A song I haven’t heard yet

October 13, 2009 |
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When this life, this world, this Whole Thing is all over, and we have the chance to look back on the story that was our life, I honestly believe that we won’t experience it as a narrative, but that we will hear it as a song – the most beautiful, sad, triumphant song ever written, played, or sung.

I may not be able to dream up a story that could convey the simultaneous joy and sorrow that swirl together in this life – it’s too complicated, too nuanced. It’s both dulcet and raucous, soothing and raw; words could never get it just right.

But I do believe that music could.

THAT is why I love music – because our stories cannot adequately be told through words alone.

And all those songs that I have ever started and then abandoned, with no idea for which direction to take them? One day, they’ll come together like puzzle pieces. I will see the picture I can’t see now. I will hear the songs – complete, whole, perfect, and true.

I believe that.

The work that has been started is going to get finished, and the song is going to end with the most beautifully complicated, conquering chord ever (and never) imagined. We will hear notes that have yet to exist to our ears.  Everyone will sing along, instinctively knowing the harmonies and the counterparts.

And most likely, Alison Krauss will sing the descant.

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8 Comments

  1. Mom on October 13, 2009 at 9:33 AM

    sounds as if your evening with Alison was more than inspirational.
    so glad you got to go!

    Reply
  2. Mary on October 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    I just love reading your words. You are such an inspiration to me.

    And amid all the inspiration, you always make me laugh. I haven’t thought about or heard the word “descant” since high school, when this music nerd was singing them at jazz festivals throughout the PNW. oh man…

    Reply
  3. Whitney on October 13, 2009 at 2:08 PM

    Love it.

    The personalness, the humanity, and the eternity that a song can contain is beyond words.

    Reply
  4. Haley on October 13, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    *deep sigh*

    Reply
  5. FW on October 13, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    Hmmm…

    sounds like musings that are the precusor to a song: “The Musician’s Dream”

    (with apologies to Loreena McKennitt)

    Reply
  6. DianaW on October 13, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    This reminds me of my cousin. When she was 13 she was in a HORRIBLE accident at Lake Powell. When she was a few years older (and babysitting us) she told us that she had been in heaven {“near death experience”} — and the one thing she remembered most vividly, was the music. She said it was the most exquisite thing she had ever heard. She had never listened to something so touching.
    Thanks for your post Annie – it was a good reminder of the beautiful things.

    Reply
  7. hootenannie on October 13, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Mary, I LOVE the image of you singing the descant. That makes my heart so glad. :)

    Reply
  8. Dawn on October 15, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    Indeed. Perhaps an array of song and colors like this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYIfiQlfaas&feature=related

    Happy day,
    Dawn

    Reply

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