Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Cheaper than therapy

Music is an integral part of me, truly therapeutic. I often go through phases of listening to different music. There are times I get stuck on one artist, one album, or even one song for a riduculous amount of time. When Craig gets into my car during those streaks, he look incredulously at me, like you are not really going to even think about playing that song ONE MORE TIME. Then he flings himself out of the door into oncoming traffic. That is how we compromise around here.

Music is so expressive and there is infinite emotion in it. It has always been an outlet, a warm security blanket for me. Just consider yourself warned, because if you stick around here, you will see this theme repeated over and over and over again. To me, music offers a mental escape, something that my overactive mind often needs. More often than not, I can find a song that conveys my emotions better than any words could. Depending on my mood, my musical taste fluctuates. I just work that way. I just finished a book, Leading with Soul (totally recommend it), and the author said, "Music is the algebra of feelings." Uh huh.

Ray LaMontange is a person who is totally fascinating to me. To see him speak in an interview, you see someone awkward, foreign to his own skin. It is almost painful to watch him struggle in front of the camera. However, behind the microphone, he is alive and transforms into an amazing artist. It is powerful. His song Jolene has been in the back of my mind for weeks and it just takes my breath away. Often it is hard for me to identify what draws me to a song, so I will not slaughter it by trying to explain why I love this song.



Today is a sad day. I have to attend a funeral for my dear friend Jessica's dad. My heart breaks for her, and it hits way too close to home for me. Hard to believe my own dad has been gone over five years. Still feels like yesterday.

Heavy things.

Back to them fun and games tomorrow.

10 comments:

OT KG 68 said...

I couldn't agree with you more. Why change the CD, when you haven't heard a song enough times yet? Every time you relisten to it, you catch one more note, one more piece of magic that the last time you heard it.

Jenners said...

I have "ruined" too many songs that I used to love by repeated listenings so I do try to avoid burning out on a song. There are only a few artists/songs/albums for me that can bear repeated listenings. I think the iPod was the greatest invention of all time...I have a playlist for every mood. Without music, I would never be able to get the most mundane housework done!

bird's eye view said...

That song is beautiful. It's more of an emotion, not just a song to be sung, a little ditty to whistle while you work. Thank you for sharing your "song of the moment".

S.M.Fries said...

I loved your comments about music. I has lead me around by the soul for years, thirty professionally...not playing in the ranks of the box seat of life, but in the trenches, where people go to have a beer, dance a little and forget about life and all its responsibilities.

Princess T said...

I agree that music is very therapeutic, and cathartic too. It's good for purging the emotions. Beautiful song...

Special K said...

I knew I liked you! I feel the same about music. It can reverse or uplift my mood in an instant. I am not routine or scheduled, but I tend towards the same music. My mom gave me the "Mindy Smith" cd with "Jolene" on it and I sobbed for weeks listening to it holding my newborn Sylvie knowing she would relate someday being a girl. Loved your post today!

Special K said...

Now I had to dig out the cd. I love "Jolene" but also Mindy Smith "Come to Jesus" if you are religious. So sweet!!! Love it! Check it out on itunes. I love the whole "one moment more" cd if you are looking to change it up a bit.

And my friend lost her dad suddenly recently. I went to the military funeral and foresaw all of us good friends being there as each of us takes a turn at the horrible inevitableness of losing a parent. Hugs to your for being there for your friend. And so sorry for your dad.

Caroline said...

Ray L, is indeed great stuff. And I'd go utterly insane without my iTunes on any given day. Amazing what music can do to get you through, isn't it?

I'm so sorry about your friend's dad, I hope the day is kind to both of you.

Barb said...

I would not survive without my music! I must sing everyday...sore throat or not. I get cranky when I don't. Do you sing? You should try singsnap.com. That is where I sing as Waitressangel. I have over 2000 songs recorded there. I also made a CD of my own a few years back. Some of my journal friends have a copy of it. Keep music in your life and a song in your heart. :) Barb

Frankie and Bella said...

Haha, I am so glad, I'm not the only person who feels the need to kill a song. My partner calls me the 'song killer' becuase I just keep on playin that funky tune, until I well and truly want to run the CD over in my car :)