To Angel Fire And Back
TO ANGEL FIRE AND BACK: Stories from the hearts of Vietnam Veterans, their children, their parents and their wives put to music and sung by Shareen. Shareen a singer-songwriter and musician, known for her soft country and folk music portrayals of real life stories and situations that touch and heal the heart, has at last completed a collection of music about the Vietnam experience. This project took seed in 1985, when her father, a Vietnam veteran exposed to agent orange and dying of cancer, made a deathbed request of her to write a song about his battle with cancer and bureaucracy. In his words "Promise me that you won't let your mother give up the fight - maybe you can write a song." This led to a long and beautiful relationship with veterans around the world who have made similar requests for Shareen to tell their story.Fifty percent of all profits from this album will be set aside in a trust account to be used to help Veterans and their families, who are still suffering the physical and emotional effects of war, and need help.
Songs reflect different aspects of the Vietnam war. They are drawn from the personal experiences of soldiers, their wives, parents and children. This is an attempt to honor these stories, give them voice and provide healing.
Read the Stories Behind the Songs Here
"TO ANGEL FIRE AND BACK" words by Shareen, music by Shareen, Bruce Schmidt. The author's attempt to understand and describe the larger purpose behind her move to New Mexico, her connection to the Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and why she and so many others always go "Back Again.""LOVE'S FIRE" words & music by M. Kelley A song of two young lovers, separated by war and reunited.
"SIDE BY SIDE, HAND IN HAND", words & music by Shareen Written for her parents on their 30th wedding anniversary, this is a tale of two people overcoming life's trials and standing together with love.
"IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?" words & music by Shareen. Written at the request of a veteran who struggles with depression, PTSD and suicide attempts. More than 150,000 veterans have committed suicide since the Vietnam war, more than double the lives lost in the actual conflict.
"DADDY ALWAYS LOVED TO SEE A HERO" words & music by Shareen. The author's fulfillment of a deathbed promise to her father, this is the story of his exposure to Agent Orange and his battle with cancer and government bureaucracy.
"GOLD STAR MOM", words & music by Shareen.Written by request, for mothers who have lost children in war. Shareen was helped with this song by past national president Molly Teator.
"THERE'S A REASON" words & music by Shareen author's search for meaning and comfort in the often unexplainable events of life. A affirmation of faith and trust with a gospel music flavor.
"ROOTS & WINGS" words & music by Shareen. A song for mothers everywhere to dedicate to their children about what is really inherited after death.
"PAPA, ARE YOU WATCHING?", words & music by Shareen. Inspired by the true story of one soldier's journey in reconciling the first time he killed in war. This comes full circle in the healing of two hearts and two cultures, two nations
"HOW DO I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?" words & music by Shareen. Requested by the Director of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, N.M. This song reminds us of the patriotism, pride and sacrifices made by our veterans, in our stead.
"NEVER AGAIN" ***BONUS SONG from Shareen's Peace Concert Album. A Song of peace and empowerment. The 1984 World Peace Conference Theme song written and performed by Shareen in Hiroshima, Japan. An affirmation that we can change the world, when we stand together.