The Dignity Song

Programme Notes

This deeply melancholic yet powerful pop ballad brings a voice to the invisible pain of loss, isolation and loneliness that exist as we grow old.

Reminiscent of the ballads of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, The Dignity Song intermingles powerful outbursts with a deep, pensive sadness. Drawing inspiration from lives long-lived, this piece will echo in our hearts and minds for years to come.

ROMY MOUNZER – singer

There’s never been a doubt that Romy Mounzer was born to sing and entertain. Music and its many genres appealed to her since early childhood. Her family recognized her talent at the age of 5. She would prance around in little outfits and pick up objects pretending they were mics and sing and dance, mimicking different singers.

Most of her inspirations derived from artists such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. “These three artists will always be icons to me and we can all agree when I say that they all share one thing in common…AMAZINGGGG Pipes.” Growing up, she also looked up to artists such as Barbara Streisand, Brandi, Monica, Boys II Men, Michael Jackson, and Christina Aguilera.

She gained a greater love and understanding for music by singing, dancing, writing, recording and performing at weddings, charity events, lounges, restaurants and by participating in several singing competitions. Chin Radio acclaimed her for her highly dynamic and angelic voice.

Born in Ottawa, Canada with Lebanese roots, Romy is known for experimenting with different sounds, instruments and vocal styles that will surely redefine pop music and introduce a new sound that will definitely blow you away. “My love for the music is reflected in my enthusiasm and dedication to share my gift with the world. I need but two instruments, MY VOICE AND MY HEART.”

ADAM NIHMEY – lyricist

Adam is the Founder of The Eldercare Foundation of Ottawa, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of the elderly. Adam wrote the heart wrenching lyrics to The Dignity Song.

Witnessing in the early 2000s that both his grandmothers needed to be placed in nursing homes, he became exposed to the struggles that seniors face as their health deteriorates and they begin to rely on essential care, such as publicly funded services. He witnessed the toll placed on family members to care for their loved ones, and the financial and emotional sacrifices that often need to be made. He also witnessed, first-hand, the stereotypes that are placed on the elderly and how that makes them feel. Often lonely and alone, many of our seniors are ignored and forced to live their remaining years without companionship, and in some cases, without dignity.

Adam was born in Ottawa, Canada.

Lyrics

Strangers’ faces are the only familiar ones
Solitude is her only visitor
Comforted by memories with an expiry date
Home in a suitcase has become her fate

Loneliness is the only family she has
Independence was once a comfort she kept
The battle of mind and body is wearing her down
Success on her wall but sadness in her heart

Help me live with dignity ’til the end
I’m only a burden if you tell me that I am
So much life to live in my world of loss
Sacrifices made come at such a cost

Did you see her face when you walked on by?
Or did her cover create disdain in your eyes?
Now everyone seems to be a passerby
Like clouds shifting in the aging sky

Help me live with dignity ’til the end
I’m only a burden if you tell me that I am
So much life to live in my world of loss
Sacrifices made come at such a cost

Help me live with dignity ’til the end
I’m only a burden if you tell me that I am
So much life to live in my world of loss
Sacrifices made come at such a cost
such a cost
such a cost
such a cost
such a cost

In a strangers’ world that doesn’t know her name
Memories of yesterday shadow the fear in her