Music To My Ears

What does a song really mean? Ask the songwriter and he (or she) may tell you that it means whatever the listener wants it to mean. I use music to express my feelings in ways that sometimes my own words cannot. (written 9 July 07)

In the summer of 1969, I was five years old and Paul Simon wrote a song called "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It was released in January 1970. I remember hearing the song off and on as a child, but the song didn't become a favorite of mine until I was in my late teens. For some reason, the combination of the soaring piano and Art Garfunkel's voice just said so much. It has continued to be a favorite song of mine, so much so that I have it on several cd's.

Listening to music as I was driving yesterday, it struck me. What the lyrics of that song say to me may have nothing to do with what Paul Simon wrote .. but the way I had interpreted the song all these years suddenly changed. It hit me with a powerful force, so much so that I played the song repeatedly .. over and over listening to the words. Each time, their meaning became clearer. God was speaking to me through this song!

When you're weary, feeling small ...

when tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all ...

I'm on your side, when times get rough,

and friends just can't be found ...

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down ...

When you're down and out, when you're on the street ...

when evening falls so hard, I will comfort you ...

I'll take your part, when darkness comes,

and pain is all around ...

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down ...

the song ends by repeating the phrase ..

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind ...

I have had some times lately when I wondered how I was going to make it through, knowing that I had to give it everything I had because I have a wonderful granddaughter and three beautiful children that need me. This time when the tears fell .. they were tears of joy. God was with me! He was, and will be, my bridge over the troubled waters of my life. I've often heard (and shared) the phrase "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." No one said that it would be easy ... but with God ALL things are possible. One day at a time, I will make it, if I trust in my God and believe in His power. Thank you, God!!

... "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." ~Romans 5:1-5 NIV