Music. I can’t hear it without a physical, emotional, and visceral response to the beat, rhythm, and words. This is my truth and has been since I was a child. Playing music on the record player and dancing around the basement as if I were on stage, was my perfect life. Once I was old enough to drive and go out at night, dancing and music flowed from my car to the clubs or wherever I happened to be.
Recently, I’ve been listening to my music app and choosing “songs and shuffle.” I love the randomness of all the musicians in my eclectic collection. One morning while exercising indoors due to the poor air quality outside, I needed motivation unlike ever before. It was a time of intense work pressure, and I didn’t want my head to ruminate on work issues with the same repetition as the elliptical machine moving my body.
I selected the shuffle option and let the music play at random. I released all thoughts and trusted in the known power of music. And on this day, a choir of angels understood the assignment and showered me with the perfect play list to remind me of family, fond memories, and the peace and presence of God.
First up was a song from the “Momma Mia” soundtrack, recalling multiple funny memories of seeing it performed live with my daughter. Once she called her father to pick her up before intermission because the performance was so bad by the local community theater group it was ruining her best memories of the movie. Another time we drove two hours one way to see the traveling Broadway production of it, only to be denied entrance because of our tardiness after a quest to find an award-winning donut. We gave it a go on Broadway in New York City, assuming a guaranteed quality performance, but NO! We both willingly left at the blessed break of intermission. All good feels thinking about the wonderful connection she and I have in this life and how fortunate she is to be a bride herself this year, “…that funny little girl… slipping through my fingers all the time…”
Next up was Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice” with the lyrics about the “rooster crowing at the break of dawn” which reminded me of the print I have from our friend Mark who painted a rooster and has beautifully merged his love of music with his artistic talent.
Eric Clapton followed with “Smile” a good reminder to relax my tight jaw muscles and know that when I smile the world smiles with me. More good memories: my husband and I danced to a Clapton song as our first wedding dance, and we just saw the guitar legend live last year.
Dylan came in strong again with “God on our Side” which is always a welcomed reminder God is on my side, even though the lyrics are much more about the evil in the world. I take what works for me. Double shot of Dylan was “Paint My Masterpiece” which is my former boss’ favorite Dylan song, it reminded me of how great it was to work for him. He was positive, intelligent, encouraging, and funny. The first time he saw me, after a ten-year gap, he said “You look fantastic!” I cherish the moment.
Rounding out this session of music therapy was a song by the group “CAAMP” who Mark, a dear friend, introduced me to while sitting in his backyard. The song was “By and By” which sings of “…driving through West Virginia…” which I did on my way to his house the very day when I heard that song for the first time.
The weekend arrived and I had to clean the house. To help make the chores less dreadful I listened to music. Again, random songs, and to my great delight, I heard a Jackson Browne song for the first time called “Walls and Doors” from his Standing in the Breach album circa 2014. The harmonious heavens opened in perfect timing with imagery and wisdom, “…there are those who build walls and those who open doors…for some it’s always winter while others have the spring…some people find good fortune while others never find a thing…” He continues, “…what use is the moon if you don’t have night…” JB hit the perfect lyrical nail on my head! In knowing thyself, I prefer to be one who opens doors.
A few songs later, Abba’s “Thank You for the Music.” YES, indeed, I was and am thankful for the music.
A recent book that I recommend to all, is “Theo of Golden,” within the story is a man describing how the best Port is made, “The roots can only grow in stony, difficult ground. The pruner’s shears cut deep. The grapes are crushed and kept in the dark for decades. For the sake of the sweetness of this very moment.” No truer words were spoken for anyone in the middle of a difficult, cutting, crushing, and dark time.
A good book, a good song, make good memories and a good life.
