Sing! Sing a song!

 

    At this time of the year "songs" are in the air.  One of the radio stations I like, that usually might feature instrumental music, has choral pieces sprinkled through its playlist.  When I walk downtown, or through shopping malls, in addition to the frequent buskers, I also hear groups -- both small and large -- singing.  The songs may be sacred or secular; they may focus on a "silent night" or a "jolly old soul" or an evergreen tree.  Most are familiar (although I do like many of the new compositions).  Many I know well enough that I can join in.
       Yesterday, on campus, I sponsored the 5th annual "Singing in the Season", a time when folks from around DU could gather together and sing "wintry" songs, songs of snow, dreydls and angels.  The enjoyment of singing--and hearing--voices making a joyful noise was palpable.  More than one attendee has, in the last 24 hours, remarked what a great time was that hour spent.        I think often about singing.  Part of it, I know, is because I am a musician, both an instrumentalist and vocalist.  I've sung in choirs and community choruses for as long as I can remember.  I've been a choral conductor too, so I've helped collections of singers come together in common cause.  When you think about it, however, singing isn't something that many of us do all that often any more.  The 7th-inning-stretch in baseball games still features "Take Me Out To The Ballgame", and many spectators DO sing that.  But, as I attend other sporting events, there are fewer, if any, associated musical traditions, and even the National Anthem is usually a solo event.
        There is, indeed, something special about putting emotions and ideas together in musical form, and then "letting it out".  Some of the folks who gathered in Evans Chapel yesterday mentioned that they rarely get to sing with others often remarking that "well, my voice just isn't that good."  Well, I certainly have met many folks who can't carry the proverbial "tune" in the proverbial "bucket".   But my experience has been that, like those in the Chapel yesterday, even many of the "tune-less" enjoy singing, if only in the shower.         We're not all candidates for "The Voice" or "America's Got Talent".  I understand that.  But most, if not all, of us would benefit from a bit more singing.  It's fun.  It's a release.  And, it's good for our psychological health!  So, perhaps it's a ripe idea for a New Year's Resolution:  "I will not let someone else sing MY song!  I will do it myself and enjoy it!"  Maybe the Carpenters (showing my age!) were right:

Sing. 
Sing a song. 
Sing out loud, sing out strong. 
Sing of good things, not bad. 
Sing of happy, not sad. 
Sing. 
Sing a song. 
Make it simple to last your whole life long. 
Don´t worry that it´s not good enough for anyone else to hear. 
Just sing. 
Sing a song. 
La La La La La La 
La La La La La La 

La La La La La La 
Sing. Sing a song. 
Let the world. 
Sing out loud. 
Sing of love there, could be. 
Sing for you and for me. 
Sing a song. 
Make it simple to last your whole life long. 
Don´t worry that it´s not good enough for anyone else to hear. 
Just sing, sing a song.*

Blessings,

Chaplain Gary
* http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/carpenters-lyrics/sing-a-song-lyrics.html