A Brighter Morning

Written and Arranged by Penny Stone

A Brighter Morning is a song that feels like a quiet, steady sunrise, growing in strength and warmth with every voice that joins in. Written by the Edinburgh-based composer and song-leader Penny Stone, this piece is a cornerstone of our repertoire this term. For anyone curious about the music we make, it perfectly embodies our choir’s philosophy. We don’t use sheet music, allowing us to move past the notes and focus entirely on the emotional weight of the words and the shared energy of the group.

The origins of the song lie in a powerful intersection of voices across history. Penny Stone composed the piece by weaving together two legendary calls for hope. The primary text is taken from Oprah Winfrey’s 2018 Golden Globes speech, where she spoke about the resilient ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning even during our darkest nights. However, Penny also expertly integrated a profound sentiment famously used by Dr Martin Luther King Jr in his 1968 I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech: Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. By combining these perspectives, the song becomes a universal anthem about finding clarity in times of profound struggle.

Penny Stone herself is a remarkable figure in the world of community music and social justice. A radical singer and song-maker, her work is centred on the belief that the human voice is a tool for campaigning and international solidarity. Through her project Sing Louder Than Guns, Penny shares songs that are free for communities to use and adapt. Whether she is advocating for human rights or leading local singing circles, her focus is always on breaking down barriers. For Penny, singing isn't just about performance; it’s a way to foster connection and peace across different cultures and backgrounds.

Singing A Brighter Morning allows us to experience this message of resilience in a very physical way. The song is built with layers that can be sung independently or woven together, creating a rich, immersive texture. Because we learn by ear, we are able to listen deeply to one another, making eye contact and letting the rhythm act as a collective heartbeat. There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the different parts lock in; it reminds us that while the darkest nights can feel isolating, the new day is something we build together through our shared breath.

Ultimately, A Brighter Morning is a celebration of our shared humanity. It reminds us that music is a universal language capable of expressing hope and courage regardless of our personal backgrounds. Whether you are a long-time member or a newcomer, the experience of locking into these harmonies is incredibly liberating. We are honoured to sing Penny’s work, joining a global community of singers who believe that light, whether found in the stars or a dawning sun, is always within reach when we stand together.

You can find out more about Penny here: www.singlouderthanguns.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkSShZbrTSo