I remember one time in my late teens. I was hanging out with friends doing what teens do: complaining about restrictions on the life we thought we wanted to live; wishing for more freedoms; dreaming of the perfect partner; ribbing each other; and worrying about grades and the future.
A song came on and, as usual, I gushed, “I love this song.” It was a mantra. I loved music then – the lyrics, the beat, the tunes of my life. I still do! One of my guy friends rolled his eyes. “Of course you do,” he moaned, “you love all these songs.” His best friend chimed in, “Anytime you wonder what’s going on in Judy’s life, just turn on the radio. Every song is a glimpse her current situation.”
Years later, I admit they weren’t wrong. I’ve always connected to certain lines in songs. I love to sing along. I love to relate to music. I love to share my experiences with songwriters, artists and the world … even when they have no idea I’m sharing them.
As I sit on an airplane, cruising across this magnificent country, I find myself smiling and mentally singing along with dozens of my favorite songs. My playlist shuffles seamlessly from song to song. I break into big grins and enjoy the lyrics. “I can stay right here forever in your arms” evokes moments of love with my husband. “I’m a picture-perfect painting of imperfection” strikes a chord as I realize my soul is – and always will be – unsettled. “Boys are dumb, but you gonna find you one. Love him hard and bless your heart, when you need someone to listen, that’s why I leave a light on in the kitchen” makes me think of my daughter and her daughters … and the angst that is omnipresent in their futures.
Songs really do tell the stories of our lives. We share emotions over the loss of loved ones, the joy of a beautiful day and the hopes for our children’s and grandchildren’s futures. Lyricists capture our dreams, musicians put those dreams to music and superstars channel their vocal talents so we can universally realize we are not alone on this voyage called life.
Sure, there are times when instrumentals fill my ears. I simply close my eyes and enjoy the sounds that stream into my ears. It’s relaxing. Music inspires me to write. It calms my heart and eases the constant throng of thoughts and voices in my head. It makes me sway to the beat, tap my toes and even dance like no one’s watching. I shimmy along as I do housework and sing along imagining the sounds emanating from my throat are worthy of the lights of Broadway.
I take music with me on trips. I listen to new songs from radios in shops and hotel lobbies. I feel joy as I am validated that I am not alone in my love of the ever-changing soundtrack of life.
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Sing along – out loud or not – as you dance to the music of life.
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