Sad Songs: They Say So Much

Elton John sings “When all hope is gone… sad songs say so much”. 

There’s a certain song that makes my eyes well up every time I listen to it.  (What is it about music that can bring out such strong emotions?)

It’s called “Jersey on the Wall” and it’s a heartbreaking story about a high school athlete who is killed in a car crash just before graduation. Tenille Townes voice is powerful; but it’s the lyrics that choke me up. “If I ever get to heaven, you know I got a long list of questions. Like how do you make a snowflake? Are you angry when the earth quakes? How does the sky change in a minute? How do you keep this big rock spinning?  And why can’t you stop a car from crashing?”  The chorus concludes with “Forgive me, I’m just asking…” 

A close relative of mine, a self-identifying atheist, once asked me a difficult question. If I believe Spirit is omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent, why do so many bad things happen in the world?

The truth is, I don’t know. 

I try to accept that it’s not mine to know, at least not now. But it’s not easy.

Especially when there are disasters like the recent earthquake in Venezuela.

What I do know is that the attributes of Spirit – Light, Love, Beauty and Peace are always present, even when there appears to be nothing but pain and despair.  

What I do know is that in the wake of such a tragedy there are going to be many stories told about the positive side of human nature. The rescue workers from both near and far rushing to the aid of the victims.  The people who have next to nothing and still share what little they have with others who have lost everything. 

What I do know is that human beings are survivors. We are resilient.

Which brings to mind another sad song, “Rise Up” by Andra Day.  The music video depicts a young woman whose husband was injured in combat and is now a quadriplegic.  It shows her “rising up” to the challenge of doing all the daily things he can no longer do for himself. Such as getting out of bed and feeding himself.  Partway through the video there is a fleeting interaction with a handsome stranger in which she gets a glimpse of what her life could be.  But her resolve, her resilience returns.   

The number one tip for becoming more resilient, according to the Mayo Clinic, is to get connected.  Building strong, healthy relationships can give you needed support and help guide you in good and bad times.  It says a good way to connect with others is to join a faith or spiritual group.

My tip is to join us at the Canadian New Thought conference in September.  Together we will gather in community to explore what it means to cultivate resilience in a rapidly changing world. 

And trust me when I say all hope is not gone. Amy Bishop is our musical host. So, I’m confident there won’t be many sad songs, but instead uplifting songs. 

Which can still say so much.