Salford Songbook is a new initiative spearheaded by Salford Cathedral Music Department. It aims to explore a range of issues through workshopping, composing, performing, and recording, resulting in an ongoing digital resource for singing communities, inspired by Salford and the North West.

Chapter One – Songs of the Earth

Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, this first chapter is a collaboration with the Diocese of Salford’s Environment Team, bringing together children and young people from across the Diocese to work with Bolton-born songwriter Hannah King, to write new songs about our natural world.

Songs of the Earth comprises six songs which reflect the late pope’s call to take urgent action to better care for our common home. The songs were explored and written in the grounds of the Diocese of Salford’s Laudato Si’ Centre, a place of practical action and education that seeks to provide the tools and learning to help people of all ages take up this call. Read more about the workshops via our blog.

We are delighted to share these songs in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the late Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.

Songs of the Earth

Performance Playlist (with introductions)

Performance Playlist (songs only)

Lyrics Booklet
Full Score
Vocal Score
Lyric Video Playlist
Backing Track Playlist

1. Tree of Life

Workshopped by pupils from St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Halliwell

Introduction to ‘Tree of Life’ with Hannah and Emily
Performance Video
Lyrics Sheet (PDF)
Lyric Video
Backing Track (with lyrics)

2. Reuse it or Lose it

Workshopped by pupils from Christ the King RC Primary School, Newton Heath, Manchester

Introduction to ‘Reuse it or Lose it’ with Hannah and Emily
Performance Video
Lyrics Sheet (PDF)
Lyric Video
Backing Track (with lyrics)

3. A Weed is a Wildflower

Workshopped by members of Salford Cathedral Girls’ Choir

Introduction to ‘A Weed is a Wildflower’ with Hannah and Emily
Performance Video
Lyrics Sheet (PDF)
Lyric Video, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Backing Track (with lyrics)

4. The Pollinator Polka

Workshopped by pupils from St Antony’s RC Primary School, Blackburn

Introduction to ‘The Pollinator Polka’ with Hannah and Emily
Performance Video
Lyrics Sheet (PDF)
Lyric Video
Backing Track (with lyrics)

5. Willow Weave

Workshopped by pupils from Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Colne

Introduction to ‘Willow Weave’ with Hannah and Emily
Performance Video
Lyrics Sheet (PDF)
Lyric Video, Main Vocal (3)
Second Vocal (2)
Descant (1)
Backing Track (with lyrics)

6. Every Little Seed

Workshopped by pupils from Holy Family RC Primary School, Rochdale

Introduction to ‘Every Little Seed’ with Hannah and Emily
Performance Video
Lyrics Sheet (PDF)
Lyric Video
Backing Track (with lyrics)

‘Songs of the Earth’ were first performed on Friday 16 May 2025 at The Lowry, Salford Quays.