Hallelujah

Sharing the song that’s in my heart right now. Hallelujah.

Jeff Buckley introduced this song to me and it’s been the anthem of different chapters of my life in different ways.

19 and in college, Lewisburg, PA and soaking in everything new including my friend Shannon’s love of Leonard Cohen (who I only later discovered wrote Hallelujah)

22 and living in NJ and taking the train into “the City” - NYC - to take a class in advertising at an ad agency - connecting with another student who loved all my ideas and he reminded me of what I imagined Jeff Buckley to be life and we bonded over Jeff Buckley. I can’t remember his name but I remember how his appreciation made me feel. Seen.

27 and newly single living alone in Southern California - blaring Jeff Buckley’s Grace in my car with the windows down and my heart volume up all the way - aaaah there I am

38 and home from working all day, reconnecting with my 2 year old as we walk to the “swing house” in our West LA neighborhood, phone in the blue push car cupholder, Patrick “driving” listening to Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah. That night standing in the corner of his crib waiting for me as I went into the other room to get something, Patrick sang Hallelujah in his 2-year-old voice.

44 and right now, at my desk in Amherst, MA, wanting to share a piece of my heart with you that is so beyond words. So I will share this. This version of Hallelujah by Andrea Bocelli and his daughter Virginia. This is the sound that kicks off all of our USM weekends and I am admittedly dashing around getting myself ready so I haven’t fully landed to soak it in just yet. Tonight after class ended I felt called to look it up and watch the whole thing. And here I am sharing this heart opening with you.

Music has the power to remind us who we are, bring us to life, awaken parts of ourselves.

What song reminds you who you are?

In new ways in each chapter of your life? By different artists? Or the same?