The lives of the women murdered in the December 6, 1989 Montreal Massacre inspired this song, originally written for a 10th anniversary memorial. In reflecting on how their families would cherish and choose to remember their precious daughters and sisters, I drew on my good memories of growing up with my own sister and the value of that special connection.

All proceeds from the online download of this song were donated to Amnesty International's campaign "No More Stolen Sisters". You can download this song online at various sources. The song is also on The Peddler CD (2008).

You Can't Take That Away

© Maria Dunn, 1999

I catch my sister laughing at some silly joke we share
And I see her confident, taking on a dare
And I hear her voice calling up the stair
You can't take that away

I watched my sister striving to break new ground
And I saw her rising to the challenges she found
And I felt her touch when I was wearing down
You can't take that away
No, you can't take that away

I got my sister dancing in the kitchen, so free
And I heard her singing to a baby
And I speak her name because she's near to me
You can't take that away
No, you can't take that away

Not with power overrun from a bomb or a gun
Not with a fist or a threat can you make me forget

I see my sister's promise in another young face
And I hear her asking for a safer place
And I know her life was full of grace
You can't take that away
No, you can't take that away
No, you can't take that away
No, you can't take that away

*****

Maria Dunn vocal
Dawn Anderson harmony vocal
Shannon Johnson violins
Simon Marion acoustic guitar
Solon McDade upright bass