Music, a universal language of the soul. Regardless of our differences, the words, rhythm, and vibrations speak to each of us. Moments of our lives we wish to remember or tuck away. It’s no wonder we express solace and joy with the accompaniment of music, as a song can trigger memories and feelings stored deeply for decades.
“There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed”
2020 brought more chaos than we could have ever imagined. A pandemic, unemployment, a tumultuous election, and divisive rhetoric have been thrown around with careless disregard for the recipients. But also in this time, a return to simpler more intentional living has amended our previous plan. Calendars, once full of activity, are cleared of debris. Family dinners, phone calls, video conferencing, games, puzzles, TV shows, and movies at home have replaced the hamster wheel we were running on before.
“Some forever, not for better
Some have gone, and some remain”
Never did I expect to have our 4 adult children under our roof again outside the holidays, and yet for a month in time, there they were. The weeks went by fast, with very few pictures to look back on now, but pockets of memories fill my mind. On the first day we were back together again as a family, the 4 went for a walk and played outside in the backyard. Embracing the time together as though on a family vacation, where they only had each other for entertainment.
“All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall”
Albums of old photos can bring joy or sadness as they shine a light on memories with family and friends. Nothing is the same. But that’s how life is, continually changing. By clinging to what was, or longing to repeat the best of times again, the present moment might be forgotten in the process. Living might be replaced with thoughts of living, or time travel. Not realizing life is where our feet are, and with those who reside in our hearts.
“Some are dead, and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all”
Some songs embody this feeling of living. “In My Life”, written by John Lennon, speaks through the decades, translating pieces of his life into lyrics. The simplicity ultimately rings true for each of us, as we seek to tell our stories through pictures, art, and words. Our mission to be seen, heard, understood and remembered screams out as we seek to live our passions and purpose. Have we really lived? What is holding us back? Will we be remembered? Who is impacting who we are today, and who we will be tomorrow?
“But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new”
In 55 years, this song has been remade hundreds of times by artists of all flavors. While the lyrics remain the same, many have sought to express their feelings through varied tempos, much like a pulse. Some upbeat with gratitude, others haunting with a ring of sadness. From the expected to the unexpected, each playing tribute in their own unique way. While listening to Diana Krall sing her rendition as I write this, her sweet melody tugs at my heart as a reminder to cherish both the memory of what was, and what is.
“Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more”
As we learn to thrive in a new environment, we may find a kindling of new and old relationships, or a deep sense of loss worth recognizing. This time and reflection will be like no other. We will forever hold these pieces in our heart.
“In my life I love you more”