Without A Song pulls my heartstrings (pun intended) by reminding me of an extremely meaningful psilocybin trip I did a few years ago. I was seeking spiritual grace.
Being new to the experience, I accidentally did the “Heroic Dose”. I found myself deep down inside a myriad of caves feeling utterly alone - as though I were the only consciousness in existence. I thought to myself “of course there are others - just think of a song: it will bring you out of this.” And in my conjured personal Hell there was no song - no memory of a song (not even those I had written) and no ability to compose a song as though music never existed. I knew then then that within my consciousness I had destroyed all of mankind with my lack of faith in others. I needed to change in a profound way.
I was able to blast my way out of several levels of rock using my fists. Exhausted, I eventually came out of the trip like George Bailey after he realizes he’s back in the life he’d foresworn.
If I could have wrapped my arms around all the songs I ever heard in that moment - I would have with the ultimate and most sincere gratitude for every man’s and woman’s lasting musical expression of Soul. Meaning and Moment are Everything.
Thanks for the boost Su. I had never heard James Cleveland's version. He takes you to church. Irene Reid one of our favorite singers! "Big Fat Daddy" and "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show". The woman had a soulful voice.
Absolutely! Interestingly, my own mom and I talked about the mother v.s. the daughter's talent, way back when. A fave song of mom's was the young Judy singing Over The Rainbow. But I remember going to see Cabaret as a teen, and being just wowed by Liza. This video is lovely! Liza has really come into her own as a woman and performer (after the shy girl who sang Didn't We on Ed's show), and performs as an equal beside her legendary mom: https://youtu.be/3Wmxh2xC4eo?si=f-1ZSf2KBBcz3zsX
Without a Song
Wow. Great piece, Su.
Without A Song pulls my heartstrings (pun intended) by reminding me of an extremely meaningful psilocybin trip I did a few years ago. I was seeking spiritual grace.
Being new to the experience, I accidentally did the “Heroic Dose”. I found myself deep down inside a myriad of caves feeling utterly alone - as though I were the only consciousness in existence. I thought to myself “of course there are others - just think of a song: it will bring you out of this.” And in my conjured personal Hell there was no song - no memory of a song (not even those I had written) and no ability to compose a song as though music never existed. I knew then then that within my consciousness I had destroyed all of mankind with my lack of faith in others. I needed to change in a profound way.
I was able to blast my way out of several levels of rock using my fists. Exhausted, I eventually came out of the trip like George Bailey after he realizes he’s back in the life he’d foresworn.
If I could have wrapped my arms around all the songs I ever heard in that moment - I would have with the ultimate and most sincere gratitude for every man’s and woman’s lasting musical expression of Soul. Meaning and Moment are Everything.
Thanks for the boost Su. I had never heard James Cleveland's version. He takes you to church. Irene Reid one of our favorite singers! "Big Fat Daddy" and "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show". The woman had a soulful voice.
A very interesting and informative post, Su. Thank you!
I love a young Liza Minelli singing "Didn't We" on Ed Sullivan:
https://youtu.be/ICxFCJv5Hhw?si=pjapihlebSqXX0rL
And I am encouraged by the recent popularity of "Rich Men". There is hope. ;)
Absolutely! Interestingly, my own mom and I talked about the mother v.s. the daughter's talent, way back when. A fave song of mom's was the young Judy singing Over The Rainbow. But I remember going to see Cabaret as a teen, and being just wowed by Liza. This video is lovely! Liza has really come into her own as a woman and performer (after the shy girl who sang Didn't We on Ed's show), and performs as an equal beside her legendary mom: https://youtu.be/3Wmxh2xC4eo?si=f-1ZSf2KBBcz3zsX