A Gentler Way
A Gentler Way
As a child, Anne makes a simple proclamation at the dinner table — one that quietly changes the trajectory of her family. In a moment of dawning awareness, seven-year-old Anne connects the chickens she loves and cares for with the meal in front of her. Through tears and courage, she speaks a truth that reshapes her household and invites them toward a gentler way of living.
Told from the perspective of her mother, this song captures the clarity and moral conviction of a child — and the power of listening when they speak.
Song Lyrics
My daughter Annie
Loved her chickens
She named them, played with them
Cradled them close
She said
Animals want to be free
Just like you and me
At the kitchen table
An ordinary evening
Our family of four
Had chicken for dinner
She said
Animals want to be free
Just like you and me
Annie went quiet
She made the connection
Eyes full of tears
Just seven years old
She said
Animals want to be free
Just like you and me
I said I’d be her ally
The whole family followed
Annie showed us
A gentler way
She said
Animals want to be free
Just like you and me