Thursday, September 1, 2011

The Power of Song




Do me a favor and listen to this song...first.


Because you sang
(by R.P.Edwards)

Past the mind
Into the heart
 The word in song
A piercing part
That rends the spirit
The soul
The “know”
Once fallow ground
Now new things…grow


It caught me totally off guard. I was watching one of the final episodes of “America’s Got Talent” (a contest of sorts to find an “act” suitable for a Vegas run along with a million dollar prize [light, diversionary fare]) and, frankly, since part of the “filler” of these final shows usually consists of “modern” musicians and their offerings (blech!), I usually mute or fast forward.  This time, however, I waited a moment to at least hear the beginnings.  And, with the words in song, delivered by a beautiful voice…I was moved. 

The singer: Susan Boyle. A middle-aged success story who rose to fame from the British version of the talent show.  The song: written by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of  ABBA fame (younger folk ask your nearest elder) for their musical, “Kristina from Duvemala” which is, itself, taken from the novel, The Emigrants, by Vilhelm Moberg.

Anyway, aside from the backstory, the song comes across as if by a person in a dark, helpless, exhausted, desperate place; a place where they need God “to be there.”  And, as a Christian of some age (not “great,” but some) and, since even I have been through a few things (have not we all?)…this song somehow pierced the intellect and did an internal stirring. 

You know, it’s funny, and I’ve said it many times before; you can read a three or four hundred page novel and come away with a certain “feeling,” or shifting, or moving.  Or, you can listen to a four minute song…and get to the same place.

By the way, in my little research run I’ve noticed that Ms. Boyle’s rendition is a bit different from the original (word wise).  More centered and Christian believer focused (as opposed to fitting in with the story line) and, I must say, I like it. I like it very much.  And, over the last half day…I’ve listened; over and over and over. 

Here’s a link to Helen Sjoholm (original cast member) singing the version from the musical.You have to be there 

For a little more info, here’s a link to the site for “Kristina from Duvemal.” The Musical

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2 comments:

Leona Salazar said...

It's not very often that a book or movie touches me emotionally. Music however will very often bring me to tears. So, here I am sitting in front of my computer, on a Friday morning, with tears running down my face.

The Layoff Letters said...

Leona...I agree. And, I suspect the reason for "the tears" is that you, I, and Oh so many, have been to that spot where we cry out and say, "You have to be there! And, if Ms Boyle never sings another song, I am thankful that the Lord (yes, the Lord) used her, the writers, the musicians, and even a reality contest show...to reveal...His heart.