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Maria Daines: MUSIC

SAVED AND LOST

(Maria Daines/Paul Killington)
October 1, 2013

Benji photo Stoptheheartbreakpic_zpsc756a128.jpg

'Benji'

A young dog killed because of the way he looked

September 2013

BENJI'S STORY

The inspiration for this song is the injustice and heartbreak of the death of innocent Benji, caused by Breed Specific Legislation.

I wanted to describe in music the moments that fall by the wayside as an innocent dog is 'written off' and condemned to die simply because of his/her shape or type - and in the case of abandoned 'ownerless' dogs, no matter how friendly or placid, calm or loving they are, the minute they are breed identified as a prohibited 'type', failed legislation is enforced which delivers the final 'let down' preventing dogs like Benji from being saved.

Benji's fate was sealed this way.

I imagined him looking up at the sky wanting to be let out to play with a ball, giving licks to his jailer's hand, wanting a stroke on the head from the members of our society who would soon be killing him for looking a certain way.

Benji had done nothing wrong. He never hurt a soul; he would have been a wonderful companion to the rescuer who offered to give him a forever home in the countryside and in glorious acres where he would have run free with his canine friends, enjoying a life of fun, hugs and love.

Benji deserved a future, yet after being let down and abandoned he was further let down by so called 'civilised' human beings when he was not allowed to live.

Benji was killed under BSL in early September 2013. His life was stolen from him when he was within arms reach of safety... he was one day away from being adopted out of the pound.

This song is our way of saying Benji mattered, he deserved to live and regardless of what he looked like, he should have been allowed to reach the happy future that was promised to him by caring people.

Run free lovely lad. We hope wherever you are that you are at peace now, not hungry anymore, not scared or lonely, not locked away behind cold steel bars...

We imagine you running through fields of clover at the rainbow bridge, warm in the sunshine, young and healthy and with a smile on your face that only a dog can have when wagging a tail full of joy.

We won't forget you Benji.

Rest in peace now gentle soul, many tears have been shed for you.

You were loved
xx

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'Saved and Lost'

While you were by my side
I didn't know you were betraying me
While you were writing notes
I was dreaming of the big blue sky

While you looked in my eyes
I didn't know you thought I was dangerous
I was confused and tired
The last day for only one of us

I was only dreaming of where I want to be
I was only wishing, there'd be a place for me

But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...

While you were closing doors
I just wanted to go outside
Feel the grass beneath these paws
Let go the fear I had inside

While you can walk away
And tell the world that you were right
There's nothing I can say
Except you stole my life...

I was only dreaming of where I want to be
I was only wishing, there'd be a place for me

But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...

I was only dreaming of where I want to be
I was only wishing, there'd be a place for me

But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...
But I was saved and lost and saved and lost and saved
Found and turned in to my grave
A lifeline caught and then pulled away
And I'm not here to be your friend today...


© Maria Daines/Paul Killington
All Rights Reserved
(mcps) ASCAP
6.9.13


We thought this song could help an amazing UK animal charity who rescue and rehome many unwanted dogs each year. If anyone would like a copy of 'Saved and Lost' please make a donation to 'Carla Lane Animals in Need' and then email to let me know

here - maria@maria-daines.com

And I will send you the song as an mp3 by return email.

CARLA LANE ANIMALS IN NEED

Benji2 photo Benjisongpicwords_zps13b2e0ce.jpg

Kacey photo KaceylisteningtoBenjissongsmallpic_zps2e9a54c4.jpg
DDA Watch rescue dog Kacey, a victim of BSL (thankfully saved) listens to Benji's song in the comfort of her forever home xx


DDA WATCH ON FACEBOOK

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