Sight loss choir tweaks Proclaimers hit to reflect on life during lockdown

A virtual choir of blind and partially sighted Scots has recorded a unique version of The Proclaimers’ hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)', tweaking its lyrics to reflect on what life has been like during lockdown.

The RNIB choir has reworked The Proclaimers' best known song. Picture: Sarah Standing

The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland’s Connect Singers choir have been keeping in touch over the telephone throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and decided to record a song capturing the experience of the past five months.

Mike Holroyd, the organiser of the choir, said the group decided to tinker with The Proclaimers’ best known song in order to give voice to the frustrations and difficulties that people with sight loss have experienced during lockdown.

The song’s new chorus in particular addresses how those with sight loss find it difficult to maintain social distancing while out in public spaces, with the new lyrics stating: “But social distancing is something / I will find it hard to do / And all I ask is understanding / That I can't see quite like you.”

Mr Holroyd explained: "When it comes to social distancing, too often sighted people think that others are being careless if they are getting too close to them.

“But the reality is that those who are blind or partially sighted can't always fully see other people even when they are alongside.”

The song was devised by Steven Johnson, an RNIB volunteer and singer/songwriter, who recorded guitars and vocals. Other members of the choir then added vocals and piano, sending the audio filed back and forward to one another to create the final version. Some of the vocal performances were even captured over the telephone.

Mr Holroyd added: "Singing has become an important pass-time during lockdown in many countries, and this has certainly been true for some of our members in Scotland.

"This has been a fun project. But it also highlights a serious issue. We have heard stories of blind and partially sighted people being shouted at because they have not been aware of queues or been unable to judge distances. This song conveys a serious message in a light-hearted way.”

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