Turn Up the Music
“Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be? The sweet love story that is older than the sea. The simple truth about the love he brings to me. Where do I start?” The opening lines of the theme song from the movie Love Story. One of those memorable songs that, when heard, can take you straight back to the moment, the time, the emotion, the experience, no matter how long ago it was. One of those movies where you didn’t just need a handkerchief, you needed a sheet!
“Somewhere my love, there will be songs to sing. Although the snow covers the hope of Spring. Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold and there are dreams, all that your heart can hold.” For my husband these opening lines of Lara’s theme from Doctor Zhivago would transport him to another time, another place.
In those first few beats of Carol King’s “I feel the earth move under my feet” my body cannot help but start twitching to the rhythm and I have to sing along. Then the moody reflection overtakes me as I ponder my life’s tapestry. “My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of an ever changing view. A wondrous woven magic in bits of blue and gold. A tapestry to feel and see impossible to hold”
What on earth would life be like without wonderful music, powerful lyrics, joy bringing, mood creating, dance invoking rhythms? Just like the power of a wonderful writer who can take us to another place, draw us into new characters that almost become friends, the power of a song writer, musical score composer, a powerful singer to transport us into a different space and time.
Recently, a few of us attended the local cabaret style production of songs from the musicals in Martinborough town hall. Lights low, music playing, the round tables and chairs filled the space. There was an excited anticipation amongst us as we thought we were coming to sit in rows. Tables dressed with glassware and jugs of water, we were made to feel so special as plates of fabulous grazing food was placed on each table. As we walked to the bar, the toe tapping, body moving, notes of “Mama Mia” by Abba were playing. Immediately, we found ourselves moving to the beat, singing to the lyrics and the mood was well and truly flowing with the excitement of the show to come. What a fabulous show it was.
Songs have an extraordinary power to unite people. Particularly hymns and anthems like “You will never walk alone” at a British football match. Songs where you just can’t stand still and have to run to the dance floor. Songs you just have to sing along to. Songs that fill your heart with joy, love, laughter. We all have them. Those favourites that never grow stale.
So today, whether it is doing the chores, driving, in the supermarket, all alone or with someone else, transport yourself from what you are doing and turn it into a joy fest of your favs and rock your socks off.
“You make me feel like dancing! I’m going to dance the night away.” “Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising. Give me joy in my heart I pray. Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising. Keep praising ‘til the end of the day.”
