Perpetual Emotion Machine / Key
from Luz En Oscirudad / Candor
2007 / 2023
This track was first available on the digital single for Luz En Oscuridad by Perpetual Emotion Machine. The term best used to describe this composition would be an elegy — music written to express loss or regret.
This song was written after my family suffered the loss of a child who unfortunately did not make it to her first birthday. I was so overcome with grief that I could not talk, or write or do any kind of communication except for composing this piece. I was not able to listen to this track for many years because of the rawness of the tragedy.
This was a single session and it was finished in just under 3 hours. It has obviously very somber tonality and is very classically phrased — making it the perfect counterpoint to Luz En Oscuridad, which was also very classically inspired. But this was something I have never attempted before, this style of music. I realize requiems are religious in nature, but never having been that deeply involved in such things, this is just my interpretation of it.
In 2023, while searching for the best of my catalog of original compositions, I felt this was appropriate, and was compelled to try to add to it using additional parts and vocals. So it serves as an interlude on the Candor album linking the first and last parts of the album. The vocal style was inspired by Andy Bell of Erasure. The lyrics were written in Latin, but since I do not speak it, it may not be fully accurate. The new title of the song translates as “you can sleep” and is meant to infer a lullaby as well as a piece of mourning.
Kaleigh’s Song
Perpetual Emotion Machine
The original version.
Credits
written, produced and arranged by Perpetual Emotion Machine. ©2007 Woof Boom Productions.
Potes Dormire
Key
The Key version, with additional parts. All parts were resequenced. Title has been changed to reflect the Latin lyrics written for the piece.
Kaleigh’s Song
Key
Credits
written, produced and arranged by Key. ©2023 Woof Boom Productions.
Lyrics
As I do not speak Latin, I used the following English text to attain a workable Latin translation, using three different translators.
Precious child
I look at you, it is heavenly
You belong to this world
You bring so much joy to our family
We will cherish you forever
Here you are with us
Quietly, silently for now
Close your eyes
You can sleep without fear
Child of love
You look at me, what do you see
You belong to this world
It is not meant to be, to our remorse
You are called to another place
Here you are with us
Quietly, silently for now
Close your eyes
You can sleep without fear
You have no worries
You are loved, you are safe
You rise to the clouds
To be with the angels
What is an existence that could take you from us
You are so innocent and pure
You did not have a chance to see the world
With all the good and bad
I mourn the loss of you
But I celebrate your life
Quietly, silently for now
You can sleep in the embrace of the divine