Monday, December 8, 2008

I came up with a few cheesy titles about music, including "Music of the Night," but decided to just go with, "MUSIC." Simple, yet satisfying.

I've been compiling a list of the US of A's virtues since I've been back here. Blueberries. Wide parking spots. Resale shops. That kind of thing. But today I added something I didn't even realize I've been desperately missing.

Music. 

I got really into music in college. I burned dozens of CDs and listened to music every waking hour. (I later had a consciouses fit and threw them all way. Dang Napster.) I bopped to music when I woke up, on the way to class and while I studied. And I sang all the hours in between. Music relaxed me, excited me, angered me, and comforted me - whatever my mood, there was a song. 

On the way to a test it was Streisand's "Don't Rain on my Parade."

At two-in-the-morning tank top parties we boogied to "Moulin Rouge." 

When the crush was crushing on someone else, Les Miserables' "On My Own" never failed to let me enjoy my wallowing. 

Everyone has a song for various selves- the sick song, the cry song, the "Had a Bad Day" song. 

My Man is equally obsessed with music, and our various apartments and houses were always booming with everything from movie soundtracks to jazz to classical to Guns n Roses. (Ooooo, sweeeeet child ah miiiiiine!) 

Until we moved to Brazil.

First and foremost, the whole throwing-away-all-our-CDs bit really cramped our style. I must acquire those songs legally, but the mere volume of Lost Muses is rather staggering. It's like doing my genealogy, for crying out loud.

But most of all, we just don't like Brazilian music

Every once in a while I throw on a CD at home, but frankly, it just adds to the cacophony that is three boys. I can't listen in the car because - well, there is too much. I will sum up. (Ten points goes to whoever knows what movie that's from.)

Last year we sent in my car for some repairs. My Man took out the radio so that it wouldn't get stolen. (All Brazilian car radios are easily take-outable for that precise reason.) Well, he put it somewhere safe ... and promptly forgot where he hid it. We never found it, and we still haven't bought a new one. Ahem.

Sometimes I really like driving without a radio. It allows time for serious reflection - too often there's so much white noise in our lives that we don't have a few minutes to really think. Some of my best conversations with Heavenly Father are in the car. Just me and my musings. 

So it wasn't until I got here that I realized that I have really MISSED all that white noise! 

My brothers are very kindly updating me on all the fabulous songs that I've missed out on. And I've missed a lot. Driving in the car with one of my best friends last week, I commented that I really liked the song with which she was singing along. She looked at me askance and informed me that the song was now considered 'old news.' I've truly been in a media black hole for four years.

Tonight I attended the Michigan Concert Choir's performance before the church's Christmas broadcast. They were ... incredible. Every note, every word crystal clear. I personally think they should sell CDs, become famous, and rule the world. 

Those Christmas hymns really set my soul on fire, you know? What is it about music that gets under your skin and makes you feel whatever the composer wants you to feel? I wanted to stand up, sing, shout HALLELUJAH, and let everyone know that I could FEEEEEEEEEEEEEL THE LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORD! 

I love music. And I'm so glad it seems to have missed me, too.

12 comments:

Pam said...

When you come over this week, I will put in my most favoritest CD. I do not care if I look silly of sound silly I will sing it out loud and will probably dance too. Get ready for a fun time.

Kristina P. said...

I was going to suggest maybe following MTV online, but then I remembered they don't play actual music anymore.

Aquaspce said...

I love music too.

I always have it playing.
And I totally think that everything NEEDS a theme song.

heidizinha said...

princess bride. ten points for me.

you forgot to add "dancing with brooms" on your late night dance party sentence. sometimes, i really REALLY miss those times (although i wouldn't trade now for anything).

heidizinha said...

and i still don't know when you're coming to see MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Kathy P said...

heidizinha beat me to it... I was really hoping to be the first to shout out PRINCESS BRIDE -- only a classic!

Music definatley makes the world go round --

Jan said...

Music is part of the beat of life. It is essential I think. Great thoughts.

Heather of the EO said...

Me too. Music does something amazing. I love it.

The Watsons said...

Hi Becky, I loved that post, you don't think about how much you love something until you don't have it and I would definitely go crazy without my music to listen to especially at Christmas! Your boys are so cute!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Project Playlist is a thing of beauty in my world. At some point I'm going to have to budget some money to buy music so I can listen to my favourite songs away from the computer. =P

Pezlady Jana said...

I love music too! But I like Brazilian music....or at least what was popular 11 years ago when I served there. Who knows what it sounds like now. Anyhoo, music rocks. I download a lot from iTunes. It's not that expensive, and you can listen to the song before you buy just to make sure it is the one you want and stuff.

Richard and Stephanie said...

You totally forgot the theme song of freshman year...that one from Chess...what was it called again? You and Kimi Jo NEEDED to listen to it over and over again..."I know him so well"...that's the one.

Music is my life. And living. Oh, and I totally recommend Walmart music downloads over iTunes. First, it's cheaper, and second, you can actually use them for more than playing on your computer and your Apple brand audio hardware.