song that changed my life

I was recently asked, “Is there a song that changed you? Is there a song that speaks to you on a different level?” Well…as a hospital music therapist, I work a lot with singing. Singing, and music in general, is a great way to help people cope with the emotional pain of serious illness, especially during cancer treatment. Songs are a great way to speak for you when you can’t find the words. They can offer empathy and comfort. And it can help with resolution, especially for those who are finally preparing to let go.

I have shared many songs with people who are suffering and hurting, and I have shared many songs with people who are at the end of their lives. Songs that mean something to them…and inevitably, songs that mean something to me too. Now I have a lot of songs that remind me of people I had the pleasure of working with who are no longer in this world. Songs that helped them on their journey. A song that helped them find the determination to let go of this world and move on to what comes next. And when I randomly hear those songs on the radio or Target or whatever, I immediately think of them. For me, those songs aren’t mine anymore. They are now “our” songs.

However, the song that left the most impression on me is “Let It Be”. ” Perhaps the most perfect song to find determination and acceptance. And this was the exact moment I realized that “Let It Be” was the song that changed my life the most.

Two years ago, I finally got to see Paul McCartney live in concert. That was the moment when my bucket list (seeing the Beatles live) was finally fulfilled. And it was one of the best and most emotional concerts I have ever experienced.

Sir Paul, who was nearly 80 years old (at the time), performed non-stop for three hours. And he sounded great. I couldn’t believe I was there, that I was actually in the same building as the Beatles. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience for me. When I look back at that concert two years ago, I can still easily recall what a profound moment that experience was for me. It was emotional, almost meaningful. spiritual method. Like many people, the Beatles’ music speaks to me on another level. And as a music therapist, I use Beatles songs more than anything else. They are particularly popular in cancer treatment. The songs and lyrics are so heartfelt, emotional, and timeless. I discover something new and develop an appreciation for its simplicity. emotional intelligence Their music every day. Many of their songs are perfect as a means of emotional expression and an outlet for people thinking about life and mortality. My patients connect to the music, to themselves, and to something seemingly on a higher level.

I still remember towards the end of the concert when Paul sat down at the piano and sang “Let It Be.” Something happened that I will never forget. I remember feeling a sudden rush of emotions that were almost uncontrollable and unexpected. It completely surprised me and it still remains vivid in my mind. Everyone around me was singing and smiling while I was trying not to be a bubbling mess. It took everything I had to hold it together. What?

Well…I guess in that moment everything hit me all at once. I was suddenly thinking about life. About my life, the people in my life, and…the music. I was thinking about the sheer power of music that I experience and marvel at every day at work. I also thought about all the patients I’ve worked with and the music we’ve shared, the music that has given them comfort when they were hurting the most.

“Let It Be” is very poignant for those struggling with acceptance and trying to prepare for what happens next. For those who are willing to accept that they have to, well… eventually they have to. For many, this was the last song we shared together. And in that moment two years ago, in the crowd, in the singing, in the beautiful night sky, in the collective joy of the audience and the performers coming together, I remembered someone, now deceased, with whom I worked and shared music. I remembered all of them. At that exact moment, my entire emotional world came together and exploded. I felt a mixture of sadness and joy. Aspiration and validation. I’m not religious, but that moment was…a religious experience.

But I think what I felt most in that moment was connection. Connection with ourselves, connection with those close to us, connection with work, and connection with those who have passed away. I felt connected on a higher level. And I felt the true power of music. Honestly, I felt the true power of music in a way I had never felt before. I don’t want to say that moment changed me, but it was truly a mind, body, and soul experience.

So now, every time I listen to or sing this song, I feel it so much. I can feel the feeling of celebration. It makes me feel depressed. Feel every emotion in the world. But what I feel most about is luck. I’ve been lucky to be able to bring my music to so many people who need something…to help them make decisions, to give them solace, and to help them prepare to finally let it go. And I feel fortunate to be able to bring the true healing power of music to so many people who need it most. Including me.

So to Sir Paul… thank you. thank you for your words wisdom. And please help us all in our time of need… leave it alone.

The healing power of music…