Ideas worth spreading

Singing old poems to life

1,074,228 views | Natalie Merchant • TED2010

Natalie Merchant sings from her poetry-inspired album "Leave Your Sleep," which pairs lyrics from poets -- from Gerard Manley Hopkins to a near-forgotten 10-year-old girl in Brooklyn -- with simple melodies and her unmistakable voice. Stay for an encore performance of her hit "Thank You," dedicated to a notable philanthropist in the audience.

Natalie Merchant sings from her poetry-inspired album "Leave Your Sleep," which pairs lyrics from poets -- from Gerard Manley Hopkins to a near-forgotten 10-year-old girl in Brooklyn -- with simple melodies and her unmistakable voice. Stay for an encore performance of her hit "Thank You," dedicated to a notable philanthropist in the audience.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Natalie Merchant

Natalie Merchant

Singer/songwriter

See speaker profile

Natalie Merchant's career spans three decades -- as the leader of 10,000 Maniacs and in her own solo work -- of making warmly personal music.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.