So many of us can call to mind “that song”: the one that is tied to so many of our memories. The one that has become a part of us, that can transport us back in time with a chorus or a melody.
Despite the song being the same, life brings about shifts in the way we hear it.
Whether it be love, grief, happiness, heartbreak, disappointment, or the general passage of time, songs take on more and more meaning as we hear them alongside our emotions and experiences.
The pairing is beautiful but sometimes painful.
When you lose someone, the songs that surround them take on a sorrowful tone. When your heart has been broken and grief weaves itself into familiar lyrics, it can feel impossible to listen to the music.
This makes our relationship with music a bit complicated for a while. And every person will have a different process and pace here.
If “that song” is too hard to hear for a season, it is more than okay to press pause. Please take your time here. The music can wait for a time when your heart feels ready.
And when the time feels right for you, may you hear hope calling out from those familiar and comforting melodies once again.
A Poem for when “That Song” comes on:
That song came on today.
The one you loved.
The one we listened to together,
The one whose melody mingles
with so many of our memories.
A soundtrack in the background of our days.
That song came on today.
The one that stops me in my tracks.
The one I have to skip sometimes
The one that sings about you
in so many ways.
That song came on today.
The one that hurts my heart to hear.
The one that lives deep in my core.
The one that transports me back
To days of singing it with you.
But, that song came on today,
The one you loved.
And I sang along.
Some days,
I can still sing along.
I hope you’re singing too.
-Liz Newman
Journaling/Writing Prompt:
Can you think of “that song” that stops you in your tracks and makes you think of someone you love? How do you feel when you hear it? How has your relationship with the song changed over time?
Poetry Prompt:
Using the format of the poem I shared above, write your own, starting each paragraph with “That song came on today.” Use as many stanzas as you’d like and describe the feelings and emotions you experience when you hear the song that matters so much to your heart.
Gently, We Journey: An Encouragement for your Week
Music so often attaches itself to our memories. And while this can be a beautiful gift, it can also be a painful reminder of loss.
Some hearts will need to sit in the silence of sorrow for a while. Some hearts won’t be able to envision a day they’ll want to listen to the music, let alone sing along. Some hearts will fluctuate between both of these realities.
And, that is more than okay.
My hope for every hurting heart is that you remember: the music will be there when you are ready. In your time. In your way. And may we all, when the moment feels right, find the courage to press play.
I hope this helps you on your journey.
-Liz
*Thank you for looking back on this post with me from the “Gently, We Journey” archives.*
Your thoughts and poem are spot on. I
That song came on today
Still can't sing along but listened
The pain and sadness overwhelming
I can hear you sing it. How I miss you Dad.
Let it be let it be
I wonder if you were thinking of your own mother Mary
I pray that you are with her now
I hope one day I will be too
Love you Dad