Step into the Lyons den

Written by acclaimed songwriter, Nadia Batson, the song has struck a chord with audiences across the nation and breathed new life into Terri’s career.

“Well Nadia was the one who wrote ‘I am Lion’,” she admits to WMN. “I just wrote the second verse... It was written early September if I’m not mistaken and the inspiration for it came from her seeing and knowing what I was going through because she knows my story and her journey was similar to mine, so she could relate...” Born into a musical family, Terri believes she had no choice but to be involved in the music industry.

“Both of my parents were entertainers,” she reveals. “Although many people don’t know my mother, Dionne Phillips – may she Rest In Peace – was part of Brother Resistance’s Rapso Band and sang alongside Karega Mandela. She was also a background vocalist with the Spektakular Calypso Tent. And of course, my dad is Super Blue, so I couldn’t get away (from music) even if I tried,” she laughs.

“Everything was music – my mother would even do revisionary school work with me using music, hence the reason I could still sing the alphabet forward and backwards – yes, backwards – I don’t know why I need to know it backwards, but it was taught to me in song! Reminiscing about her childhood, she says, “We used to live in Arima at one point and when my dad came home at night, he would whistle a special melody so I will know it’s him – up to this day we still use it, so music was packed into me. Most kids got a story read to them at night, but my dad would pick up his guitar and sing to me his version of nursery rhymes.” A jovial spirit, Terri has long faced adversity and has been sidelined and maligned in the industry – even as her tremendous talent evolved, matured and was obvious to everyone around her.

“When it comes to my catalogue of songs I’m comfortable with it,” she says. “I think I have improved in my writing over the years, even though some songs never got played. I’ve been a finalist in the Young Calypso Queens completion several times, a semi-finalist in the senior version and I won Best Local Artiste in the film festival for the movie, No Soca No Life.” “Aside from my achievements, I would like to highlight more the lessons I’ve learnt: the art of being grounded… grateful... thankful and humble. To have patience and a determined spirit and also to accept the things in life that just won’t be. I’ve actually learnt to be thankful for closed doors also because Lord knows I’ve gotten a lot of closed doors!” The mother of three-year-old Matthias, Terri says the experience has only been positive and has made her more serious and focused in life.

“I am a lot more serious about the things and people I let in my life now,” she confides. “I’m a lot more focused now also ‘cause it’s not me alone anymore. Becoming a mother changed the meaning of love for me - I have loved before, but it’s only now I understand the real essence of the word... I’m not trying to come over corny, but when you can stare at your child while they play and tears start flowing down, but you realize you’re crying because you’re happy, it’s because you’re experiencing a love that only God can explain - I know some parents can relate, it’s different! I thank God for blessing me so abundantly.”

Terri is also thankful for her own mother’s positive influence and parenting skills.

“I wish she was here ’cause she was a driving force behind me,” she admitted. “It surprises me sometimes when I see or hear kids don’t have good relationships with their parents – I was like my mother rib – she was like that with both my brother, Davon and me. No one could tell if we had or didn’t have ’cause we stuck together. She taught us how to be happy with the least of things.

“My dad was always on tour, but for the times I saw him, it was like he never left and that was because of my mother – she kept that connection even though they weren’t together or she might be upset with him. She always instilled in me that I should always respect my dad and he noticed it, so they always had and kept a good relationship as parents. So, with that kind of relationship between single parents, I grew up accepting things for what they are and being positive and knowing that there is a way that things could still work regardless of the odds or the circumstances...”

Terri is happy to be appreciated for her talent and determined to maintain her relevancy in the industry. Looking ahead to the rest of Carnival 2017, she says she doesn’t always play mas, but will be on the road this year.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the food,” she joked. “Somehow the food around Carnival time especially pelau does taste extra best! On a real though I am looking forward to performing and I’m not coming to fill anybody’s shoes - I am coming to showcase me Terri Lyons... Well, it’s funny that school mates will know me as Auslyn Lyons – yes, I know: Auslyn? Ask my dad... he is Austin, so he named me Auslyn,” she rolls her eyes.

“Anyway, I’m looking forward to all events. I don’t usually play mas but I played with Ronnie and Caro a few times and it was great! I mostly I stay in and watch it on TV, but I think I will be out on the road this year.”

Asked to sum up who she is in one minute, Terri is as jestful as ever: “I’m that Dark girl! Most people would call me that” she laughs.

“I’m very simple – not an in-your-face type of person; easy to talk to – although most find I’m hard to approach ’cause they say I always look so serious… Most of the times, I’m just thinking though.

“I’m a person who’s passionate about acting, dancing, singing, modelling, fashion... and eating! I’m all about making and preparing my son for life: I know I can’t and won’t be able to shield him from everything harmful, but I’m instilling in him morals, so if anything happens to me, he is taken care of and that’s my biggest project right now, God spare life.

“Right now, I’m focused on my son and career – the love and feedback I’ve been receiving is overwhelming, bookings are coming in and I’m thankful…”