A young man steps out of Panchero’s and begins to bellow “Tonight, tonight, won’t be just any night . . .” Across the street a middle-aged banker hurries toward the ped mall holding forth with “I’ve grown accustomed to her face . . .” In front of Prairie Lights, a cop stops traffic with “I got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere . . .” And in a finale, the Hawkeye Marching Band pours out of the Union Bar playing “Seventy-six Trombones!”
If only real life was set to music.
In fact it is. All those people you see with their lips moving as they sit out a stop light? They are not ALL on cell phones or schizophrenic. Lots of them (us) are singing with the radio or are doing a mighty a capella rendition of “I Will Survive.” Or check out the urban kids that hang out doing beat box on street corners. Their musical predecessors were the do-wop quartets that sweetly harmonized under an overpass for that powerful reverb. Even those who are shiest among us sing in the shower. So why does it seem mysterious or unrealistic that people burst into song onstage?
When the human heart is so enthralled with emotion that speech is not adequate, there is no other choice but to sing. Still not convinced? Take this test: close your eyes and remember your first junior high dance, the people that were there, what refreshments were being served, what you were wearing and simplest and best of all – the music that was being played. Don’t resist. ADMIT IT! You want to hum or sing right now. You are 14 again, your heart is on your sleeve, ultimate truths are found in the top 40 and you NEED to sing to really express yourself.
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is all about the most basic need and joy of all – to be loved and love back in what is the perfect romance in that moment. Singing is not a choice but an imperative. Come sing along with us.
Ron Clark
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