Music to My Ears

I remember as a kid driving over to my grandparent's house. The winding backroads, the narrow dirt and rock driveway that seemed to go forever to the remote kingdom of their 900 sq ft home, tucked away in the woods. Finding my grandparents inside sitting on the couch with their crossword puzzle and TV guide, betting nickels with each other watching game shows on their black and white TV. My grandfather would get up, lift the plastic cover off the record player, slide on a vinyl disc, and gently place the needle on its edge. At first, the dust in the grooves would create the crackling whisper of anticipation, and then out of the speakers would come to Benny Goodman, and the magic would start. Toes would begin tapping, shoulders would sway, and fingers would snap, they would grab each other, and love would swirl around the 10 x 10 living room. (This is my memory, and perhaps slightly embellished). Oh, to watch my grandparents dance. That's where I got my vision of what marriage should be, and also my awesome dance moves. Watch out, Alfred Brenneman! (From Hitch).

Fast forward to 1984 at the Worcester Centrum, 13 years old with Greg and Randy, standing in the dark, the crowd chanting "Bruuuuucee," all around us bic lighters in the air like swords of a Spartan army getting ready to attack! My heart pounding and then out of the darkness, Roy Bittan starts the quiet lead into Thunder Road on the piano, and the crowd is silenced as Bruce Springsteen joins in on the harmonica, and the sounds of young love and hope washes over us. (This is still my favorite song to this day, gotta be the live version).

What is it about music? The perfect melody, the lyrics that spark 1,000 emotions, the energy, and the peace. Nothing else can create such an array of responses and trigger endless memories. Even God himself calls us to sing and dance in praise. 

The book of Ephesians says: "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart."

Perhaps that's why it's the one thing that can draw people together like none other. It's why Susan and I spent so much time picking out the perfect songs and the people to sing them at our wedding (we nailed it by the way!) or when I'm having a rough day that Eric Webb can send me a link to a Dropkick Murphy's song and immediately cheer me up. Or when I hear the Beatles, I think of my Mom and Ella or my father when I play Leon Redbone. Or how, when Grant shakes to Rick Astley or Kathy lip syncs to Queen, it can send us off to the weekend with a smile. 

I think God created us to experience him through music. It's like we were programmed to dive deeper within our very souls when the music starts. Nothing else can create such joy or ease deep sorrow like experiencing life through music. If the God of a trillion stars knows us by name and calls us friend, why wouldn't he take delight in us enjoying the very music he placed in our hearts and minds to create. 

What's one of your favorite songs or musical memories? I'd love to hear about them. 

Last night, Susan and I were standing in the kitchen having a snack after work, and Eric Church's "Some of it" came on, and we both looked at each other and said, "I love that song!" If you ever wondered where the ideas I write about come from. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY_9y7QKoVg

Happy Friday!