Music

[Scott]

Talking about "Over the Rainbow" in the Survivorship Discussions forum got me to thinking about other music with something to say to people affected by cancer. Here are a few songs on my list; some refer to cancer directly, others don't. What's on your list?

• Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow -- Wideawake
  "I heard the news today. It came out of nowhere. Wish I could run away, but where would I go?"
• Lifetimes -- Sheryl Crow
  "We can live lifetimes in a single day."
• You're Not Alone in This World -- Amy Grant
• Live Like You Were Dying -- Tim McGraw
• I Run for Life -- Melissa Etheridge
• Safe and Sound -- Sheryl Crow
• Life Support -- from the musical "Rent"
  "There's only us. There's only this. Forget regret or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today."
  
• Unwritten -- Natasha Bedingfield
  "Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten."

[Already Bald]

Johnny Cash and summersaults

Friday night I came home from a tough work week, and I started on a couple of beers. My wife wanted to go shopping for a few hours, so I was in charge of my 4 and 2 year old. Instead of the tycipal Disney video I rely on too much ,I decided to crank on some Johnny Cash. I was just in the mood for the man in black. I played some of the good songs, about living hard and strong. I really cranked it- the kids were all giggles and dancing and running around. My 4 year old starts doing summersaults and says "try it Daddy". So I start flopping around on the floor- crank the music even more (Don't tell my wife- she's always like "Don't play those prison songs for the kids"...)
Before I started training for the Livestrong Challange, I would not be able to do a summersault. Now I'm getting into better shape than I've been in years. I am so inspired.

So after about an hour I realized I had the deck speakers on. OPPS!

[Scott]

"Dance like nobody's watching."

[Scott]

One Voice

Every so often, a post from TCLEFT or dannysbrother or CharlieFL or another member seems to me to come suddenly out of the darkness and flip a light switch. When that happens, I can't help thinking of these old Barry Manilow lyrics:

Just One Voice,
Singing in the darkness,
All it takes is One Voice,
Singing so they hear what's on your mind,
And when you look around you'll find
There's more than

One Voice,
Singing in the darkness,
Joining with your One Voice,
Each and every note another octave,
Hands are joined and fears unlocked,
If only

One Voice
Would start it on its own,
We need just One Voice facing the unknown,
And then that One Voice would never be alone,
It takes that One Voice.

It takes that One Voice.

Just One Voice
Singing in the darkness,
All it takes is One Voice,
Shout it out and let it ring.

Just One Voice,
It takes that One Voice,
And everyone will sing!

[MRMRSU]

I agree, Scott...there are some poetic souls in Mark, Mikey and Charlie! As a caregiver, there's no song that can bring me to tears like Sade's BY YOUR SIDE.

You think I'd leave your side, baby
You know me better than that
Think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees
I wouldn't do that

I'll tell you you're right when you want
And if only you could see into me

Oh, when you're cold
I'll be there, hold you tight to me

When you're on the outside, baby, and you can't get in
I will show you, you're so much better than you know
When you're lost and you're alone and you can't get back again
I will find you, darling, and I'll bring you home

And if you want to cry
I am here to dry your eyes
And in no time, you'll be fine

[TCLEFT]

Smile

It takes on a different context from it's original intent. I used to listen to this when home from chemo and thought about how I was affecting my family. Sick as hell and guilty was a real bad combination, but I (we, all of us) never meant to harm.
Much Love,
Mark

Smile
Would this do
To make it all right
While sleep has taken you
Where I'm out of sight

I'll make my getaway
Time on my own
Search for a better way
To find my way home
To your smile

Wasting days and days
On this fight
Always down and up
Half the night

Hopeless to reminisce
Through the dark hours
We'll only sacrifice
What time will allow us
You're sighing... sighing

All alone
Though you're right here
Now it's time to go
From your sad stare

I'll Make my getaway
Time on my own
Needing a better way
To find my way home
To your smile

-David Gilmour

[boyce]

As I see some of the caregivers and their undying commitment to their husbands, sons, etc. I think of a REALLY hokey song that strangely resonates.

So for Margaret and Pam and Karen and Mommo and Sabrina and Danny'sMom and on and on and on....

"I am Woman, Hear me Roar!"

You ladies keep the Drs. and nurses and administrators straight. And keep on roaring!