Music is one of life’s simple pleasures. It soothes, it excites, it uplifts. Sometimes it defines what we’re feeling. And when music moves us to think and act, it goes beyond bringing pleasure; it inspires.
This afternoon, as I was driving home from work, I was listening to a song that I have heard and enjoyed many times. It was Tracy Chapman’s Change. It is a song that directs you to examine yourself and your choices in life. In that sense, Change is challenging. But it is also inspiring. It leads you to consider alternatives and to become self aware. It reminds you that if you are living and breathing, it is not too late to examine how you live; that there is time to make a change.
The music, along with Tracy’s warm inquiring voice, is stirring. In her quiet, steady way, she commands your attention. Listen to the song. Even if you’ve heard it before, see what message you can take from it this time. Maybe you will recognize yourself or someone you love in its images.
Finally, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” We can all find some way to change in what we say, think, and do, to live fully and to create a better world. And sometimes we find the inspiration we need through music.
Simple Pleasures 