Set on a cold winter’s night, Spell of Winter weaves a story of a lone wanderer’s encounter with an enchanting cosmic presence, with a message from beyond the veil. A journey song, drawing inspiration from accounts of the Aurora Borealis shared by the Dene and Northern Tutchone peoples of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Lyrics: In the cradle

Set on a cold winter’s night, Spell of Winter weaves a story of a lone wanderer’s encounter with an enchanting cosmic presence, with a message from beyond the veil. A journey song, drawing inspiration from accounts of the Aurora Borealis shared by the Dene and Northern Tutchone peoples of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Lyrics: In the cradle of the winter In a far and northern realm Carry I the mem’ries of my homeland As I journey ‘cross the snow and sand Golden days are far behind Now the spell of winter has begun- it has begun!

Here, the days are passing swiftly Here, the night awakens awe Here, the nival creatures slumber – they dwell within! Lo, a green glow upon the spruce tops Colored tendrils across the sky – winter’s spell is cast upon this night!

As we journey through the cosmos Swells of color break across our bough Some behold it as a gift light Some the breath-electric of a star Spell of winter so sublime Dancing colors out of space time! They call to me, they call my name!

“Carry we the memories of a forgotten tomorrow across a sea of stars as our colors dance upon the snow.”

Though I stand alone this night on the wind is a whisper:

“Remember, you, before our silver cord is cut and the gold bowl is broken before the beasts return to the frozen lands that bore them.”

Said the starry spell of winter,

“Remember where you came from, and whose you are.”

Music and Lyrics ©2022, Ben Johnston-Urey. All Rights Reserved.