In memory of Abbey Lincoln (1930-2010)

Throw it away. Throw it away
Give your love, live your life,
Each and every day
And keep your hand wide open
Let the sun shine through
Cause you can never lose a thing 
If it belongs to you

There's a hand to rock the cradle 
And a hand to help us stand
With a gentle kind of motion
As it moves across the land,
And the hand's unclenched and open.
Gifts of life and love it brings,
So Keep your hands wide open
If you're needing anything,

Abbey Lincoln Throw it Away

 The US jazz singer and civil rights activist Abbey Lincoln has died at the age of 80 in Manhattan.

Lincoln recorded more than 20 albums, acted in films, performed with Billie Holliday and became a leading voice in the civil rights movement during her six-decade career. As an actor she was one of the first African-American women to act in a leading role, alongside Sidney Poitier in the 1968 movie For Love of Ivy.

Her last 2007 CD  Abbey Sings Abbey is a fine celebration of  a distinguished career. It is a beautifully restrained album performed by a singer-songwriter of great wisdom at the top of her craft.