying, I get to emerge singing about my good heart? I get to close the door on this colossal hurt while being held by 800 people, including my mom & partner & friends? I get to sing myself well? What grace.

You can listen to the full album, buy merch, and check out my collection of poetry here:
http://www.marylambertsings.com

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instagram.com/marylambertsing

Copyright (C) 2019 Not Ready to Die Yet.

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