Peace Songbook

Grain of Sand

Music and lyrics by John Keenan & Jo-Anne Wilson-Keenan

©2016 John Keenan & Jo-Anne Wilson-Keenan

Pete Seeger was an American folk singer, civil rights activist, peace advocate, and environmentalist. He was a strong supporter of The Children's Music Network. This song is based on a belief that he expressed on a number of occasions.

“You—yes you—can be the grain of sand that tips the scales the right way.” – Pete Seeger

Lyrics

1. Pete Seeger sang his songs far and wide
He told us the earth can be saved
A grain of sand can tip the scales
and bring us to a better day

Chorus
A grain of sand
can make the difference
A grain of sand
a speckle in your hand
A grain of sand
can tip the scales
You could be that grain of sand

2. Pete Seeger sailed the Hudson River
urging everyone along the way
to help clear up the dirty waters
That river is cleaner today

Chorus

3. Pete Seeger sang of peace and justice
for the world we live upon
No matter how great the challenge
he gave us courage to overcome

Chorus

Ending
If people around the world join together
If friends and neighbors lend a hand
We can save the earth we live on
We are billions of grains of sand

Verse
D---/----/----/----
D---/----/A---/----
G---/A---/Bm---/----
G---/A---/D---/----

Chorus
A---/----/D---/----
A---/----/D---/----
Bm---/----/G---/----
A---/----/D---/----

Ending
D---/----/----/----
D---/----/A---/----
G---/A---/Bm---/----
G---/A---/D---/----

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All songs posted in the CMN Song Library are protected by copyright and are provided by the generosity of the owner/artist. You may perform songs you find here in classrooms and camps without the copyright owner’s permission. For all other performances, you must first obtain a performance license through BMI, SESAC or ASCAP or obtain the copyright owner’s express prior written permission.