There are at least three ensembles which use the name Cantus: 1) A 30-piece… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least three ensembles which use the name Cantus: 1) A 30-piece female choir from Trondheim, Norway; 2) A nine person vocal ensemble from Minneapolis; 3) An ensemble from Lithuania.

1. The Norwegian choral ensemble Cantus was formed in 1986 by a group of young women who wanted to take control of their own performances. The group, consisting of 30 amateur singers, is based in Tronheim and led by Tove Ramlo-Ystad, who joined as a singer and has become the group's director. Cantus typically performs arrangement of classical and contempary works, and has crossed over into jazz, folk, and pop music.

The group credits its participation in choral competitions with sharpening its focus and raising the quality of its performances.

Cantus has become an international sensation because of its inclusion on the soundtracks of both Disney films Frozen I and II, featuring the tracks Vuelie and Reindeer Circle, written by Frode Fjellheim and Christophe Beck.

2. Originally founded at St. Olaf College, Cantus is now a nine person male vocal ensemble based in Minneapolis. They sing a wide variety of vocal music, and have performed in some innovative theater pieces as well.

3. Cantus from Lithuania, making some mixture of Christian and Lithuanian folk music.

Wanting Memories
Cantus Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms,
You said you'd hold me till the pains of life were gone.
You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you,

Now I need you, and you are gone.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty,
But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.

Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place,
Here inside I have few things that will console.
And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life,
Then I remember all the things that I was told.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when i was young.
I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing.
I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride.
I think on these things, for they are true.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me,
You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.

I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far,
I know that I am you and you are me and we are one,
I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand,
I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me,
to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.

Overall Meaning

The song "Wanting Memories" by Cantus speaks about the longing for memories to teach the singer how to see the beauty in the world through their own eyes. The lyrics express the singer's deep sense of loss and yearning for the comfort and solace of their loved one, who is no longer with them. The singer vividly recalls memories of being cradled by the arms of their loved one, who promised to hold them and comfort them during difficult times. The loss of their loved one has left the singer feeling alone and without guidance.

Line by Line Meaning

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
The singer desires happy memories to help them appreciate the world in their own way.

You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms, You said you'd hold me till the pains of life were gone. You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you, Now I need you, and you are gone.
The singer misses a comforting presence in their life that they can no longer turn to.

Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty, But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.
After the loss of someone important, the world seems more bleak but the singer realizes that person helped them see the world's beauty.

Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place, Here inside I have few things that will console. And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life, Then I remember all the things that I was told.
The outside world can be harsh and unsympathetic but the artist finds comfort and guidance in the teachings of the person they lost.

I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when I was young. I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing. I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride. I think on these things, for they are true.
The artist reflects on happy memories that shaped who they are and takes comfort in how these memories will always be a part of them.

I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me, You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear.
The singer realizes that the person they lost is still with them in spirit, guiding and comforting them.

I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far, I know that I am you and you are me and we are one, I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand, I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.
The singer acknowledges the lessons they were taught and how they will continue to shape their life; they feel connected to the person they lost and grateful for the blessings they have received.

Writer(s): Ysaye M. Barnwell

Contributed by Bella C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Jojo8080daisy

2y↑4

Tuesday, April 5th is Saul’s birthday (he would have been 63). On Saturday, his friends are gathering to say our goodbyes…and today, I want to thank my dear, dear friend, my mentor, my teacher, and someone I can honestly say I loved – I truly loved.

Thank you, Saul, – I am sitting here as your memories waft around me – I thought that you were gone but now I know that you are with me.

Saul loved politics. When we first met, I made an off the cuff remark that he was “too political” he gave me that Sabú look of - what did you just say? His response shaped my vision and my social justice actions from that day forward and now I say the same thing when I am told that I am too political.

“I must be political. Once you leave the comfort of your home and close that door behind you, no matter what you think – you are being political. Simply being is political. Simply breathing is political. It’s all political.”

He was right. Mind you this was 1991 and we were in the middle of fighting Texas’ “no promo homo” law, we were in the midst of trying to save lives during the AIDS Epidemic. Instead of dealing with a public health issue, the Texas Legislature thought it would simply go away if we just stopped talking about it.

I will continue to condemn Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but I will also remind my fellow Texans that it’s time to repeal the “No Promo Homo” law that is still on the books. It’s time for the Texas Legislature to follow the example of Arizona, North Carolina, and Utah and repeal this harmful and outdated law so Texas students can receive the healthy and supportive education they deserve.

I promise to continue to work towards a system that is more inclusive, supportive, and effective for ALL of us.

All comments from YouTube:

@ymbarnwell

4y↑67

THIS PERFORMANCE IS BEAUTIFUL AND INCREDIBLY MOVING... THANK YOU. YOU HAVE GIVEN THIS SONG LIMITLESS LIFE AND ENERGY AND I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. THIS ENDING BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES. THANK YOU. YMB 8/14/2020

@lisatabak7944

4y↑8

I have loved this song since you sang it with Sweet Honey in the Rock. Thank you, Dr. Barnwell, thank you, Cantus!

@goosebump801

3y↑6

Thank you SO much for this wonderful, moving music, Dr. Barnwell!

I first heard it performed live in Minneapolis, at the most beautiful funeral I’ve ever attended. Its beauty haunted me for weeks afterward.

Now my mother has passed away and I find this lovely piece all the more comforting.

Thank you 💐

@kalasue1

3y↑4

Thank you thank you thank you. Your song has inspired me for decades. Humble humble thanks to Cantus for bringing it to such beautiful life.

@joncampbell7243

2y↑4

Absolutely beautiful & moving with tears reliving 81 yrs of precious memories! Thank you, thank you! 10/3/22

@anthonyboyadjis1349

2y↑1

Morristown High School. New Jersey. Class of 1977. (Same year as this recording). Amazing piece. We did not appreciate our ground breaking Director. Louise Sundstrom. Thank you. Thank you. Good for my soul.

@g0rdnHamsy

27w↑1

I am proud to call myself a choice kid after watching this… absolutely heavenly!

@m.s9146

16w↑1

Beautifully done. We perform this piece is nearly every concert, recently st the National Gallery of Art and last year for the composer.

@cantussings

16w

❤️

@christinemartines7358

49w↑1

so beautiful, like Angels. ! i watch this video everyday just to hear peace. thank you

@JosephJohnson-gu5fw

4y↑13

Opened me up real good. Thanks because I needed that. I'm away from my chorus during this.....I'm away from my tribe and I'm really struggling without our music.

We sang this a couple of years ago. It was the moment I knew this group was right for me. When we got it and took the notes on a page and made harmony with the world around us.........I knew it was the thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

@PaulaZF

2y↑2

What a beautiful setting, the space resonates in a lovely way. I love the main tenor voice and the little counter melody towards the end.

@mariadelourdesbrescianini5201

1y↑1

Belíssimos, obrigada por seu canto MARAVILHOSO !!!!! Curiiba (Paraná) Brasil 🤩🤩🎶🎶❤❤

@geraldgurss4499

2y↑3

i love this group so much

@nathanw.5367

4y↑8

My favorite song. The sound just swirls, just stellar.

@StJane

4y↑2

Oh THANK YOU FOR THAT STRETCH OF BEAUTY AND HARMONY !!! You blessed me good today😘💕

@Jojo8080daisy

2y↑4

@angelawho9083

3y↑1

This is , imhopinion. The most beautiful song. #Truth

@MrGeorgeandrews

27w↑1

Love this

@sambarton5963

3y↑6

This is a stunning performance! It works really well as TTBB, just beautiful!

@mollymoerdyk1682

26w↑1

Amazing!

@dwarpmunder

4y↑2

This is the song I found you guys through. Just awesome.

@lyranrane6927

3y↑3

Wow, this sounds so beautiful

@bronwynecg

1y↑1

So beautiful

@ophelia6149

4y↑1

It's lovely to hear how the music builds up at some points during the performance. The crescendos were very well executed <3

@anchorpoint3631

Interesting song. I first heard it on the documentary Spellbound

@barbarapendragon4976

4y↑1

spectacular, mahalo nui!

@bakersfieldcollegechoirs2616

3y↑3

I am searching for the arrangement that Cantus uses but I only see SSATB available. Is there a way to get it in TTBB?! I love this more than I can possibly say.

@cantussings

Send us an email to info@cantussings.org and we can try and help!

@bata64

I sing in an amateur choir in Japan.
Is it possible to buy TTBB sheet music for this song somewhere? I couldn't find it as far as I checked by myself.
Anyway, very nice poem, melody, and arrangement!

@cantussings

2y↑1

You can purchase the SATB music and sing in F#—

@tymd130

i loathe songs that throw away the basses with some useless doom doom dooms

@ymbarnwell

4y↑7

tymd130 Thank you for your comment, but how else would you provide a heart beat in a cappella music? I look forward to your response.

@tymd130

YSAYE M. Barnwell pulsatility can be achieved by rhythm, syncopation, and flow. That way the bases can provide their lovely velvet undertones and join in on the fun!

@paulryanarcolas327

4y↑16

@@tymd130 With all due respect to both comments, (especially to you Ysaye who composed this wonderful music) it needs to be put into consideration that this was arranged for Sweet Honey in the Rock which is an African-Amercian all-women a cappella group of which Ysaye is a part of. If you listen carefully, the "dooms" copy the common DJEMBE rhythms of African music. I believe these "dooms" give a consistent drive to the music. I don't understand why you suggest these pulsations to have rhythm, sycnopation, and flow when these three are very present in these "dooms". It remains constant and present while the music is building up rhythmically, harmonically, and range-wise, suggesting that these pulses are the memories that kept the narrator going through the ups and downs of life. These pulses are the sparks/remnants of the past that show while the narrator sits alone.

And this isn't one of those superfluous pieces that need a lot of movement from the basses or any singing part just to portray a certain emotion. "I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes." The text speaks of self-reflection. What better musical material can you portray that line with than what Ysaye did?

And I hope you realize that this song was dedicated by Ysaye to her father when he passed away. If you can't respect the musical setting of the song and it irks you that the basses were just doing dooms, show some respect to the composer and the life she shares through her music.

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