thePULSE
From Left to Right: Steve Gags, Civ Rosado, Matt Jones, Angela Climes, Shana Carr, Wil D’Archangelo ~ Not pictured: Russell Garrett
December 2005 –
Some songs have the power to make us cry. Others bring back memories of lost loves or former friends. Some songs, however, have the power to change the world. On June 10, 2004, Fred Healey, President and CEO of Workers’ Credit Union, was due to receive the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Nashua Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America. In addition to the banquet dinner, which Healey described as the social event of the year, and the trophy, he was also about to receive an unforgettable performance by Fitchburg singer/songwriter Wil Darcangelo and his group Clarion.
The song, “Carry On,” was only the second song Darcangelo had ever written and was originally inspired by the volunteer work of Healey and others like him in the community. “None of them did any one huge thing,” Darcangelo said of these dedicated individuals. “There were no moments of overt heroism as much as there was a constant stream of contribution.”
Darchangelo’s performance inspired its own reaction ~ the audience of over 500 people gave him a standing ovation in the middle of his set. Healey, himself touched almost beyond words at the time, now says, “I was overtaken with emotion and I was taken aback too, when 500 people agreed with me. It was one special moment for these people and myself and my family and for Wil and his group.”
Though the song was originally written specifically for Healey, it has since been adopted by the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “We wouldn’t be in business without our volunteers,” said Bill White, Marketing and Communications for United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “Look at Wil’s song, it really speaks to that very well ~ Sometimes they do get tired, but they carry on.”
Darcangelo defines “to carry on” as “continuing in spite of hindrance or discouragement” and adds, “That’s exactly what they’re enduring right now down south.” He mentions the south because, since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, 25% of gross proceeds formerly channeled to the local chapter of the United Way has been redirected to the national organization to assist with relief efforts. ”Carry On” has become an anthem for those directly affected by the disaster and for those who have taken it upon themselves to work with the victims.
To date, “Carry On” has raised over $1200, said Bruce Lawrence, Darcangelo’s manager. But he has high hopes for the future of the song.”With the right exposure, this song could be the next ‘We Are the World’,” he said. “It’s the right message at the right time.”
Darcangelo, currently working with Clarion on his album “Call to Action,” said he intends on keeping the spirit of the album true to the message of “Carry On” by creating a commercial product with social impact, but added he will always stay true to his local roots. “I hire local people to accomplish global aims and that’s the way I intend to keep it,” he said. “This will always be where my anchor is.”
