In this concert performed in her living room, she is known as Deborah Henson-Conant. Introduced to her in 2006 via PBS performances on Saturday nights, we knew her then as “The Wild Woman of Harp.”
Our DVD library included one of her albums titled “Invention and Alchemy” in which she performs with the Grand Rapids Symphony. It’s an amazing one-woman show with her own cast of 80.
A 2007 Grammy-nominated artist, she is a stage entertainer who excels in story-telling through her harp music – performing Latin, Blues, Folk – cross-genre.
“Congratulations (You Made It This Far)” is performed – here – as a “birthday song.” But, at the ranch, we thought the words were for every day. So Mother and I had fun singing it to each other at the piano. We believed it – and we sang it from our inner being.
A World of Wonder in Who You Are
So, here are the spirited and uplifting words of the final verse: “There’s human kindness just a-walking down the street. There’s a little bit of greatness in everyone you meet. And there’s a world of wonder in who you are. Congratulations! You made it this far!”
Deborah’s 2020 Mother’s Day concert includes her rendition of “The Nightingale.” In her Intro at 1:19:20, she speaks about the importance of her mother’s voice. She begins singing these beautiful words at 1:21.55: “Who will sing for the Nightingale? Her own sweet song is silent now. Who will sing for the Nightingale when she sleeps alone in the sun?”
After ordering the harp sheet music, it quickly became one of my favorite numbers to perform for my mother in her final days.
So why not pull up a couple chairs, pour your favorite beverage, and listen to this performance with your mother?! You are certain to find it enjoyable. (1:29:37)
Every day is Mother’s Day.
- Lyrics in full for “Congratulations – You Made It This Far
- Hear Deborah sing it – here! … a good song to brighten any day! Words and Music by Deborah Henson-Conant, 1994.
Author: Susan Troyer
