Everyone can sing. Some better than others. Some of the best singing lives only in the the singer’s own mind. And that is OK. Music is often thought of as “the universal language.” Mothers sing to their babies, not worrying if they are being judged, or can carry a tune. It is, after all, singing. When the Lord delivered the Children of Israel from the chariots and warriors of The Pharaoh, Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, launched into a victory song! Paul and his missionary partner, Silas, sang in prison—at midnight. There is no silencing of singing!
In the early 1970’s the United States (and much of the world) was embroiled in intense conflict—internal and external. Discouragement lay on too many of us like a suffocating hot blanket. Out of the UK, Canada, and ultimately the United States arose an endearing song—- “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing in Perfect Harmony.” The song exploded in popularity. For the decade of the 70’s, its catchy melody and calming lyrics resonated within the very hearts of millions.
You may recall, the song was an oasis in the midst of a desert of angst during the Vietnam War. Sometimes singing is simply so inviting that everyone within earshot joyfully joins in. I think of Paul McCartney‘s song Hey Jude (there’s some intro first)—it is a song, not unlike some of the early Gospel songs—without written verses—where everyone joins in—they learn the words as they are repeated over and over—becoming one voice.
On a related matter, The National Institutes of Health reports that Contact with the mother’s voice, both prenatally and after birth, is also extremely important for creating an emotional bond between the infant and the mother. I once read of a baby whose mother daily sang to it during prenatal times. Soon after birth the baby became desperately ill. Doctors feared the worst. At some point, the mother began her ritual of singing. As she kept it up the baby began to recover, and thrived.
John Wesley, the father of the Methodist Movement over 500 years ago, was a great enthusiast of singing—as was his brother Charles, who wrote hundreds of hymns–over 150 of which are in the United Methodist Hymnal. In the front of that hymnal, are “Directions for Singing” (there are seven) directions from John Wesley. In No. IV he says, Sing lustily, with good courage. Apparently, over the years, Methodists did just that, and became known as “Singing Methogists.”
Methodists have developed a legacy of singing; Garrison Keillor, of the late Prairie Home Companion, once said, I do believe this: People, these Methodists, who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you can call up when you’re in deep trouble. The Bible has untold references to singing—some specifically using the word “singing,” most others refer to the presence of joyful noise or rejoicing. One reference I particularly like is from the Psalmist Come before His presence with singing. For me it says “God loves singing”—it is yet one more time when I feel God’s presence.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024
We never made it into the “Music Room” at Tom Stowe’s 90th birthday celebration last Saturday, but could hear the Altar Egos blending their instruments’ sounds together. That dear man called Al earlier this week to thank us for coming, and told him how much enjoyed reading the many cards and notes about how different people had crossed paths with him earlier in our lives.
Our Senior Center has scheduled a “jam session” inviting anyone who has an instrument to bring it, one day next week. We plan to go, and Al will take his banjo!
Love to hear the old hymns at Davisboro Baptist Church.
Music makes me happy🥰