You have a child that is born deaf. When your child turns 16, they receive implants that allow them to hear. What is the first song that you play for your child?
I have spent a lot of time thinking about this question, and I still don't know if I have a clear answer. Several of my favorite songs immediately came into my head, but I just don't think they would be appropriate for the first song ever heard by my child. One song I considered was Straralfur by Sigur Ros. It is a beautiful song, and it gives me the shivers every time I listen to it. And yet, I believe my child would be confused by the language of the lead singer. I also thought about some important classical music, but I wouldn't want this to be a history lesson. I don't want to sit down with my child right away and say, "alright son/daughter, this is everything you missed out on while you were deaf." It has to be more than that.
And so I searched for passion. A song that makes you connect with the musicians and singer and understand their love/struggle/pain/growth. Something that makes you hear the music, and realize it's completeness, and yet desire more when it's over. And something that is just plain aesthetically pleasing to the ears.
Therefore, I've narrowed it down to four songs. Don't make me choose between these four, please.
The Whaler by Thrice.
Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.
Blackbird by The Beatles.
And Amazing Grace sung by Aretha Franklin.
Hate me all you want, but I really feel like these songs would be amazing to hear before any others.
I also can just imagine sitting with my child listening to these songs together. It would be like the scene from Once when father and son are listening to one of the son's songs for the first time. When it's over, there's a moment of silence, and finally the father says, "It's brilliant. Now play it again."
This is why I love music.
This is why I want to learn how to play guitar.
This is why I want to be a father.
This is why I et cetera, et cetera.
9 comments:
i love the part of "Mr. Holland's Opus" where he rushes his new baby home, so that the first music he can play for the kid will be John Coltrane.
p.s.
mine would be "here comes the sun"
mmmmm this is nice. it's fun to think we can all sit and introduce our kids to this beauty whether or not they're hearing impared.
i'm glad you made yourself narrow it down. without thinking too hard my top 4 this day are,
the doxology- by carey, melissa & an alto
doikkoise house- by anathallo
home - byncinematic orchestra (thank you)
trolley wood- by eisley
keep writing please
maneater by hall & oats
I really like this question, and I really like your 4. I think they will greatly influence me as I consider this.
i love falling slowly...
your post is going to require me to think of my top four. i will do this.
i missed you so much while i was gone!
see you soon buddy.
I would simply play some "white" noise and then say something like..."see...you really didn't miss out on all that much."
cool idea and list. I was thinking more along the lines of Georgia On My Mind by Ray Charles... I'm a little biased towards jazz/blues. Some others that I would definitely consider though would be Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkle, Hey Jude by the Beatles (kind of a trendy pic with that movie out now), One by U2 or possibly For You by Bruce Springsteen. I don't know that's so tough. Fun question though!
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