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lyrics

“I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut.

7th grade songwriter Lyric Allen lost her uncle in 2019. Mike Powers, an active member of the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Company for nearly 40 years, died of a heart attack while on a call in Frederick County in 2019. Powers was driving a fire engine, but got out and started to remove debris from the roadway to make room for an arriving ambulance when he collapsed.

His niece wanted to pay tribute to the vital work he did and the person he was, honoring he and ALL firefighters.

Lyric said that he put others’ needs and safety in front of his own. “He loved the fire department. He loved serving his community and anybody that attended our carnival,” said Chip Jewell, Fire Company President.

Mike served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and after his active duty he entered the Army Reserve with the 558th Signal Battalion, serving on their color guard. He was a lifetime volunteer firefighter, beginning his volunteer fire career at the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Company in the 1960s. He was also employed for 47 years with Montgomery County Board of Education

Support Mike's Volunteer Company at https://www.lvfd17.org/

LYRICS:
(NOTE:parentheses indicate slight lyric edits during arrangement)

He told me that kindness is key to life
(He said this) Looking out the window at a big oak tree
With the leaves blowing free

He fought for people's lives
Putting his own on the line
That is what all firefighters do

They try to make the world a better place
Risk(ing) their lives (to make sure) so you are safe

After a mission he came back all black and smokey
(He) had a heart attack
But before that, the last thing he told me

If you want to change the world have kindness
Have kindness, have kindness
If you want to change the world have kindness

I can see the connection
He always stayed if you wanted to talk
He never pushed you away
He always stayed and listened
It is hard to think how hard he tried
to get where he was (before he died)
But you got to think about the good things in life

If you want to change the world have kindness
Have kindness, have kindness
If you want to change the world have kindness

It's hard to think how hard he tried
But you got to think about the good things in life

credits

from Chords of Courage Volume One, released December 2, 2022
Lyrics and melody by Lyric Allen
Arranged and Performed by ilyAIMY:
Heather Aubrey Lloyd (vocals, guitar)
Rob Hinkal (guitar)
Kristen Jones (cello)
Additional engineering by Rob Hinkal

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ilyAIMY Baltimore, Maryland

ilyAIMY is a percussive acoustic rock animal hailing from Baltimore, MD. Mixing genres from rock to folk to soul to bluegrass; flavours as varied as jazz and hip hop curl through what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting sounds in today’s folk(ish) music scene. Instrumentation includes acoustic guitars, cello, djembe, cajon, Irish bones, keyboard, bass, drums & harmonies. ... more

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