Song of the Week: Patchwork Quilt -- Sweet Honey in the Rock

Patchwork Quilt
(Michelle Lanchester)

They unfolded your lives one by one.
They laid out your patchwork under the sun,
And people gathered from miles around
To witness your quilt spread on the ground.

And then they called out your names.
And then they called out your names.
And then they called out your names.
Oh, and you will live forever.
You know that I'll be loving you just like a patchwork quilt.

Well, there were men and women, mothers and fathers,
Sisters and brothers, daughters and sons,
And children and babies, and lovers and friends,
They all lay before me sewn into one.

And then they called out your names.

And then they called out your names.

And then they called out your names.

Oh, and you will live forever.

You know that I'll be loving you just like a patchwork quilt.

Your lives had meaning. Your lives had joy.
You touched so many people, many more than you will know.
And you wrapped yourselves around me
As I walked down these rows.
You're letting me feel your beautiful souls.

I feel the warmth of your lives.

I feel the warmth of your lives.

Oh, and you will live forever.
You know that I'll be loving you just like a patchwork quilt.

My heart spills over, flowing with tears.
I cry for your suffering and for your shortened years.
And I'll take you with me as I walk away,
Remembering you who have died with AIDS.

Yes, I remember your names.
Yes, I remember your names.
Oh, and you will live forever.
You know that I'll be loving you
Just like a patchwork quilt.
I'll be loving you like a patchwork quilt ...