YOUR STORIES – YOUR SONGS – Part Two

So many MPC singers shared their personal anecdotes about how songs proved to be sustaining, encouraging or joyful in their lives, that it has taken two blogs to give you a chance to appreciate them all!

“Love Over and Over” by Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

I've only recently come across this song, but it's so upbeat and I love it. Plus, it references the Bronte sisters and the Yorkshire Moors, where I was born :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mc5yjQa2og

Helen Schneider - Vancouver Shaughnessy

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A few songs that always brighten me up -

“I Get a Kick Out of You” by Frank Sinatra. I saw Frank Sinatra in concert with my dad when I was 14, after having discovered his music a few years earlier. We always listened to this song, and seeing it in concert was incredible! We danced to this song at my wedding.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II78P4HxcX8

“Ragtime” from the musical, Ragtime. I have probably performed this song over a dozen times in front of an audience. Every time, it gives me goosebumps, and gave me the "choir high" each and every time, even in rehearsals. Seeing the professional live performance of this musical in the early ’90s set this song somewhere deep in my soul, and it feels like a part of my soul heals each time I hear or sing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nT4Bwc8Xz4

Amy B. - Virtual Choir

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Please be aware that the following involves the death of a child.

In May 2010, a 10-year-old student at my school passed away unexpectedly from a heart condition, while on vacation with her family. This sweet little ray of sunshine (and her mom) were huge Nickelback fans and she had seen them in concert.

This child’s unexpected passing really rocked me and our school community, and I searched for a simple way that I could remember and pay tribute to her.

Shortly after her death, the Nickelback song “Never Gonna Be Alone” came on my car radio. I listened to the lyrics with fresh ears, and tears came to my eyes. I decided that from then on, I would never skip past this song and would listen all the way through every time I heard it. This would be my little tribute to her. Over the ensuing decade, this song popped up quite frequently, more often than I would have expected, and I would always pause and think of her.

Rachel Woods, Oakville

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I am amazed at the sometimes enduring quality of even a simple little song, such as "Edelweiss," from The Sound of Music.

 I recall going to the movie theatre with my father to see The Sound of Music. (The movie and story resonated with our family because during the war, my teenaged father also tried to evade the Nazi occupation and he had hidden in the Austrian alps.)  I loved the movie and at age eight, what I was most able to remember and sing was the folk-like song: "Edelweiss." When my own children saw The Sound of Music more than 30 years later, they too were able to sing along with the song. They had heard their grandmother and mother sing... sometimes in harmony!

Imagine my delight when I learned that our five- and three-year-old grandchildren also know the song! When I was babysitting them just this past month, I asked them what song they wanted me to sing before they went to sleep, and sure enough, they asked for “Edelweiss” - twice!

Sometimes a "simple little song" is best. Sixty years later, it seems to be the case! https://youtu.be/tu-lcwhZcEs

Deborah Frehr-Smith - Virtual

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On the night I was rushing to the hospital to see my dying father before he passed, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie came on the radio as if it was a message aimed directly for me.  Although it was about a woman who was separating from her lover, it resonated with me as a daughter separating from her dad and him telling her that she will figure things out for herself, be a big girl and don't cry.  Even the ending was a sign off from da-da!  I was extremely moved and comforted at the same time.  

I hope you know, I hope you know

That this has nothing to do with you

It's personal, myself and I

We got some straightening out to do

And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket

But I've got to get a move on with my life

It's time to be a big girl now

And big girls don't cry

Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry

Da, da, da, da

Linda

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In 2021 we drove across Canada to see our daughter on the West Coast.  We spent an amazing week on Vancouver Island having many adventures!  Such a beautiful place. The day we had to leave she played a song called “Go Away” by Omar Apollo.  I was super sad to leave her out there and head home.  When she played this song, we danced, laughed and sang along with it.  I still have it on my play list.    The song super helped our spirits that day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oZzjj8EtuU

Music is so good for the soul! Happy dancing!

On our wedding day, my husband and I decided we would end our night with the song “Dreams” by the Cranberries. Our family and friends all danced together to celebrate such a beautiful day. A memory I will cherish forever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yam5uK6e-bQ

Trish Sousa – Burlington

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I was trying to cope with a loss and not finding it something I could handle very well. I would put on a brave face during the times when my children were around me and fall apart when they weren't there.

I tried to explain how I felt to my husband and he was sweet and sympathetic, but I still was very shattered and wasn't sure if I could see the light at the end of this tunnel. One night while I wasn't sleeping, I put on headphones and listened to some music. When I heard the song "Lean on Me" it took on new meaning. Tears flowed and I knew that I had a friend. Not my earthly friends who were also kind and beyond helpful, but one who knew how I felt without me saying a word. That was the beginning of me walking out of the dark tunnel and returning to my life. It took time but that song was definitely the turning point. Music is the key to the soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZgo8gMIoMit

Anonymous

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All I wanted for my 65th birthday was for someone to sing to me. I’ve always thought that would be so cool, so I Iet my family know my wishes. As I was finishing my birthday dinner at my daughter’s house, my sister and her family, my brother and his family, my dad, and my kids and grandson all suddenly put on black top hats and pink boas and started singing “Can’t Smile Without You” by Barry Manilow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_7-7myPxM

I was absolutely thrilled and moved beyond words. My nephew videotaped it so I could relive the moment forever. They surprised me again and sang to me on my 70th birthday, to “Here You Come Again” but this time with the words changed to be about me.

Music can be a wonderful way to let someone know you love them, and to show them how much they mean to you. Best present ever :)

Sharon Chin-Yee - Thornhill/Richmond Hill Choir

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