On Music and Lent

One time, years ago, for Lent, I decided I'd give up listening to music.

Only, I was alone a lot anyway. And it was a rough year, and I made it rougher by giving up something that was a kind companion. Towards the end of Lent that year, I began breaking my fast. I allowed myself one song, The Promise by Tracy Chapman. I played it over and over. It broke me by helping me, and helped me by breaking me. With her voice, her lyric and melody, Tracy Chapman's music helped me be alone in the way that I could cope with.

Music is a kind of alchemy in us.It provides a shelter, a soundtrack, a background noise, and an accompaniment. Music allows us both to be alone as well as to be in company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcfswBZpSBU

(Music, Padraig O Tuama)