Kentucky born and spirited, this girl would long to be
a priest within the Cath'lic church, an aim she'd never see,
for, trapped inside a Spider Web, her gender would debar
and she would leave that dream behind, pursue another star.
Still yearning to take centre stage, a film career took sway;
a Ladder to fulfilment that meant moving miles away.
And NYC would be her home, an artist's chosen hub,
she'd work to earn her study fees by singing in a club.
Inspired by Billie Holiday, she'd strike a chord, beguile,
and fans would be enchanted by her sweet, laconic style.
She'd Relish then the path ahead, the journey still to chart,
combining love of poetry, of Whitman's stirring art.
As luck prevailed, an offer came to set her world alight -
a song called One of Us would stun and soar with global might.
Its beauty prompts us to explore our faith, devoid of fuss,
and asks the simple question: What if God was one of us?
Though sceptical of large-scale faith, she found a middle road,
by blending Christ'an ethics with a Buddhist conduct code;
creating in a world so wild a chance to Flyaway
and find her peace and harmony while Dreamin' 'bout the Day.
Her image thus would mellow from the party girl, once known,
with brand new sense of agency, contented in her tone.
She sings to us of Righteous Love, of getting to our feet;
a truth: Nobody Owns Your soul, it's time to feel complete.
And Brooklyn's vibrant centre is the place she loves to be,
recording in her Fingerprints its culture, history.
An activist, philanthropist, who's etched a role in life,
addressing social issues marred by Trouble and (its) Strife.
With gutsy rock and bluesy folk, this star has risen high,
evolving independently, empow'red by faith to fly.
And all the while, she plays her part, in deed as well as art;
in times of woe and Broken Wings, she echoes truth with heart.
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