I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing...

It's been a few days and I find myself enjoying the memories of last weekend. I bought a Wailin' Jennys CD entitled "40 Days." They weren't at the Folk Fest but they have been very much a part of it over the years. I've played this CD probably about 6 times already and I just love it. I love their lyrics and harmonies. The first song on the album "One Voice" is so incredibly well written and well done:

This is the sound of one voice

One spirit, one voice

The sound of one who makes a choice

This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of voices two

The sound of me singing with you

Helping each other to make it through

This is the sound of voices two

This is the sound of voices three

Singing together in harmony

Surrendering to the mystery

This is the sound of voices three

This is the sound of all of us

Singing with love and the will to trust

Leave the rest behind it will turn to dust

This is the sound of all of us

This is the sound of one voice

One people, one voice

A song for every one of us

This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of one voice.

The song begins with only one person singing..."This is the sound of one voice..." On the second verse, a second voice joins in harmony but the sound is "open." For you music freaks out there, the harmony in the second verse is mostly intervals of 4ths 5ths and 6ths. It sounds beautiful but it feels somewhat incomplete. On the 3rd verse, a third harmony joins and completes the chord. In the last verse, there is perfect harmony but notice the words "This is the sound of one voice." Three different parts, but all working together to create something beautiful.

Oooh. It gives me goosebumps. It is so simple, so clever and so beautiful. This is how we should view the world and our relationships. Many distinct parts but the potential to create something beautiful. I think that's why I love harmony so much. I enjoy all kinds of music but when I hear well sung harmonies such as the ones by the Wailin' Jennys, I am deeply touched.

Other things about the Folk Festival that I enjoyed:

• Standing in line for water. I stood in line for 1/2 hour, in the stifling heat, waiting to fill my water bottle. Yes, I enjoyed it because it helped me think about the millions of people in this world who have to stand in line for hours, in the blazing sun any time they need water. I am so grateful for cold, clean fresh water that is usually available at the turn of a tap.
• The harmonies.
• The sound. The sound technicians did an amazing job.
• The incredible diversity of people.
• Just hangin' out, eating junk food.
• Always hearing music.
• It was too hot for me to dance but watching people dancing especially to the sound of the Irish jigs and reels. They reminded me of fairies, even though they were full grown, adults and children.
• Parents and children enjoying the same music.
• We didn't encounter any obnoxious, rude people. People truly were friendly, cheerful and kind.

Like Heather, I can't wait for next year.