The Magic in the Music
What’s the magic in the music?And why does it bring us together like this?
We all have a longing inside
And it keeps us singin’ song, after song, after song.
(from "The Best Song Ever," by Chris Rice)
Is there not something mystical about music? Are not the themes of rhythm, harmony, and melody metaphors for life's deepest truths? Have you never been part of a live concert that morphs into one body with one heart and one voice?
I remember hearing a story from a friend about a "Godspeed You! Black Emperor" concert being more spiritual than any church service ever experienced. I remember times of songwriting where I am completely out of the way and "it" quite literally writes itself. I've found that if nothing else breaks the ice, conversations about music will quite certainly do so.
YOUR TURN: What's one mystical/magical moment you've had in regards to music?
"After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."
(Aldous Huxley)
I remember hearing a story from a friend about a "Godspeed You! Black Emperor" concert being more spiritual than any church service ever experienced. I remember times of songwriting where I am completely out of the way and "it" quite literally writes itself. I've found that if nothing else breaks the ice, conversations about music will quite certainly do so.
YOUR TURN: What's one mystical/magical moment you've had in regards to music?
"After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."
(Aldous Huxley)
Category:
general spirituality,
music
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6 comments:
I've always held a fascination with rhythm; drums particularly. I believe I’ve shared with you my story about the day I was alone in our practice studio and ate a couple of mushroom caps. I experienced something quite mystical sitting behind our drummer's elaborate kit, wailing away for hours. Every motion, every beat was effortless.
Many times over I’ve experienced the same feeling sans psychedelics either singing (there is nothing quite like the experience of losing yourself to the echo of your voice emitted through a massive PA system) or in the presence of others performing.
Music indeed has the power to take you outside of yourself where you realize, “this is the place!” Could it be this is where we are intended to be at all times? If we aren’t “there” now, when will we ever be?
BTW- I just finished writing a diddy, or I should say, it just wrote itself (as you say) and it was a most exhilarating experience. It’s been a while.
I know this might sound lame, but at a really lonely time in my life, hearing Michael Jackson's song, "You Are Not Alone" was like God speaking directly to my heart. It brought me to tears as hearing the Lord's voice always does. Then a friend ran up (Josh Young!) and proved that I wasn't alone:)
Also for some reason, "Shout to the Lord" gets me just about every time, and it's the music under the words, "oceans bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your name." It's not the words, it's definitely the music.
Remembering the experience sure isn't the same as having it... hundreds of moments with music and silence.
I relate strongly to Becca's comment; a church I went to for awhile had some of those kinds of songs, songs that have a promise of something more, something to believe in. (In a way, I suppose, like being engulfed in the best fantasy literature...)
mine is really similar to becca's too...just moments where a regular old song has been transformed into a love song from God to me...one was "keep on lovin' you" by reo speedwagon (yes, really), and "by your side" by sade (i know, i know). it's not so much the actual song that does it--it's the state that your heart is in when the song comes on...i guess being in a place of great need...realizing that you really are desperate to hear from Him, regardless of how He does it...i think that causes your heart and your ears to truly be open...being that hungry is both painful and wonderful at the same time. God almost always uses music with me...and i'm so grateful... :)
Very cool, everybody. Ya'll "rock."
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