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Red Balloon is a composition for a solo vibraphonist and spoken prose, which explores the nostalgic longing for childhood and simplicity. The red balloon symbolizes childlike innocence; the loss of the balloon therefore symbolizes the loss of the inner child. The balloon's return represents the struggle to recoup the childlike wonder for the world. The piece ends on an ambiguous note; whether or not the balloon's return offers reprieve from the longing is up to the performer and the audience to determine.
I am holding on to a balloon
Drifting, floating, wandering in the breeze
I am holding on to a wish
A wish that I could turn back time
As a child I dreamt of a red balloon
A balloon that could take me anywhere
my imagination allowed
Soaring the free air like a bird or a cloud
I don't see that blue sky anymore
I don't see that red balloon
I drive my own car
And spend my own money
But never on a red balloon
I lost the blue sky
I lost the red balloon
I am holding on to a balloon
Believing it will bring back a glimpse of childhood
Believing it's going to make everything all better