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B.C. womanBԪַs birthday song for Queen Elizabeth becomes memorial video, 4 years later

Donna Hanson received 2018 letter saying queen BԪַdeeply movedBԪַ by her song, the first she ever wrote
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Screenshot of the video for Donna HansonBԪַs song BԪַDevoted Heart, A Song for My Queen, Elizabeth,BԪַ on youtube.com.

A Surrey womanBԪַs birthday song for Queen Elizabeth II has become a requiem with even more meaning, now that sheBԪַs passed.

Four years ago, Donna Hanson wrote and recorded BԪַ in celebration of her 92nd birthday.

The song was sent to Her Majesty through the office of Governor General of Canada, and Hanson later received a note on Buckingham Palace letterhead saying Elizabeth was BԪַdeeply movedBԪַ and BԪַvery touched by the warm sentiments expressedBԪַ in her song.

Posted to YouTube in 2018, a video that features a slideshow of photos of the queen is now being viewed by an increasing number of people. BԪַWhen I look at the analytics, weBԪַve seen a big spike over the past few days,BԪַ Hanson said Friday (Sept. 16).

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Donna Hanson in 2018 with a letter from the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting, in response to a song she wrote and recorded for the queen’s birthday. (Submitted photo)
Donna Hanson in 2018 with a letter from the QueenBԪַs Lady-in-Waiting, in response to a song she wrote and recorded for the queenBԪַs birthday. (Submitted photo)

Hanson feels that her song is now even more relevant, BԪַbecause people are saying the exact same things on the TV and radio, and people are expressing what is communicated in the song,BԪַ she said.

BԪַI just hope the song gets out there more and is heard by more people BԪַ not for my sake, but for hers.BԪַ

Elizabeth died Sept. 8 at age 96 at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland. Her funeral is planned for Monday, Sept. 19.

Now retired from a job with the Ministry of Labour, Hanson says Queen Elizabeth II has always been a part of her life. Growing up in North Delta, BԪַher beautiful portraits graced the (school) walls and gave me a sense of stability, respect, and honour for my country and my countryBԪַs relationship with England,BԪַ Hanson posted to YouTube.

In April 2018 HansonBԪַs song was recorded with The Lady Larks vocal group at the home of one of the singers, with musical direction from Karen Lee-Morlang. BԪַThis is the only song I have written,BԪַ Hanson notes.

Her inspiration came while listening to a song by Michael Bublé (BԪַClose Your EyesBԪַ) while walking in Bear Creek Park, not far from her home. BԪַThere were phrases which talk about the strength of a woman,BԪַ Hanson recalled at the time, in Melanie MintyBԪַs arts column.

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Posted below are the lyrics of BԪַDevoted Heart, A Song for My Queen, ElizabethBԪַ:

You graced the hallways of my life

From the time when I was small.

You lived within my history

And raised the standard for us all.

Your task was handed down to you

Destiny made clear your fate

And youBԪַve been true unwavering,

A path you didnBԪַt choose to take.

CHORUS

Beauty is deeper

Grace comes from within

When you do well

With what youBԪַve been given.

You made it count

Right from the start

Your crowning jewel is your devoted heart.

Sometimes when weBԪַre not very sure

And our world seems so fragile

Your presence gives stability

With your warm, familiar smile.

Good people leave a legacy

Like the beauty in a pearl.

You always will remain a gem

Within the crown of my own world.

And we want to thank you, for your devoted heart



tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com

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Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news for Surrey Now-Leader and Black Press Media
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