I remember a few years ago, sitting in a car with a dear friend in the parking lot of a big chain music store, listening to her brilliant new sound system. That night J'oga introduced me to what instantly became my favorite Bjork song, ever. I barely breathed, let alone moved, while Bjork wailed this magnificent revelation of pain. I do love a happy song, but even so, when a piece of music resonates with a personal truth, it is irresistable to me, even if it touches a tender, terrible place.
This song and this artist may not do it for you, but I tell you I was moved to big tears that first time I heard this track, and the second time, and the third time. It's because I got it, I get it. It gets me. I've been there, so there. I'm not there now, thank heaven, but "there" is still part of my history, my truth. I can feel this song in the systems of my body and my mind every time I listen to it. It doesn't give me pain, but it acknowledges and describes a pain that I never want to forget, so that I don't lose the lessons, or the empathy, that it nearly killed me to gain.
If you don't like Bjork, move along and come back tomorrow; you're excused. If you do like her though, I suggest you listen to this with your eyes closed. The photos of her in the video are entertaining, but they diminish the impact of the song.
I don't post this to depress you, or to inspire you to dwell on or suffer over any heartaches of your own, past or present. I post this to honor a friend who is feeling very broken, maybe even unhealable, right now. I say to her, it will pass. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." One day the tears you cry over this unrelenting pain which is trying to crush you will simply be tears of relief, understanding, and even compassion. One day your heart and your back won't be breaking beneath this burden; The Lord will help you set it down and then he'll show you how to safely climb upon it to reach a more peaceful place. I know this. I know it.
17 comments:
I'm not sure that I'm a Bjork fan, but I do so "get it". I am, however a Geo fan. Thanks dear friend for your honesty and your contageous hope and faith. Love you.
mmmm . . . beautiful words and beautiful song. I too remember that night. That time was so special.
I wish that I could scream and sing like bjork. You can tell that she's really feeling what she's singing.
I remember the first time I heard this song - over christmas break my senior year in high school. those were the days when I spent every free minute (it seemed) with Micah. He played me this song and it shocked me. I didn't like it, for I still had yet to become a bjork convert. It just took time for me to convert . . . and I'm so glad that he never gave up on me.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm sure they will bring hope to many people.
I liked your comment about pain turning to relief, understanding, compassion. I also have had times of utter devastation in my life, stuff I've never thought would heal, go away -- the pain seemed too great. In my cases, they've taken years to resolve, but once the light starts to gleam...it certainly is so welcome.
Thanks for sharing and for being honest and for being such a good friend.
I'm glad you had a good friend with you when you fell in love with that song.
The thing about Björk -people think she's so weird therefore they don't give her a chance. But her music truly is universal, and sometimes her lyrics are oh so simple -and yet complete genius at the same time.
a generous palmstroke, the hugest of hugs
Loved it. Thanks for the song.
Geo, that song is fantastic. My husband knew Bjork, but I hadn't heard of her until that other vid you posted recently.
I'm just doing a brief skim of a catchup with people, now that we are home. I missed reading your posts and hope to find time to keep up with you and others on at least a fairly regular basis.
Thinking of you . . .
Her voice is just incredible isn't it. Haven't listened to Bjork for a long time.
Excellent post as usual :)
Yes! It's the "Feel-Bad" song of the season. Sometimes it feel so good to feel so bad. And you are right about the pictures being distracting. She's just to damn cute to be all that depressed. It's those Anime eyes.
Bjork gets "it".
These lyrics are truly amazing. And with her voice, I feel it in my guts. Thanks for sharing this song.
You mean I have to get past the swan dress and listen to Bjork with an open mind? Just kidding. I loved the song. Thanks for expanding my musical horizons and for describing the price of empathy with such honesty.
wow, you're a great friend to give someone part of your healing syrup- that's a personal dish to share sometimes, but I imagine it was taken with gratitude. And I am glad you aren't broken. I hope your friend gets to a happier place soon.
Thanks to you all, mates!
As for sharing that healing syrup Liz talked about, the thing that comes to my mind over and over lately is What have I got to lose?
Geo,
I don't have an email address for you so I'm leaving you another comment here. I realized just now that I had been thinking about empathy ever since I read your blog yesterday and the subject worked its way into my latest entry. It wasn't a conscious thing or I would have cited you officially as source material. I hope you don't mind.
JULIE Q. I'm not the author of empathy, and you're certainly no pirate, so there's no need for concern. It was nice of you to point out the connection you felt, and it's a terrific blog post you wrote!
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