How Can I Keep From Singing?

Posted on May 10, 2018

by Jane

Music & Art

Hi Frank,

I love how you croak at night. With ease, you seem to reach a rhythm that matches the beat of the twinkling stars. How did you learn to do that? I think I know.

As usual, I’ve been loudly playing some great tunes while zipping ‘round in my convertible and I’ve been thinking about the role music plays in our lives – and especially the role it plays inwardly for each of us. Whether we are performers or simply those who want to hum along to something melodious, our inmost emotions have an enormously satisfying method of expression — when our hearts are freed to bring forth song from deep inside.

I know of a young man who was once made fun of for his singing and he hasn’t felt free to do so since. Frank, I want to give you my thoughts in such a way as to override that cheap shot of long ago. Negate it with what I know is true.

Through voice or instrument, no matter the quality or how we do it, we receive the same beautiful results. Seriously. Whether in tune or not, whether of good tone or bad, we can reap the benefits of self-expression, laying claim to and celebrating what flows from inside and giving it out to the world. There’s really nothing like it.

Frank, if you haven’t fully partaken, I say – throw off the shackles and let song burst forth. The experience is too good to miss out on. It has the capacity to aid you greatly in expressing and appreciating your joyful moments, or alternatively, to lift you up, smooth out the rough path you may be encountering, and place you back on higher ground to continue the journey with new purpose. Very versatile, don’t you agree?

What an impactful feeling to walk down the aisle at the end of a church service, the choir singing down among the congregants and as we pass, hearing each voice raised in every pew — throwing caution aside and earnestly singing out with lilting notes and meaningful phrases, all of us together.

At sporting events it’s the same. “O, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave” is heard from virtually every voice in the crowd. They mean what they’re saying and it’s a confirming, unifying experience to be of one voice, proclaiming allegiance.

No matter the circumstances or situations in our lives, no matter the easy, light-filled days or the darkness that sometimes covers over us, music is there to play an important role in soothing or celebrating, calming or energizing, encouraging and confirming.

This reminds me of a song that speaks out so thoroughly that I find myself pressing the repeat button continuously. It’s entitled “How Can I Keep From Singing.” This link will take you to a glorious rendition of it, sung by Audrey Assad.