SoNG: Leaping Out into the Darkness

Seneca Army Depot action at the main gate, August 25, 1983

Leaping Out Into the Darkness

Songwriter(s) unknown
PeHP Source: ADB songsheets,1985-87; Average Dyke Band Dorm Room Recording, 1985

"Helen taught us this song in the summer of 1985 after spending time the previous year at Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp. It became an ADB favorite." - Hershe

I’m leaping out into the darkness.
I take my life in my own hands.
I’m leaping out into the darkness.
I hope my sisters understand.

I’m going up and down and I’m soaring around,
I’m touching everything I see.
I’m leaping out into the darkness, I hope someday you’ll come with me.

I’m leaping out into the darkness.
My feet have left the ground.
I’m leaping out into the darkness.
I can’t see or hear a sound.

But there’s a velvet softness coming over me to keep me from all harm.
I’m leaping out into the darkness into a woman’s arms.

I’m leaping out into the darkness.
I’m passing by the silver stars.
I’m leaping out into the darkness.
Into a place that once was ours.

But then the men came down and took it away
and it was hidden from our eyes.
I’m leaping out into the darkness into forbidden skies.

I’m leaping out into the darkness.
A blinding flash of yellow light.
I’m leaping out into the darkness.
I’m going to regain ancient sight.

Now the sky’s opened up and she’s laid out a path,
red, green, yellow and blue.
Take hold of my hand, you can come too!

* The Average Dyke Band (ADB) sprang up at the Women's Encampment for a Future of Peace & Justice in the summer of 1985.  The theory they put into action was that songs, singing, and musical instrumentation were not the domain of an exclusive, talented few. They had found that far too many of their sisters fell silent musically because somewhere along the way they were told they didn't have a good voice, couldn't carry a tune, couldn't keep a beat. The ADB, then, was the musical counterpart to WEFPJ's consensus process philosophy and practice - every woman's voice would be heard. They were inclusive, they were average, and they had a damn good time.