Lily Cyr
Written by Rachel WangCongratulations to LILY CYR - A prize recipient OF THE #VISIONS2025 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROJECT!
I remember the day we received Lily’s submission. I was scrolling through our #Visions2025 inbox, opened Lily’s email, and began downloading the video file.
I pressed play and Lily began her video introduction. I couldn’t put my finger on what made her so intriguing.
Perhaps in a time filled with injustice and obscurity, her passion and energy made me feel hopeful. And then she started singing…
Lily is 15 years old and currently living in Ottawa, Ontario. She has been writing songs since she was 7 and started taking climate action at age 12. Being passionate about these two things encouraged Lily to participate in the #Visions2025 project - something that her dad Jeff Cyr shared with her.
After announcing Lily as one of the #Visions2025 prize recipients, I reached out to learn more about her. The first question I asked Lily was if there was someone or something that inspired her to write "Old Man Snoring". It wasn’t just one thing.
Before writing this song, Lily knew she wanted it to come from the perspective of Mother Nature observing us: humans. What we are doing wrong, what we are doing right, and what we could be doing better.
“My parents would always say to me: Put it in your art, Lily.”
Just from our brief conversation, I could tell her parents are two individuals that she gains strength and inspiration from. In describing her influences for her song, Lily brought up the nostalgia of when her mom used to sing her lullabies - and hopes that leveraging this nostalgia of the classic lullaby "Old Man Snoring" would peak interest among her peers to listen to her message.
Lily also spoke about being Métis on her dad's side and observing ceremonies; particularly in experiencing powerful female presences. This is something that I feel may have shaped her desire to address "the stereotype that men are better, stronger and more powerful [than women]".
This is a stereotype that, I believe, Lily and her generation will change.
Lily goes on to tell me about her lunchtime conversations with friends - about feminism, school dress code, Trump and politics. I then think back on what I would have been talking about at age 15; probably about passing my next test or hoping to make the soccer team - the big stuff.
Lily's generation wants to make a difference. But she reminds me what it feels like to be a teenage; and that teenagers actually have a lot going on. This sometimes makes it difficult to engage in deep and complex discussions. Even in class, she found it difficult to engage her classmates in one of Greta Thunberg's speeches at a UN event. Yet, through this experience, Lily recognizes that art can play a role in triggering a response from her peers - something that they can observe, listen to or experience in the context of climate change; and isn’t just something or someone lecturing them to do better. Artistic expression can also be helpful when people (of all ages) don’t quite know how to put their thoughts into words.
“The power that art has on people can be very underestimated.”
What struck me the most during my call with Lily was her response to the question: "Do you think the environmental movement is diverse and inclusive right now?" This was obviously a leading question and one, I thought, required a detailed and comprehensive response. But Lily simple said: "There is room for diversity in any movement." And this is true. We can always do better; and we must always be growing together.
Finally, bringing the conversation back to the #Visons2025 project, I asked Lily what her vision of 2025 is. She says 2025 is the year of promises - both true and untrue. It's the year that we will see the real consequences of our actions right now. If the Earth stops, we stop.
Reflecting on Lily’s responses, I feel hope and determination. If we bridge the passion, intelligence and vision of young people like Lily with knowledge from generations that have come before us, we can build a better future. And while we may not be able to stop climate change, in the words of Lily Cyr: “we can sure as hell try and help”.
Currently, Lily is writing an album for young women about insecurities - specific to feelings, body parts - and focused on relatability and empowerment. She is also writing a book that envisions a dystopian future (stemming from her love of fantasy series like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings!). Please reach out to visions@evoke-creatives.com if you would like to hear more about Lily's projects.
‘Old Man Snoring’ Lyrics by Lily cyr
I was only 4 billion years old when you decided to think that you were better then me.
And yet somehow despite all the hate you pour like my rain you still depend on me?
And isn’t it funny when I make a storm all the little kids start to cry? Well I’ve been warning you with the smoke I give that you ain’t the only one who can die, So
It’s raining and it’s pouring, I’m afraid the old man will stop his snoring. My arms getting ripped to make room for wealth. And my air is fully black and you really can’t go back And I know Ive had enough but have you? but of course... What’s that mean to you? Mmmmmmmm
What’s that mean to you? Mmmmmmmmmmmm
What’s it mean to me?
Can you make some moneyyyyy? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
What’s that mean to you...
My grass wants to be green and I know some of you got the thumb but my animals keep dying, seems like your afraid of them?
The big tall ice so cold and strong is almost like your hearts, thinking only of itself but when you get heat it’s start to melt, So.
This future ain’t so bright, sorry no more northern lights, I feel almost I kinda just can’t breath.. for you, for me.
So. It’s raining and it’s pouring, I’m afraid the old man will stop his snoring. My arms getting ripped to make room for all your wealth. And my air is turning black and you really can’t go back. And the simply ain’t that blue no more... but of course, What’s that mean to you? Mmmmmmmmmmmmm
What’s that mean to you? Mmmmmmmmmmmm
What’s it mean to me? Mmmmmm
Can you make some money? Mmmmmmm
So in 2025 I want you to have my eyes. So you can see through my very own looking glassy. So thank greta for the speech, and the schools for all green weeks, and the kids who waits a little longer to find a trash bin. Just one more thing to ask, I know your tired of that mask but I’ve been under one for thousands of “manmade” years.
So If I don’t survive, there’s nothing you can try, to make it be like it was before.
So let’s check in in 2044. Mmmmmmmm Mmmmmmmm MmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMM
It’s raining and it’s pouring, And the old man has stopped his snoring. And I’ve got no more arms to tear piece to price! my air is fully black and you really can’t go back!! And theres no more water that ain’t simply blue!!! but of course... I HOPE ITS SOMETHING TO YOU.
Please tell me you do?
God I hope that it’s true.
Because most of the time, I’m pretty good friend to you.