Get to Singin'

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a country music superstar. Actually, I wanted to be the next Wynonna Judd--literally.

The funny thing is that I have damaged vocal chords, the biggest question I get asked in my daily life is "What's wrong with your voice?" or "Are you sick?" (To which my answer is "nothing," and "no". My voice is different, that's been established on this blog.

But, even with damaged vocal chords, I still love to sing....

Sure, I'm a grown woman now, I know damn good and well that the chances of me becoming a famous singer were slim to none. I never really had the vocal chops to even try--this is a fact that used to devastate me.

Some people want to be famous athletes, dancers, actors or scientists--me, I just wanted to be a singer.

I know this isn't going to happen, and I know when it comes to singing, I have very little talent. But, you know what, that doesn't stop me from singing anyway.

The difference now is, I don't sing for anyone except myself. I have absolutely not desire to be a famous singer star--I'm GLAD that prayer was unanswered, really I am. But, that doesn't mean I can't still sing, and I do--a lot. And I still love it!

Sometimes I will sing in the car, or the shower (yes, I'm one of those people!), or even in the grocery store. I don't sing loudly, or even for anyone to hear me. And yes, I sing mostly country because if I can sing anything at all, it is modern country at best!

I grew up singing country music, and it's still my favorite thing to sing! It's cathardic. When I am singing, no what music it is, I am moved and healed in a way that nothing else quite does.

Often, when I'm very stressed, I will say to myself "you need to go sing," much like I say to myself "you need to go write." I do a lot of both. My mother tells me that I pretty much spent my entire childhood singing and writing in my room, and you know what, even as a grown up, some things never change.

I like to dance too, but being that I'm not in the best shape, I only last about one song when I'm dancing, but when I'm singing....oh, I go for at least an hour.

I like to sing different things at different times. Sometimes I like to sing happy songs to help me get to a happier place, sometimes I like to sing sad songs to induce my eventual tears (those are cathardic too). Sometimes, I like to sing "statement" songs--or songs about real life issues and social situations. And then, sometimes I just like to sing for fun! Fun songs that have no real meaning, they're just fun to sing and groove too!

And, even with my damanged vocal chords, I've come to discover, I'm not a horrible singer. I have very little range and I sing the lower octaves better than the higher ones, but I don't totally suck at it.

I'm especially good at singing Wynonna songs (gee, I wonder why?), Pam Tillis, Billy Dean, Phil Vassar, Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride. I also sing Garth pretty well, most of his songs anyway. Now, of course, Billy and Wynonna are like "old friends" (no I don't personally know them, although I have met them!), so singing along to their music is like a no brainer! And I've recently figured out that I sing a lot of Phil Vassar's songs really well. I like that. I sing Martina McBride well too, when she's not belting it out because I have NO power like she does vocally, but in the\ lower, almost whispering parts of her songs, I can sing those.

I find myself singing an array of songs at different times in my life, but I always find myself coming back to the same 100 or so songs. I don't know why. I just know I sing them well and when I sing well, I feel better about myself. And better about life in general.

When I've had a bad day, or I'm overly worried or sad--I will sit in my room, with the computer or CD Player and just sing and sing and sing. It doesn't solve anything, but it doesn't have to. Singing just makes me feel good!

And if I'm not singing literally, I like to start singing life's praises! That's fun and uplifting too!

I think a lot of people secretly (or perhaps rather openly) wanted to be a famous singer when they grew up. And I think a lot of people still sing--whether they'll admit to it or not.

Sure, I still have dreams of singing on stage with even one of my favorite singers--I think everyone does. I know I'll probably never get to do it, but a girl can still dream, right?

Singing has been a constant in my life for over twenty years, and I think it always will be.

Music is healing, it's awe-inspiring, mood enhancing, and life changing.....

Sure, my singing is not going to change to the world at large, I know that. I'm a big girl now, I understand that that dream was never meant to be.

But that doesn't mean I still can't use singing to change my world--to make me feel better--to rely on an old friend (music) to comfort, soothe and heal me.

Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful gift of music--and singing--and for helping me to realize that although Nashville Stardom wasn't in your plan--I'm not a totally horrible singer either and for giving me the courage to still sing Your Praises--regardless of what life throws at me. It's all a beautiful gift!

And with that, I'm going to get to singin'!

In Light N' Love,
-Sarah Liz :)

Music Monday--This is God

I've been thinking all week about what song to put on here for Music Monday, just now, it finally dawned on me.

Phil Vassar is one of my favorite singers/songwriters, ever. Back in 1998, he helped Jo Dee Messina resucrate her then faltering career with two huge hits "Bye, Bye" and "I'm Alright". Phil has also written for Colin Raye and Tim McGraw (My Next 30 Years).

When I saw him on TV 12 years ago, celebrating Jo Dee's success, then as a songwriter, and then again 2 years later with his first video, "Carlene," I knew he would be successful.

He isn't the biggest name in country music, why he's not, I still don't understand. But, I find myself turning again and again to Phil's music. Some of his songs do sound the same, but then again, so do a lot of artists' songs.

Tonight, I was on YouTube searching one of my favorite new songs, "Lemonade," by Phil and I found a bunch of his other videos. The one that struck me most was "This Is God."

"This Is God" is a song that came out around eight years ago, and I cried the first time I heard it. It is such a powerful, and yet simply stated song that it bears repeating. I'm not a fan of speaking for God, but I'm pretty sure that if He were to pop down here and speak to us directly--collectively--as a group of human beings, this is exactly what He would say.

This is one of those songs I wish I had written, and I will never understand why it isn't a huge hit, but I digress.

I felt compelled to share it, the video might have trouble finishing, but you'll get the first two verses, chorus and entire meaning of the whole song--it's sincerely brilliant!

Here is the incredible song, "This is God," by the multi-talented, amazing Phil Vassar:



Phil is also one of the BEST performers I've ever seen, I've only seen him once, but it was one of the best, most entertaining, high-energy, FUN shows I've ever been too! So, if you ever get the chance, go see him!

Happy Music Monday, y'all, peace & God Bless!

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of music, family, friends and laughter! I hope I'm doing You proud, I'm trying!

In Light N' Love,
-Sarah Liz :)