Music means something
The following passage was written by Texas Children’s Chaplain James Denham.
Every night I sing to my son. Yes, he’s five years old, but until he expresses he’s done with it, he will just have hear me sing! For almost every night of his life, he has heard the same song (“Jesus Loves You”) with the same lyrics. The music has transformed for him from just lyrics and sounds to a comfort. When he is stressed or has had a hard day, he might ask for the song, or I can feel his body become less tense as I sing it when he snuggles me. Music means something.
Serving our hospital for more than eight years, I have watched countless mothers and fathers sing to their babies. Humming favorite nursery rhymes with gentle expressions. Tearful expressions of “Five Little Monkeys” from a mother embracing her baby boy. Whisper singing a baby girl to sleep. Laughter filled songs with lyrics that bring smiles to anxious and worried toddlers. I even saw an adult on a ventilator using rock n’ roll to drown out the hum of a hospital. Music means something for each of them.
What does music mean exactly? It means expression, it means hope, it means reassurance, it means joy, it means freedom, it means healing, it means release, it means “I can endure,” and it means worth and value to the listener. It means many more things too. Tony Sauza, a modern band director, said “Music makes us better humans and teaches us many lessons that transcend across to other areas of life. Music uplifts us and gives us hope when things get tough. Music comforts us during difficult times but also makes us move, dance, and celebrate togetherness. Music allows us to connect to our humanity in a way that nothing else can.”
Music transforms words and sounds into a language of the soul that connects us and lifts us.
Today, music gives me hope. This pandemic is terrible, and it feels never ending, and I feel the heartbreak and stretching of all around me. Yet still, lyrics of hope abound in the music we listen to. I felt moved to tears just listening to a special version of “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers and hearing ‘I’ll help you carry on…” Listening to “Higher” from DJ Khaled, John Legend and Nipsey Hussle, you feel empowered to persevere and overcome. Hearing the strokes of a violin from the concertos of Tchaikovsy brings awe and wonder. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the sacred every time you sing “10,000 Reasons” or other gospel music. Perhaps it’s Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” and your feel that jolt of energy. This is the substance of perseverance and hope. It is the substance that transcends the depths and uncertainties of a pandemic.
Music is the stuff of hope. It’s the kind of thing we need when our bodies are wearied and frustrated and when our minds are stuck and when we need to feel connected and grounded in our lives. Just like my son, and the myriad of patients who use music, it means something. It stirs what needs stirring. It gives us what we need when we really need it. It names the things we need named. It makes us want to move when we feel stuck. It speaks to our connection and our humanity.
What song has been giving you life during the last four months? What lyrics are in your ears often and keep you going? What music makes you want to dance in your car or brings a smile to your face? Stop for five minutes today and listen to that song. Or listen to a whole bunch of them. Let it give you what you need to know that you will get through this, and that we will get through this!