The power of music
W ith the election over, the worry begins on what the new President will do. On the other side, the blame game has already moved into high speed. But now we can move on to other important issues.
The sound of music is wonderful. Music unlocks the human soul. Music has allowed me to reflect, think, and decompress during this past election. While running, music helps me focus and keeps me on a certain pace.
Music helps me to move on.
Speaking of moving on, have you listened to ABBA’s song Move On? It is on my running play list along with many others.
Music allows the soul to express itself and allows one to fly high soaring with eagles and celebrate life. Music allows the soul to express sorrow, grief and serves as a healing balm to a wounded soul.
Louis Capaldi in his song, Someone to Love sings “I need someone to heal, somebody to know, somebody to have, somebody to hold …” a grieving but surprisingly expressive song.
The Hollies in their hit, “The Air That I Breathe”, expresses the satisfaction of love, “Making love with you has left me peaceful, warm and tired, what more could I ask, there is nothing left to be desired, peace came upon me and it leaves me weak …” What a great description of a satisfyingly strong expression of love.
Have you been the one in your family or group of friends who was the one everyone depended on, you were the one everyone seemed to lean on for support and then one day you needed to lean on only to discover there for you. It is then that confusion enters one’s mind.
The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) has a song that describes confusion. “Confusion it’s such a terrible shame, Confusion, you don’t know what you’re sayin’ You’ve lost your love, and you just can’t carry on, You feel there’s no one there for you to lean on … I don’t know what I should do, Confusion, I leave it all up to you, You’ve lost your love, and you just can’t carry on, You feel there’s no one there for you to lean on, Dark is the road you wander, And as you stand there under The starry sky, you feel sad inside … Confusion …” Who says you can’t go home? John Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles answer the question in their song, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
Crittenden County is home for me. I have lived in many, many other places and there are many better places to live, but this is home and I am doing my part to make it a better place to live too.
One of the songs I listen to when I am out running is Bob Segar’s song, “Against the Wind.” This song is a little over five minutes long and it helps me focus on running, often times against the wind and in the rain.
“… And the years rolled slowly past and I found myself alone surrounded by strangers I thought were my friends found myself further and further from my home and I guess I lost my way there were oh-so many roads I was livin’ to run and runnin’ to … against the wind … I am still running against the wind, I am older now and still running against the wind.” Running against the wind always wears me out!
During my 10k runs (6.4 miles) I listen to Jackson Brown’s song, “Running on Empty” – “Everyone I know, everywhere I go People need some reason to believe I don’t know about anyone but me, If it takes all night, that’ll be all right If I can get you to smile before I leave … Look around for the friends that I used to turn to pull me through Looking into their eyes, I see them running too Running on (running on empty) Running on (running blind) Running on (running into the sun) But I’m running behind.” Usually, I am running behind but when I cross the finish line that is mighty satisfying!
Have you made bad decisions? Bob Denver’s song “I’m Sorry” releases the emotions of a sorrowful spirit. This simple song is certainly one I can identify with.
Lost a loved one? Questioning what you believe?
Brooks and Dunn’s song “Believe” will strengthen your faith, acknowledge your sorrow, and allow you to release the pain of unanswered questions.
My dad is ninety-five years old and lives with my mom in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I sure miss them and realize I will not be with them when they pass. It is a future I have already accepted. Luther Vandross’s song, “Dance With My Father” has the ability to lure me back into my childhood living with my parents. What a wonderful song. Strangely this song helps me accept what is to come.
Of all the songs I listen to and enjoy, my favorite is “Amazing Grace.” Growing up in church I heard and sung it an untold number of times. It was only when I learned the history of the song that made it even more significant and impactful. If you do not know the history of Amazing Grace please look it up – it’s a story everyone can identify with.
Music is one of God’s many gifts and blessings to us mere mortals. Enjoy His Gift.
Clayton P. Adams, West Memphis, Arkansas, email: claytonp adamslll@gmail.com.
Clayton Adams
Time in the Word
