One woman weaves a message Singing the sounds of silence Another wheels her chair to the center of the stage Changing minds and attitudes With eyes that hear and hands that see These women working, living independently I look to you, I look to you for courage in my life And I promise it's not just foolish idolatry That makes me gaze at you in wonder Some drink and call it celebration For some it is pain and sorrow She says "Well maybe just this once would be OK"
But the voice of millions strong Surviving guiding light A circle holds her tightly and she throws the drink away So big and beautiful, she sets my heart on fire Like a raging river in the moonlight of the dawn She's the mother of my youth She's the daughter of my age This woman now and always . . Survival is her name, healer of my pain, quiet in her fame Goddess keep me sane