Peace Songbook

Grain of Sand

Music and lyrics by 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---/----

Our songs for children about peace and justice, resolving conflicts, and celebrating our global family are more important than ever in these troubled times. These Peace Resources are intended to help us all move forward with hope and tools for song and action as we work together to build a healthier, more peaceful world.

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AntiBias, Bullying, Compassion, Conflict Resolution, Fear, Global Family, Grief, Justice, NonViolence, Other, Patriotic, Peace

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