Singing...in the Rain?

I’ve talked about my love of music and singing harmony in ‘Front Porch Harmony’ and about my penchant for talking out loud at the oddest times and in unlikely places (at least I’m sure those around me think so) in ‘Talking to Myself’.  This week, I put them together. 

Years ago, my friend’s brother said he would like life to be like a musical where people just burst into song for no reason.  I have been thinking about that a lot lately because I do it (yes, sometimes without realizing it).  I don’t exactly burst into song but I do sing.  It doesn’t matter where I am; a store aisle, waiting room, cafe, long line, etc.  If there isn’t any music playing, I make my own.

Most of the time, I don’t think it is a problem because I do try to contain myself.  Why?  For those of you who don’t know, my voice carries—really carries.  Growing up, our house was in a cow pasture (yes, literally a cow pasture).  It was a wonderful place for a girl with a big voice to ‘let it rip’.  There weren’t many people around to complain about the noise (although the boys ‘across the way’ used to accuse me of calling the cows), so I could sing as loud as I wanted to.

Therefore when I say I try to contain myself, I mean it.  But the more I walk this life, the less I’m concerned with other people’s opinion of me.   I sing because the song is like fire shut up in my bones (Jer. 20:9).  If you want to give me that look (you know the one), go ahead.   It won’t stop the song. 

And there is not a particular style I lean to.  I like the old hymns, gospel, bluegrass, southern and country gospel, contemporary and the choruses.  I might sing them straight or throw in a little blues; maybe some of that smooth Old Vegas style or slide into classical every once in a while.  I've also been known to rock a few things.

So the next time you hear me, go ahead; give me that look.  Or…you could close your eyes, take the leap and join me.  It certainly won’t bother me (and we don’t care about the other folk, do we?).