Our Repertoire
Our repertoire includes a mix of English and foreign songs and encompasses many genres. We sing a capella versions of folk songs, protest songs, blues, jazz, pop, gospel and a smattering of comic songs. We often choose songs that are relevant to women’s lives both past and present.
Each year we introduce new songs to the repertoire. Some of our songs have been composed specifically for Wessex Women and others have been written and / or arranged by members.
You can hear samples on our Have a Listen page
About Some of Our Current songs
Inanay An Australian aboriginal folk song sung in an extinct language so difficult to know what it is
about! It is thought to be about animals and is taught to children at school.
Lost Words Blessing A song of hope and grief inspired by the Lost Words Book by Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris. From the album of Spell Songs, arranged by Wessex Women.
Magpie Written by David Dodd, made famous by The Unthanks
Unison in Harmony Written by Jim Boyes of Coope Boys and Simpson.
Anne Glanville Shanty about an amazing woman who ferried people and goods up and down The Tamar in the early 1800’s.
Make The World Anew A dance tune from 1695 with words written by Jess Arowsmith from The Melrose Quartet, arranged by Wessex Women.
Minnie O’Shirva’s Cradle Song. A traditional lullaby/song from Shetland, arranged by Craig, Morgan and Robson.
Promise – Emily Marshall A song for the earth.
Warrior written by Kim Baryluk A song to inspire and empower women to look out for each other and fight for justice.
Harbour Anna Tabush A song to welcome refugees in need of shelter.
Harriet Tubman – Walter Robinson. The story of Harriet’s incredible journey, rescuing and freeing slaves in America in the 1850’s.
Better Times written by Janis Ian during lockdown, to encourage a sense of hope. Arranged by Penny Stone.
Oi Khodyt’ Son Kolo Vikon – The Dream Passes by the Windows – Traditional Ukrainian lullaby, arranged by Jake Alexander
Muie Rendeira A Brazilian song made famous in the 60s by Joan Baez. It was the central theme of a film about a well known local bandit.
Lives in the Balance is a politically charged song by Jackson Browne released in 1986 but still relevant today.
Shadowlands was written by Sammy Hurden in collaboration with Wessex Women and captures the haunting beauty of the Blackdown Hills.
Gorani is an Armenian Folk song dating back to the Middle Ages and was originally a love song.
Araruna originates from an Amazonian tribe. A girl is wondering who a parrot belongs to – does it belong to the tribe or nature?