"Dealing with the Devil" by John, Bella and the Band of Singers
"Dealing with the Devil" written by John Allen, Bella LeNestour
Performed by John Allen, Bella LeNestour and Maesa Pullman (c.2021)
Dealing with the Devil is also known as A Place In the Forest,
was written as a lament to the suffering incurred by our modern lives - the exploitation of people everywhere, the loss of the ecosystems health and the loss of meaning. We live disconnected from the outcomes and external costs our lifestyle choices.
And yet, we can find solace and connection in nature, where there’s healing, and meaning is restored. This connection gives us a sense of possibility and agency in making changes for land based healing of people and place.
Lyrics:
Every time we buy it cheap
there’s a price to be paid
With every new tech toy
A new law must be made
Every comfort and convenience
There’s a hidden cost of joy
Every time you look the other way
You’re dealing with the devil
The tears of loss protect you
And your feelings... for the rain
Lo and Behold the devil
Is the Agent of Change
The cost is in the feeling
The feelings we must deny
Everytime we stand by innocent
And let… something beautiful die
There’s a place in the forest
There you will be heard
Inner nature nurtured
By the song of wind and bird
The lament of the loon it heals you
The smell of grass so sweet
Trees all whisper the message
You are whole and re-membered
There’s a place in the forest
There you will be heard
Inner nature nurtured
By the song of wind and bird, bird
There’s a place in your forest
Spirits there revive
Inner nature nurtures
And love for life can thrive, thrive
Inner nature nurtured by the song of wind and bird
There’s a place in the forest, there you will be heard