There are songs

Three years ago today, I posted under the same title. I wrote about hearing music differently after my father passed. At the time, I was discovering how familiar lyrics could have new meaning, how music changed for me. Some songs were comforting and some launched my heart into an impossible longing to go back in time. Lately, I am learning this again.

In the post on February 15, 2005, I placed the second half of the song, Musical Key, by the The Cowboy Junkies. The second half focused on the father. Today, I post the first half. Now as then, I find comfort in this song, but now in its entirety.

My mother sang the sweetest melody
Although she never sang in a musical key
I'd hear her through the house
My name called out loud

My mother sang the sweetest melody
My mother's hands were always cool and soft
And like her eyes they would caress with every touch
She would listen to my chatter
As if every word I spoke mattered
She'd hold me close and whisper in my ear

She'd say, "girl you are a part of me
I have made you strong
When you grow up and are on your own
Remember to win them with your song"