Sounds of Pride: The Flirtations’ “Everything Possible”
Remembered as “the world’s first all-gay politically correct a cappella group,” The Flirtations were founded in 1988 by front man, Michael Callen, musician/author and early AIDS Activist. In the group’s short nine year existence, it recorded four albums; performed at numerous national venues and contributed “Mr. Sandman” to the soundtrack of the landmark film, Philadelphia.
Of all The Flirtation’s songs, there is possibly none more poignant, more meaningful and long-lasting than their lullaby rendition of American song-writer, Fred Small’s “Everything Possible.” It has become a standard among LGBT choruses, but here are The Flirtations live at Gay Pride from 1991.
“Everything Possible”
By Fred Small
We have cleared off the table, the leftovers saved,
Washed the dishes and put them away
I have told you a story and tucked you in tight
At the end of your knockabout day
As the moon sets it’s sails to carry you to sleep
Over the midnight sea
I will sing you a song no one sang to me
May it keep you good company.
You can be anybody you want to be,
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where your heart leads
And know I will love you still
You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around,
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind when you’re done.
There are girls who grow up strong and bold
There are boys quiet and kind
Some race on ahead, some follow behind
Some go in their own way and time
Some women love women, some men love men
Some raise children, some never do
You can dream all the day never reaching the end
Of everything possible for you.
Don’t be rattled by names, by taunts, by games
But seek out spirits true
If you give your friends the best part of yourself
They will give the same back to you.
You can be anybody you want to be,
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where your heart leads
And know I will love you still
You can live by yourself, you can gather friends around,
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind when you’re done.
Bonus Video: The Flirtation’s “Mr Sandman” (fab redux)
Previous posts from theOUTfront series “Sounds of Pride –The Music of Community, Love, and Equality”
Sylvester’s Disco hit, “You Make Me Feel (Might Real)”
Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing”
“Heroes” by the metamorphic, David Bowie
#proudOUTloud
