- 7 minutes ago
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:01We're travelling across the country to hear the people of Britain sing the songs that tell their incredible stories.
00:09Our mentors, Sam Ryder and Paloma Faith,
00:13will choose one singer from each city to perform our once-in-a-lifetime concert at London's Hackney Empire.
00:21This week, we've set up the Your Song stage in the nation's capital.
00:26And we're inviting you to listen, not just to music, but to memory, hope and courage.
00:32Welcome to Your Song!
00:42Paloma, London, your hometown.
00:45Cockles and Muscles, Alive Malivo.
00:48My very own Pearly Gwyn.
00:49It's literally Oliver Twist here.
00:51I'm Fagin.
00:54So much music comes from it.
00:57David Bowie, Rolling Stones, The Clash, Adele, Amy Winehouse, George Michael, Stormzy.
01:05Yeah.
01:05As a kid, my favourite band growing up, Iron Maiden, right?
01:09And them playing all those clubs on the East End.
01:12And I'd be like, if I can do that, maybe I can make it the same way that Iron Maiden
01:16did.
01:16And obviously I didn't.
01:17It was actually me singing covers of Britney Spears.
01:21That actually did it in my mum's kitchen.
01:24Of course it can be a tough audience here.
01:27I mean, we're standing here filming, no one's stopped to even bat an eyelid.
01:30But I'm hoping, London, you won't let me down.
01:34So take me back to London.
01:38Paloma and Sam will be able to see and hear all of the singers who we'll take to our stage.
01:43Guys, clear the floor, please.
01:44Whilst hidden away beneath City Hall.
01:46And first to share the song that means the most to them.
01:50Hold my hand.
01:52Is someone that recently was unable to speak, let alone sing.
01:57Oh, he's got such swag, I love him.
01:59My name's Vic Wallace.
02:01The song I'm singing is Fly Me To The Moon.
02:05The song means everything to me because it's given me another chance in my life.
02:11Hi Vic.
02:12Oh, hello.
02:12Hello, I'm Alison.
02:14Yes, I know.
02:15He took his hat off when he met a lady.
02:17I feel like I might need to lift you up on here.
02:19Please, yeah.
02:23He's let Alison lift him up.
02:25You look lovely.
02:27And I'm 90.
02:28You're 90 years old?
02:29I'm 90.
02:3090 years old, by the way.
02:32Just bowling about, no stick, anything.
02:34So I go out and entertain the old people.
02:37Are you in like a choir or something?
02:38Yes, that choir's out around.
02:39Are they here?
02:40Yes.
02:40It obviously keeps you young being in that choir, doesn't it?
02:43I don't know about young.
02:45You're young.
02:46I'm younger.
02:47Yeah.
02:48I'm younger.
02:50After his wife Stella passed away three years ago, singing became a lifeline for Vic.
02:55Well, this is Addiscombe Crick Club.
02:58We rehearse here every Thursday.
03:01Hello, lads.
03:02Hiya.
03:02We practise in a changing room because it's got the best sound.
03:07Come along, come along, be jolly great boys.
03:12It's companionship, friendship.
03:15I'm so elated to be able to go out and sing to people.
03:20It brings me happiness.
03:22But during Covid, Vic's new found happiness was suddenly taken away from him.
03:27I got up in the morning, made breakfast and I couldn't speak.
03:34When he first had the stroke, I remember a video call when he was in the hospital and he was
03:39trying really hard to get his words out and they weren't quite coming.
03:42You could see the frustration because he's such a chatty person.
03:46I was very low because I didn't know if I was going to speak again.
03:51One day, I heard a man singing in the corridor and I thought, I must go and find out about
03:57this man.
03:59And he sang to me.
04:00It was fly me to the moon.
04:02And I thought to myself, I used to be able to sing and I wanted to sing again.
04:09So after that, a speech therapist came and I wrote down, I'd like to sing a song.
04:14Please welcome to the stage, it's Vic.
04:20When you sing, you don't chop the words up like when you speak.
04:25You elongate words, fly me.
04:31So it's easier to say a sound, fly me to the moon.
04:36It's give me a second chance.
04:38I can sing and I can speak again.
04:47I'm 90.
04:51What a guy.
04:53He sang before he spoke.
04:56Because he found it easier because it was like cursive.
04:58Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars.
05:04Make it swing.
05:06Let me sing what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars.
05:13In other words, please be true.
05:20In other words, I love you.
05:29It's not the most amazing thing I've ever heard.
05:32But in the context, he could not speak.
05:36Yeah.
05:36It's fantastic.
05:37Music saves people.
05:40Look, he's going to dance.
05:41Look, nice to him.
05:54I also love that he comes from a generation that really prioritised showmanship.
06:00Yeah.
06:01He threw his hat into the crowd.
06:03Build my heart with song and let me sing forevermore.
06:10So much more complex and deep than just the voice.
06:14There's everything behind it.
06:16It's the story.
06:16It's the bravery.
06:17It's the resilience.
06:18In other words, please be true.
06:24In other words.
06:27Oh, man.
06:29In other words.
06:34I, I love you.
06:40Cupid, we love you.
06:44Thank you very much.
06:47You don't have to get to the Hackney Empire to win.
06:50You can win in plenty different ways in life.
06:53He's already won.
06:54Oh, wow.
06:55How good was you?
06:57It's so exciting.
06:59Wonderful.
07:00I could do it again.
07:01I won't.
07:02I won't.
07:03I won't.
07:03And now I feel quite emotional.
07:06Sorry.
07:07I've never done anything like it before.
07:10So it's marvellous.
07:12Thank you for everything.
07:14What an amazing start.
07:1690 years old, man.
07:18Something we can all aspire to, isn't it?
07:22Yeah.
07:22Although I reckon I'd be bored of life by about 85.
07:25Ready to go.
07:28Like watching a long film.
07:30Yeah.
07:30The amount of life I actually live is a bit overwhelming.
07:36I'm loving angels instead.
07:41You're amazing.
07:43The only thing is I'm not male.
07:45Can I join?
07:46No.
07:46Yeah.
07:47Yeah.
07:48Yeah.
07:49Yeah.
07:54Can you start walking now, Maggie?
07:55We'll head to the wall.
07:56It's got today.
07:57My name is Maggie.
07:58I'm 20 years old.
08:00At the minute I'm a student, I'm gonna be singing the song I wrote.
08:03At the time my granddad was being diagnosed with dementia.
08:06and it was a big struggle for my family.
08:13I can't tell what's real anymore
08:18Your voice is a stranger's
08:20Cuts me to the core
08:22Lovely.
08:24Wow.
08:25This silence is getting too loud
08:28I'm trying to fight it
08:31My head's underground
08:3820 years old, how deep are those lyrics?
08:40I love the lyrics.
08:41I just think her voice is also quite flawless.
08:45Yeah.
08:46Each day feels the same as the last
08:49This clock tries to toll me
08:52With each second past
08:55Dementia takes all the best parts of you
08:58And...
09:00Yeah.
09:01Yeah.
09:02Sorry.
09:03Goodbye
09:06This disease
09:08Is taking over me
09:11I lose sight of you I was before
09:16I'm on my knees
09:19Begging baby please
09:22Deliver me the cure
09:29It's a horrible disease
09:31And we're such a close unit
09:33When one person isn't themselves
09:36It's really hard on everybody
09:38And I think also it's really hard
09:40Not knowing whether there's going to be a day
09:43Where he doesn't recognise me
09:44Or my voice
09:45I find my enemy in the mirror
09:49With every reflection
09:52My reason to fear it
09:55I can't take back these things that I've done
10:00She's building on dynamics as the song progresses
10:03Upping the ante on strength
10:05Tell me why you're stronger than this
10:12Tell me I'm more than the pieces I miss
10:16Tell me I'm more than the pieces I miss
10:18Wow
10:18I think a lot of people would relate to these words
10:21I think it encapsulates the whole meaning of the song
10:24It sort of highlights a bit of hope as well
10:27My grandad is a very strong person
10:30He's very stubborn
10:31So I hope there is life after this
10:34And there is more to come
10:36I've forgotten how to be loved
10:46This disease
10:48It's taking over me
10:51I lose sight of who I was before
10:57I'm on my knees
10:59Begging, baby, please
11:04Deliver me the cure
11:13Brilliant
11:13You're in all control, man
11:19I haven't even got a tissue
11:21I'm sorry
11:25That's an impeccable live performance
11:28She seems like a young Florence the Machine
11:31Or Chapel Rowan
11:32And maybe doesn't need the validation
11:35Of going for the Hackney Empire
11:38Maybe the DNA of what we're doing here
11:41It's not just about putting an amazing singer
11:44Who writes an incredible song into that grand final
11:48And that might sound weird to viewers
11:50But you're almost trying to invite an outsider
11:52I just have this feeling that she is already on her way
12:01We're in London
12:02To hear ordinary people sing the songs that tell their extraordinary stories
12:08This is an opportunity for anyone to step up onto the stage
12:11And come and sing
12:14Okay, what's your name?
12:15Bedina
12:16Bedina, come on then
12:18Look at me, look at a bag right here
12:19Do you know what I mean?
12:19I'll hold the bags
12:20Give me the bags
12:21Alison's holding Bedina's shopping while she sings
12:23This is iconic
12:30Everyone has a song that has like a particular memory
12:33Or helps them through a difficult time
12:36And I just believe in the power of music
12:38She's bringing joy
12:39But what we're looking for
12:41Is maybe an unexpectedness
12:45When I was a little girl
12:48I had a rag doll
12:51Ha ha, yes!
12:52The only doll I've ever rode
12:55That is a baritone and a half
12:56Now I love you just the way
13:00I love that rag doll
13:03The first time I heard this song was on Glee
13:05Growing up in Nigeria for ten years
13:08My family moved to Uganda
13:09I didn't really see many gay people
13:11Until Glee came along
13:13And changed my life forever
13:14It was nice to see Kurt
13:16Someone that was openly gay in school
13:19And Glee showed me that I could live my life in the way that I want to
13:23And my boyfriend's actually going to be there
13:25And do I love you, I am I
13:32River deep, mountain high, yeah, yeah, yeah
13:37I'm stoked for him that he's managed to get up on that stage
13:40And sing his heart out
13:41Yeah
13:42With full chest
13:43And an identity song
13:44Yeah
13:45Proud to be who you are
13:48I am a doctor
13:50Currently working in A&E
13:51It can be very stressful
13:53But singing helps loads
13:56I bet he's a blast at karaoke
13:57I don't see it at the final
13:58But I wonder if he sings to the patient
14:01Yeah, while they're waiting
14:02The five hour wait in London
14:11Whilst Ikenna has drawn one of the largest crowds of the day so far
14:18Less than a mile away
14:20There's an even bigger gathering in the nation's capital
14:24Go Dominic
14:27Go Dominic
14:28Go Dominic
14:29Go Dominic
14:29Go Dominic
14:29And it's brought vast areas of London to a standstill
14:33Yo Dominic, is it starting now?
14:35Yeah, erm, it's starting in a bit now
14:38Where are you?
14:39We're going to see him being lost all
14:41Uh oh
14:4315 year old Dominic's friends might be running late
14:46Where's Emmanuel?
14:47But despite the disruption, his family are here in full force
14:51You alright Dominic?
14:53Oh my god
14:53Nice to meet you
14:55I'm Alison
14:55You alright?
14:57You shaking?
14:58Always shaking
14:59Are you feeling a bit nervous?
15:01Yeah
15:01Do you want to sit next to you?
15:02Yes please
15:03Tell me, what is your song called?
15:05My song is called Coded in DNA
15:08Did you write that song?
15:09It's an original
15:09Stop it
15:10Ah, original
15:11It's about growing up as a young black boy
15:14Stuff went on when I was younger
15:16Like my family, we had to move from area to area to area
15:20And within each area that we've moved to
15:22We've just experienced hate
15:24And the fact that we even have to go through that
15:28I just find it absolutely insane
15:30And literally just because of this colour of you
15:32Just because it doesn't like make sense
15:34People talk about how it should be put to a stop
15:37But really and truly there is no stop
15:39And it sticks with you
15:40Yeah
15:41That's exactly why I called my song Coded in DNA
15:43Because all the racist comments
15:45All the microaggressions
15:46It's been coded into me
15:50I was 15 when I was writing songs
15:51But nothing I'd ever feel confident
15:54Sharing
15:54To perform public
15:55Yeah
15:55Give a warm welcome to Dominique
16:06Hello everyone
16:07Today I'm going to be performing a song I wrote
16:10I wrote the song because growing up black
16:14You just hear hateful comments all the time
16:17But my brothers told me that you're not the issue
16:20There's nothing wrong with you
16:24I'll go go
16:31Oh
16:31Oh
16:31Oh
16:31On day number one
16:33Some rose above it all
16:35Just like the sun
16:37They never held back
16:39Never on the run
16:40And never raise their hands high for anyone
16:44But when I hit the age
16:47Your innocence is gone and you should know your place
16:51They say it don't matter, just play the game
16:54I have to keep my hands high on a chain
17:00And I can try
17:04It's getting a bit out of breath because he's in panic
17:07Yeah, but I can hear this amazing voice there
17:10I'm not gonna cry
17:14See that, right there, that moment's magic and perfect
17:18And that's his voice
17:19And I'm coded, and I'm coded
17:22And I'm coded in DNA
17:27He's not just carrying the nerves of a song here
17:31It's the nerves of the message behind the song
17:34A kid in my primary school was so upset about being black
17:38That they tried to use sandpaper on their skin
17:41And when you go through these experiences
17:43You never forget about it
17:45And whether you're 15 or 90
17:48The situations never stop
17:50So therefore, even though you've said it before
17:52You need to say it again
17:53Because listening is one thing
17:55But hearing and understanding is another one
18:00If I'm thinking about Hackney Empire
18:02I'd love to sit down with Dominic and talk about breathing
18:10And work out circular breathing before he goes on
18:14Yeah, he needs a lot of breath as well
18:16To fit all of those words in
18:18It's a complex song with the riffs and the runs
18:20The agility that you need to sing that
18:23I couldn't even start to do that at that age
18:26I want to go and hold his hand and tell him
18:28He has such potential
18:30Shall we go?
18:32Let's go, let's go
18:32Cause by the night
18:36We may not survive
18:40And I'm called AI
18:54Thank you, your songwriting's incredible
18:58Thank you
18:58I just want to say on behalf of everyone
19:01That I feel sorry that at 15
19:03You have to be the one to say that
19:05Cause that's not fair
19:07You're brave and you're a better man than most
19:09So that's why we came out to see you
19:17Well done
19:25The nerves got to me
19:27But my story was genuinely heard
19:29And not just by everyone
19:30But like all the mentors there
19:32Alison Hammond
19:33I'm so happy
19:3515 years old as well
19:37And I'm a proud mum
19:39A proud mum
19:41A proud mum
19:42Yeah
19:45Whoa, whoa
19:59What are you doing today then?
20:01Enjoying this
20:01Oh
20:02So what was you doing in London?
20:04We're on a date
20:06I thought he was about to say we're on a date
20:08So what are you up to now then?
20:10We've got to go back to Comet Garden
20:11I would have sang for you
20:12But if you've got to go Comet Garden
20:13That's fine
20:14Don't worry
20:14Don't worry
20:16Next to take to the Your Song stage
20:18I think I'm more nervous than she is
20:21We'll be all as mum Helen
20:23There you go
20:24I come from Derry in Northern Ireland
20:26And I'm 39 years of age
20:29Do you believe that?
20:30Do you believe anything?
20:32Gonna do great
20:33So I'm 83
20:34But that's only a number
20:39Hello
20:41My name's Helen
20:42And the song that I'm going to sing for you
20:44Is called
20:44Every Time We Say Goodbye
20:46I die a little
20:48Because
20:49Every time I took my children home
20:51I had to say goodbye to them
20:53Which broke my heart
20:54So I'm just hoping
20:55That I can hold together today
20:59Oh
20:59Oh bless her
21:00We'll start now
21:04I'm so nervous
21:06I haven't sung for 30 years
21:13Every time
21:16We say goodbye
21:19I die a little
21:25Oh super jazz voice
21:27Every time we say goodbye
21:31I wonder why
21:34I wonder why
21:34A little
21:36It relates back to
21:38Very emotional times
21:39My marriage was on the rocks
21:42So he took the property
21:44And I took the children
21:49Think so little of me
21:52They allow you to go
21:58I left and took the children
22:00To London
22:01Every time I took them back
22:03To their father
22:04If I was doing a gig in a pub
22:06Or something like that
22:07As you do in Derry
22:08The first night
22:09Somebody requested
22:10Every time we say goodbye
22:12So I sang it
22:13So I sang it
22:14And I looked down
22:15And my youngest child
22:17Orla
22:17She was standing there
22:20With big bloody tears
22:22Running down her face
22:24It broke my heart
22:26And eventually
22:28I just gave up singing it all together
22:31I can hear a lark
22:34Somewhere
22:35Begin to sing
22:38About it
22:41Do you hear that?
22:42Like the
22:42Sing
22:43The bar
22:45She's got so much control
22:48Emotionally as well as vocally
22:51From major to minor
22:53Every word
22:55I believe
22:56Every time
22:59We say
23:03Goodbye
23:04I love seeing how she sings
23:06With her shoulders too
23:07Vocal coaches will say
23:09Don't do this
23:10This and this
23:10But I love seeing people sing
23:13Where all of that's out the window
23:15It's just
23:15I'll use my body
23:17To help me sing
23:18Because singing isn't just here
23:20And live in each word
23:20Exactly
23:21Yeah
23:21Also
23:22She feels particularly comfortable
23:24Playing with live band
23:26Yeah
23:27Every time
23:30Jumping out of the phrase
23:31And catching herself
23:33Back in the phrase again
23:34We say
23:41Goodbye
23:48Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
23:52da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
23:53da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
23:55da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
23:59da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:01da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:03da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:04da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:05da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:05da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:06da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
24:09da
24:09Oh, just about holding it together, to be honest.
24:12It's great to be back in action again after 30 years.
24:15Those people's lungs have collapsed by 83.
24:18I can't believe she's carrying this song.
24:24I'm Eden, I'm 17, I'm from Tottenham.
24:27I'm gonna be singing
24:27I Think It's Going to Rain Today by Randy Newman.
24:30Nice choice.
24:31Which is a song that my dad sang to me
24:34as a lullaby when I was a baby,
24:35and now my dad's gonna be accompanying me on guitar.
24:39It would feel wrong to perform it without him.
24:43My dad has been an inspiration.
24:46The thing that I associate the most with him
24:47is like funk and blues and Stevie Wonder.
24:51He's been played in this house for years,
24:54and I just associate it with the most fun I had in my childhood.
24:58For the first three years of my life,
25:00it was just me and my mum and my dad.
25:03And then Len was born in 2011.
25:06What do you think of Eden singing?
25:09Fabulous.
25:11Nine months later, he was like rushed to the hospital,
25:13and they found the tumour that was directly
25:17in the middle of his head.
25:18I just like the way that you were singing.
25:21Sometimes it makes me feel emotional.
25:24For most of Eden's childhood,
25:25he's had to play second fiddle to his younger brother
25:27for so many years and in so many ways.
25:30Do you want to stop now?
25:34I'm not going to tell you to go away.
25:36Oh, that's nice.
25:38Lenny will be blind for the rest of his life.
25:40He had a stroke and all of these other complications when he was very young,
25:44and also moments where we didn't know if Len was going to make it.
25:49My parents had to be at the hospital a lot of the time.
25:51It creates this feeling in you of not wanting to have any problems.
26:00We can stop now if you want.
26:01What do you mind?
26:03He is unfailingly kind and supportive and patient.
26:08I know you can make it around yourself,
26:09but I'm just going to guide you because of the equipment and stuff.
26:13I didn't want to be a burden. I wanted to be the one that was okay.
26:19I'm so glad you're here.
26:21And be the one that could help.
26:26My dad singing this song to me when I was one, it shaped me completely.
26:35When I listen to it and when I sing it,
26:38it feels like everything that we've been through as a family.
26:45Broken windows and empty hallways
26:54Pale dead alone in the sky street
27:15And I think it's going to rain today
27:25And I think it's going to rain today
27:30as much as life is.
27:32Scarecrow's dressed in the latest style
27:39Sometimes, I have so much resentment towards Len
27:43and guilt for feeling that resentment.
27:46I also know it's not his fault and I love him with every bit of me.
27:52Human kindness is overflowing
28:01And I think it's going to rain today
28:11It's the balance. You cope. You can go out in the rain.
28:15Because there's family and there's love.
28:19Show them the way
28:28Human kindness is overflowing
28:39Oh, I think it's going to rain today
29:02It was beautiful.
29:16This experience is definitely something which feels like giving something back to Eden
29:25It's very hard to manage feelings of guilt about Eden's childhood not having been what we wanted it to be
29:37And lots of things which Eden didn't get to experience which we would have loved to have given him
29:46Would you like to meet innocent?
29:47Lol
29:48No
29:48Are you joking?
29:53I'm here, I'm here Lenny
29:55Wasn't he wonderful?
29:57He didn't break my heart
29:59Oh
30:01Lenny's really moved by his brother
30:03Oh
30:05It was overwhelming
30:08We were quite speechless
30:10Yeah
30:10Because it really warranted that kind of heartfelt space
30:15I think in terms of like what we're looking for that was a real connection to the story
30:21This is what it's all about
30:23Infinitely more than a song, infinitely more than a voice
30:26It is based on a feeling
30:29And I think it's gonna rain
30:34Today
30:43Like a mini Glastonbury, the Your Song stage is having to endure a typical British summer
30:50All I hope is that Channel 4 are getting little water droplets coming off of bunting
30:54Showing us that the rain is easing
30:56And that Britain will not be deterred by bad weather
30:59Our lips remain stiff
31:03Here's the next act
31:05Next to sing for us is someone who hasn't been able to perform in public for the past six years
31:10I'm Milo, I'm 15 years old
31:12My song is Rise Up by Andrea Day
31:15Oh, class song
31:16And it's a song all about, you know, resilience and all about determination
31:20And basically all that I would have needed to hear back in primary school
31:24Hello Milo, how are you doing?
31:26I'm doing good, how are you?
31:27Good to meet you
31:28Good to meet you
31:29Take a seat
31:30How are you?
31:31Nervous
31:32How are you feeling? You nervous?
31:33No, I'm excited, it should be fun
31:34So what does singing mean to you?
31:36When it comes to singing, in primary school it was hard
31:39And then I stopped completely for about two years
31:43Wow
31:46Yay!
31:47When he was really little
31:48People used to say to us, I don't know how you cope
31:50You know, one of my friends worked at this to me
31:52What?
31:55Really?
31:55Yeah
31:56Really?
31:57What, just because he's hard work?
31:58I don't know
31:59You know I'm right here
32:00Oh, that's well, that's either
32:02I remember taking Milo home from school one day
32:05We had Matilda on in the car
32:07And then Milo started singing
32:09And I remember thinking
32:11That's good
32:12When somebody loved me
32:15Do you feel different than other kids?
32:18It was beautiful
32:19I was different because I was always made to feel like singing was never cool
32:26It's definitely tough to be a kid because kids maybe sometimes don't know what's mean and what's not
32:34OK, we are eminent
32:35It's really difficult when your child's confidence is knocked
32:39Right Alison, when you're ready
32:41I distinctly remember the turning point
32:43I was ready to perform in an assembly
32:46And this was a big step because I was going to school with a completely different persona
32:52And I could not do it at all and I was shaking and I didn't sing
32:58This is Milo
33:04Freezing on stage
33:05That was the moment where I was like right
33:08No singing, no music
33:10And nobody can hear me except for me
33:19You're broken down and tired
33:23Of living life on a merry-go-round
33:28And you can't find that fighter
33:32But I see it in you so we gon' walk it out and move
33:36Oh wow
33:40I was causing problems here in the best way
33:43And I'll rise up, I'll rise like the day
33:48I'll rise up, I'll rise unafraid
33:51I'll rise up and I'll do it no man times again
33:57Subtle
33:59And I'll rise up, high like the waves
34:03I'll rise up in spite of the ache
34:07I'll rise up and I'll do it a thousand times again
34:14For you
34:18The notes is reaching, are divine
34:21When I talk about a glassy voice
34:23Stevie Wonder is the archetype
34:25It's shiny, it's sparkly, it's high but clear and precise
34:31All we need, all we need is hope
34:37And for that we have each other
34:40For that we have each other now
34:44To any kids watching this, never get discouraged
34:48Just sing anywhere you can if that's the path you want to follow
34:51Because that's what happens
34:53I'll rise up, high like the waves
34:58Because I'll rise up in spite of the ache
35:01I chose rise up because the first word is
35:04You're broken down and tired
35:06So you're pretty much accepting defeat
35:08We'll rise up
35:11But then the end is so big
35:14You feel ten times stronger when you've finished it
35:17We'll rise up and we'll do it
35:19That feeling only comes from going through
35:21A maybe not so great beginning
35:23For you
35:27For you
35:33For you
35:36For you
35:38For you
35:39For you
35:49For you
35:52You're so amazing
35:54You've saved his family all the time
35:58You're so incredible
36:00Thank you so much
36:01That voice should never be trapped
36:03You're saying you're like catching a hard time at school
36:05Because you're singing, right?
36:06Yeah
36:06With a voice like that, pal
36:08You've got to shut all that out
36:09Exactly
36:10Because there are things to be concerned about in life
36:12That is not one of them right now
36:13That is not a normal voice, pal
36:15Thank you so much
36:16Like that is, you guys know that, right?
36:17I don't know what to do
36:18Yeah
36:19That's amazing
36:19Give him a big cheer
36:29You stood up there on stage and you started singing
36:31And people who were going about their Sunday mornings just stopped
36:35And wanted to listen to you because they really felt what you were saying
36:39And that's why you need to keep singing
36:41Yeah?
36:41Because you're really good at it
36:47My name's Charlie Ward
36:49I am 45 years old
36:51I'm a sports and laryngeal therapist
36:58Hello everybody
36:59I'm going to be singing my own song for you today
37:01Another original
37:02Which is a song called Changes
37:05And it kind of documents the shifts and the changes that I went through
37:09As I came out of my depression
37:11But it also documents the constant element throughout all of that
37:15Which was my beautiful wife and my daughters down there
37:18Because had they not been a constant, I probably wouldn't be here
37:26I've always struggled a little bit with depression
37:29But I think it was one of those things that I kind of just locked away
37:32And put the smiley face on
37:34And then it kind of really struck me through the Covid lockdown
37:39I'm self-employed
37:41I'm self-employed
37:41My business was shut down instantly
37:44The bills were still coming in
37:46I had no income
37:48It's like somebody threw petrol on the fire
37:56It kind of just drove me to a really, really dark place
38:00If you were there then you would know
38:04Just how I'm feeling
38:08Nice
38:11Yes
38:12Empty inside, losing my mind
38:14Like nobody needs me
38:18This is a really lovely song
38:21Feels like I'm split at the seams
38:26I don't even know what that means
38:34I'm going through changes
38:39And it feels amazing
38:42That vocal, it's pretty technical to get up there with that much power
38:46The one thing that ain't gonna change
38:50The one thing is you
38:53There's no pretension
38:55He's not trying to be somebody other than who he is
38:58Yeah
38:58His vocal seems really authentic
39:00Yeah
39:01And it's just the purity of his connection with his message
39:06Mishing the senses and sounds
39:10The less they consume me
39:16Clearing the fog and the clouds
39:20The beauty it moves me
39:26Feels like I'm split at the seams
39:31I don't even know what that means
39:39I'm going through changes
39:43I think the lyrics make it clear as to where I was
39:47Changes just came from the constant battle in your head
39:51I couldn't explain why I felt the way that I felt
39:54Like I didn't really have any purpose
39:57Which sounds kind of ridiculous when I say it out loud
40:00Because I've got a beautiful wife
40:02I've got two beautiful daughters
40:03But it's really hard to explain depression
40:06Because it's so different for everybody
40:07One thing that ain't gonna change
40:11One thing is you
40:14I love the composition as well
40:17Like this riff
40:22It was really cathartic writing it
40:24And cathartic playing it
40:29And I hope that somebody might hear it
40:31And either help a friend out
40:32Or it might be them themselves
40:34That asks for help
40:35Or at least sees that there's a potential
40:37To, you know, go to a better place
40:41I'm going through changes
40:46I'm going through changes
40:47And it feels amazing
40:50I'm going through changes
40:55This is professional level songwriting
40:58It's like Damien Rice or David Gray
41:01The one thing that ain't gonna change
41:04The one thing is you
41:14Charlie!
41:16Charlie, we love you!
41:18It's all right!
41:19It's all right!
41:19Yeah!
41:22He's worked really hard on everything
41:26On himself
41:26On getting himself into the right place
41:29And I just think to see him up there
41:31It was just incredible
41:34You could literally hear that in the stadium
41:36Yeah
41:37And not blink
41:37It's a gorgeous song
41:40And it has come from all-encompassing darkness
41:43Yeah
41:43For someone in their life
41:44You can pour all of that sadness
41:47Into something so full of hope
41:49Yeah
41:50Oh!
41:51Wow!
41:52He's ticking a lot of boxes
41:54He's Charlie, man
41:55And we've been the most animated
41:57Yeah
41:57Today
41:58I want that song
42:00Mwah!
42:01Mwah!
42:02Mwah!
42:03Mwah!
42:03Mwah!
42:04Love you all
42:04Thank you
42:11Everyone who sang for us in London
42:13Is back on the Your Song stage
42:14To hear who Paloma and Sam will choose to perform
42:17In their final concert
42:19At the iconic Hackney Empire
42:21Yeah
42:21I really feel London has delivered
42:24Can we just start with Vic?
42:25I'm in love with him
42:26Fly me to the moon
42:29You can't get closer to life
42:31Than being 90
42:33Getting up on that stage
42:34And doing what he did
42:35And I thought Maggie as well
42:36Really deserves a huge mention
42:39Yeah
42:43There was no vocal acrobatics
42:46Because the songwriting did the job
42:48Yes
42:48And one of three original songs
42:50I'm going through changes
42:53All three songs were brilliant
42:55Yeah amazing
42:56Big up Charlie
42:57Big up Dominic
42:58And I'm coded
42:59And I'm coded
43:09We had real hope with young people in London I feel
43:14Because he's 15
43:15And then we had beautiful Eden at 17 years old
43:19Yeah
43:19Human kindness is
43:23Everyone was moved to silence including us
43:27Oh yeah
43:28Because he's expressing pure love
43:30I'm not worried about getting into the final
43:32I'm not worried about anything
43:34Just spreading joy
43:35But ultimately you have got to come up with one singer
43:38To go to the final
43:39So good luck with that
43:40And I'll lead you to it
43:42Thanks mate
43:42We've got it
43:42We've got it
43:43I hope we've got it
43:52Hi guys
43:55Can I just say
43:57Thank you so much for sharing your stories
44:00Singing your songs
44:01It's been incredible
44:03But you may have noticed
44:04It's not just been the crowds of London
44:07Who have been watching you
44:08We've got two incredible superstars
44:11We've got Paloma Faith
44:12And Sam Ryder
44:15What's up guys?
44:16Everyone okay?
44:18Did you enjoy yourselves?
44:20Yeah
44:20Thank you so much for being part of this
44:22It's no mean feat
44:24The jump up on stage
44:26In front of a bunch of Londoners
44:27Bearing the deepest depths of your soul
44:29And I'm so proud of you
44:31And we're going to see each other again
44:33Because every single one of you
44:35Is invited to the grand final
44:37That we're going to host
44:38Just over the river
44:39Over there at the Hackney Empire
44:40I'm buzzing
44:41Only one of you is going to be performing at the final
44:45And the person performing at the grand final in London is
44:56Milo
45:21I think Milo has got a gift that even Milo doesn't understand
45:27There's something special in Milo man
45:29Because that kid oozes kindness and gratitude
45:32Oh my god
45:32Genuinely this means everything to me
45:34Mate, how he was describing his years at school
45:37Mirrored my own experience
45:38And that voice
45:39Magic
45:40Magic
45:47I always pick up on the negatives of myself
45:50Rather than the positives
45:51I was really umming and ahhing about every stage in this
45:55But I really, I'm glad I didn't stop
46:00Young Milo wouldn't believe me
46:02At all
46:04Singing is cool
46:05Singing is so cool
46:06I think you should really enjoy it
46:08Because it is so much cooler than people think
46:11I've been a dirty start
46:13Yeah
46:20Yes!
46:24The classic London everyone!
46:27Yes!
46:30Next time
46:31Live and laugh and hear the stronger but I try to pitch
46:34Go on then, dance
46:35The Your Song Stage comes to Birmingham
46:37Sure
46:38Where pitch perfect performances
46:42Lighter, Politer
46:44Spanning the musical spectrum
46:46Would be
46:47Post revolution singing
46:50It was an act of rebellion
46:54Leave Sam and Paloma
46:55Every one of you could be in the final
46:58With their toughest decision yet
47:00Are you gonna choose?
47:01Are you gonna choose?
47:26Are you gonna choose?
47:29You
Comments