The Musical Called “My Life”
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into
words and that which cannot remain silent”
- Victor Hugo
The music began playing the minute I started the
engine. I was on my way to take my
youngest daughter to work, and the song caused my often
tightly held emotions to surface. I struggled, but managed, to keep them in check as I usually do, so that I could take care of
the business at hand. However, I was
reminded of how often music has been the vehicle that has allowed me to
feel.
It might help if I mention that I am a thinker, and have often been accused of not
having any feelings. Well let me assure you, I do. I feel deeply. What I struggle with is allowing myself to
sit with the feelings, and express them, especially if I think I might get emotional.
My tendency is to analyze my feelings, do my best to suppress them, then find a practical way to deal with
them so that I can keep going. I have
been afraid that if I gave my feelings a voice, that I might never get anything
done, and there has been so much that needed doing. The exception to all of this has been
music.
Music has been the place where I have been both forced and free to just feel, and to express what I feel. Through the melodies and lyrics of talented song writers, I have found my voice. Thus, I have discovered that I experience a plethora of emotions, and that one of my most valuable gifts is my vulnerability. I have been told that when I am sharing my feelings through a song, when I sing something that directly reflects the deepest part of my soul, those within the sound of my voice are often able to get in touch with their own similar feelings, and we are connected. I have just been fortunate that I have been exposed to literally 1,000s of songs that have fed all parts of my heart and soul.
Did you know that there is likely a song for everything . . . every day, every situation, every feeling, every expression, and every person in your life? Well, there is . . . and I know a lot of them. In fact, one of the things my kids have groaned about over the years is my ability to break into song over just about anything. I have often said my life is a musical . . . and it seems to be true.
Music has been the place where I have been both forced and free to just feel, and to express what I feel. Through the melodies and lyrics of talented song writers, I have found my voice. Thus, I have discovered that I experience a plethora of emotions, and that one of my most valuable gifts is my vulnerability. I have been told that when I am sharing my feelings through a song, when I sing something that directly reflects the deepest part of my soul, those within the sound of my voice are often able to get in touch with their own similar feelings, and we are connected. I have just been fortunate that I have been exposed to literally 1,000s of songs that have fed all parts of my heart and soul.
Did you know that there is likely a song for everything . . . every day, every situation, every feeling, every expression, and every person in your life? Well, there is . . . and I know a lot of them. In fact, one of the things my kids have groaned about over the years is my ability to break into song over just about anything. I have often said my life is a musical . . . and it seems to be true.
When sharing the stories and music from my life, several friends have said
that I needed to write a book. Though I
cannot imagine who might be interested in reading such a book, writing it would
help me remember the events of my life, and maybe someday my children might
find that fascinating. At the very
least, by putting my life’s experiences on paper, I might finally be able to
rid myself of any residual grief or guilt, and actually focus on the absolute
joy I have known. After all, as Thornton Wilder said “We can only be said
to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” What better way to bring those memories,
thoughts, and feelings to consciousness than by relating them to the music I
have loved. So it begins . . . with the one song that has really been
the catalyst for all of this.
If I have the story right . . . and I often get things mixed up, so please keep this in mind as you read my version of the recollections of my life . . . anyway . . . the story as I understand it is that Felice Mancini wrote the words as a way to express her feelings about the people in her life. Her father, the famous Henry Mancini, read the lyrics and asked if he could put them to music. Thus the song “Sometimes” was born. The only version I am aware of is the one sung by the Carpenters, and recorded on their “Tan” album released in 1971. It is this song that inspired me to use music as the key to unlocking the stories of my life, so I share it with you now . . . and so it begins.
If I have the story right . . . and I often get things mixed up, so please keep this in mind as you read my version of the recollections of my life . . . anyway . . . the story as I understand it is that Felice Mancini wrote the words as a way to express her feelings about the people in her life. Her father, the famous Henry Mancini, read the lyrics and asked if he could put them to music. Thus the song “Sometimes” was born. The only version I am aware of is the one sung by the Carpenters, and recorded on their “Tan” album released in 1971. It is this song that inspired me to use music as the key to unlocking the stories of my life, so I share it with you now . . . and so it begins.
Sometimes
Sometimes
Not often enough
We reflect upon the good things
And our thoughts always center around
those we love
And I think about those people
Who mean so much to me
And for so many years have made me so
very happy
And I count the times I have forgotten
to say
Thank you
And just how much I love them
-
Lyrics: Felice Mancini
-
Music: Henry Mancini
My dear life long friend that I always thought of as my cousin, Lorraine Goodsell, that was beautiful. I am intrigued and at the same time connected to what has begun to unveil. As I commented on Facebook "Sometimes" is my favorite Carpenter song, probably for the very reason it is for you. I await with baited breath your next installment. There is too much to do for me to ever consider blogging but I do so enjoy other's blogs.
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