“Alas, most men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
—Henry David Thoreau
These were the words on the opening page of my very first book, Doldrums and the Divine Breath. This quote grabbed a long time ago, and it still hasn’t let go. It continues to challenge me. I believe it’s a mashup of two different quotes. But don’t let these words haunt you. Rehearse and practice and discover your song now, so that you will get better and better at sharing it. Your unique song is in fact a gift to the world. Your song is your part, your small offering, your contribution to this crazy thing we call life. Being human. Your song will be heard and enjoyed by other people. In fact, your song might become someone else’s favorite song…
PART ONE:
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.
I definitely felt this desperation in my twenties. A divine discontent. This idea of leading a quietly desperate life haunted me. I felt I needed to figure all this stuff out. What was my big plan and/or purpose? What was God’s will for me? How was my “career” going to unfold? Would I reach any type of significance or success?
PART TWO:
…and go to the grave with the song still in them.
God, what a sad thought.
You cannot afford this. Not now, not ever.
My mind immediately goes to birdsong. Early in the morning, this is one of my favorite things to hear + savor. Birds singing. Why do they always sound so happy and cheerful? At least to me they do.
If the little noises a bird makes—their song—is so pleasant to my ears, imagine how much more your song is! (Or could be). Our songs. Even now, in the dead of winter, I can hear the occasional bird song, and it brings me hope! If they can sing in the gray, frozen, sun-less Michigan January, so can I!
So let me be abundantly clear with my message to you.
SING YOUR SONG.
Let the world hear your melody.
Let the world hear your supporting harmony.
Let the world hear your ROCK ’N ROLL!!
Let the world hear your beat.
Let the world hear your distinct and memorable rhythm.
Let the world hear your wild and wacky lyrics.
Let the world hear your hip-hop poetry.
Let the world hear your first drafts and demos.
Let the world hear your groovy instrumental.
Let the world hear your improvisational, unclassifiable art piece.
Let the world hear your loud, disruptive punk rock noise.
Let the world hear your free-flowing jazz.
Let the world hear your crooning, country ballad.
Let the world hear your down-and-out blues.
Let the world hear your glorious symphony.
Let the world hear your genuine praise and worship.
Let the world hear your pop anthem.
Let the world hear your soul music.
Let the world hear your emotional epic.
OK, not the world? Too big for you? How about your friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances then? Although, I still say the world.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.” —Psalm 40:3
There’s no need to live a life of quiet desperation. It’s never too late to reverse course; to live a life filled with hope, wonder, faith, goodwill, beauty, plans, and expectation (to list a few.) Excavate the song. Don’t go to the grave with songs still unfinished inside you. You will be disappointed and you will regret it.
At the end of your life, may you be completely out of breath—from writing, composing, playing, singing and performing your song with all your might.