Songs for the Journey Licensing Notes

licensing status and copyright research notes:

Licensing documents in Website Specialist Google drive here.

“I am a Woman ”

Source unknown. If you have licensing information, please contact us.  

“A River of Birds”

​“A River of Birds” is a song originally composed by the Oregon Women’s Land Community and later arranged by the women’s music ensemble Libana for their 1986 album A Circle Is Cast. The song is also featured in the compilation Circle Songs from Lesbian Lands, compiled by Pelican Lee in 2007.

Search history: Pelican Lee was contacted by email pelicanlee4@gmail.com on 2/20 and 3/25 and on Facebook Messenger 2/21/ Ladyslipper contacted by phone and email about this and remaining unlicensed songs.

The song “A River of Birds” was originally composed by the Oregon Women’s Land Community in 1976. It was later arranged by the women’s music ensemble Libana for their 1986 album A Circle Is Cast. The album credits Libana, Inc. as the copyright holder for the arrangements on this recording. ​

In 2007, the song was featured in the compilation Circle Songs from Lesbian Lands, compiled by Pelican Lee. While Pelican Lee played a significant role in the song’s dissemination within lesbian communities, there is no clear indication that she holds the copyright to the song itself. Pelican Lee has acknowledged the song’s origins, noting that it was written in 1976 by lesbian friends near Oroville, California, and that it traveled through networks of traveling lesbians before Libana recorded it. ​The Bird Sings

Therefore, while Pelican Lee has been instrumental in sharing and preserving the song, the copyright for “A River of Birds” appears to remain with Libana, Inc., as reflected in the album credits.

“Sweet Surrender”

 This chant is also known as “We Are Opening Up”  and is widely used in spiritual and communal singing circles. However the original author of the chant is not clearly documented in available sources. It’s possible that it originated within communal traditions and has been passed down orally over time. 

“Woman Am I”

Christina Stevens granted us permission to use provided we publish the information as it appears below. She was enthusiastic and would like to promote our fundraiser to her 10,000 followers on social media. Currently waiting for a reply from my email regarding her request for the best image to use for her promotions.

by Christine Stevens, UpBeat Drum Circles, Drumming up Diva Women’s Empowerment Drumming, 2009. Chant inspired by Women’s Way Long Dance, founded by Connor Sauer www.ubdrumcircles.com.

“We are the Weavers”

Also known as “We are the Flow” and “We are the Web” is a chant composed by Shekhinah Mountainwater, a prominent figure in the Goddess movement known for her contributions to music, writing, and spiritual teachings. This chant has been widely adopted in various spiritual and community settings, often performed in drum circles and gatherings. Given its communal and traditional usage, it is important to approach its performance with respect for its origins and the legacy of Shekhinah Mountainwater. If you have licensing information, please contact us.  

Search history: permission requested on 2/10 and again on 2/24 via SM’s website contact page; requested by email on 3/26 at shekhinamemories@gmail.com )

Permission granted April 19,2025: We are the Weavers license“

This email serves as our official permission to allow use and distribution of Shekhinah Mountainwater’s song We are The Weavers to support the efforts of nonprofit, Woman Within Western USA (1579 13th Street, Arcata, CA 95521). The use of this song is ShekhinahWorks’ donation to your organization in support if its mission to provide pathways to self-discovery, connection and transformation to women in the Western U.S. region.

“We are Women on a Journey”

a.k.a. “We are Sisters on a Journey.” ​“We Are Sisters” is a chant featured as track 4 on Crow Goddess, the debut album by the Crow Women, released in 2006. The Crow Women learned this song from a cassette by the Colorado Midwives’ Association. If you have licensing information, please contact us. 

Search history: Email sent to Colorado Midwives’ Association on 3/25 requesting permission or licensing info.

Steps to Obtain Licensing:

1. Identify the Copyright Holder:

   • Given that the Crow Women learned the song from a cassette by the Colorado Midwives’ Association, it’s possible the song was created or compiled by them. However, the Crow Women have expressed a desire to know the author’s identity, indicating the copyright holder may not be definitively known. ​

2. Contact the Colorado Midwives’ Association (CMA):

   • The CMA may have more information about the song’s origins and any existing permissions.​

   • Website: coloradomidwives.org​coloradomidwivesassociation.groups.io+4COLORADO MIDWIVES ASSOCIATION+4coloradomidwivesassociation.groups.io+4

   • Email: main@coloradomidwivesassociation.groups.io​Sonicbids Blog+7coloradomidwivesassociation.groups.io+7coloradomidwivesassociation.groups.io+7

3. Reach Out to the Crow Women:

   • The Crow Women might have insights into the song’s history and any permissions they have obtained.​

   • Website: pagansong.com​Crow Women+4Pagan Song: Music for Your Magic+4Pagan Song: Music for Your Magic+4

“The River is Flowing”

Widely attributed to Sun Bear, a Native American elder and teacher from the Native American Chippewa Tribe, date unknown.

Request made online i Feb (using a contact form) with a representative of the tribe who knows him. Advising they would reach out to him. No email found on this.

This chant has been widely shared and recorded by various artists and groups, often with arrangements that may be subject to their own copyrights. For instance, a recording by Deer Park Monastery features the chant and credits Sun Bear as the writer. Similarly, Larisa Gosla’s rendition in the album Songs of Ceremony attributes the song to Sun Bear. Therefore, while Sun Bear is the original composer, specific arrangements or recordings may have their own copyright holders.​Log in or sign up to view+4La Caravane des Sources+4SoundCloud+4SoundCloud+1SoundCloud+1Apple Music – Web Player

“Ancient Mother”

source unknown and attributed to midwifery birthing/doula chant, traditional Native American, and traditional African. If you have licensing information, please contact us.

The song “Ancient Mother,” with lyrics beginning “Ancient Mother, I hear you calling,” is a widely known song within spiritual, healing, and indigenous communities, often sung as a chant. It has been recorded by various artists and is known for its deep connection to the Earth and feminine spirituality. The version you’re referencing seems to include a mixture of English and indigenous-style chants.

As for the copyright of the song, there are a few important points to consider:

1. Lyrics and Melody: The song was popularized by various artists, notably Karuna, a women’s music ensemble. It is sometimes attributed to Karuna or other similar groups, but the exact origins may be difficult to trace because the chant’s structure and melody are influenced by various traditions and have been passed down informally in spiritual circles. This means that while a particular recording or arrangement might have a copyright holder, the underlying chant or melody could fall under public domain or be considered as part of communal cultural expressions, depending on the region and context.

2. Recordings and Arrangements: Different recordings and arrangements of “Ancient Mother” could be copyrighted by the artists or music labels responsible for the specific performance or interpretation. For example, a specific recording or arrangement by Karuna or another artist might have a copyright attached to it, but the song’s traditional form may not.

3. Cultural and Spiritual Context: Many chants like “Ancient Mother” are often part of oral traditions and may be seen as belonging to the cultural commons, especially if they draw from indigenous, spiritual, or communal practices. This can make the question of copyright more complex, as it can be difficult to pin down a specific copyright holder when the song is passed down through communities.

If you are looking to use the song in a specific context (performance, commercial use, etc.), it’s always a good idea to check the copyright status of a particular version (such as a recording or arrangement) to avoid infringing on the rights of those who may have arranged or recorded it.

“I am a Child of the Universe”

a.k.a “I will be Gentle with Myself” If you have licensing information, please contact us. (permission requested via email on 2/20? Libana & ladyslipper) 

“How Could Anyone?”

by Libby Roderick, Copyright 1988, Libby Roderick Music (waiting for Board approval for license purchase)

“Eagle’s Wings”

by Michael Joncas, Copyright Sony/ATV Songs LLC o/b/o Oregon Catholic Press (waiting for Board approval for license purchase)

“Sufi Dance”

4/2/25 request sent via email from online form with same text as others to Kandisa Music https://kandisamusic.bandcamp.com/track/may-the-blessings (5-7 day response time)

 Purchase the downloads below and receive an email with a download link. Clicking the link in your email will start the download and save the music to your device. 

(c) Women Worldwide – West Coast, Inc. dba Woman Within Western USA.