By: Hollow Tip
“Your hands on my hips pull me right back to you” and just like that, I have managed to successfully be distracted from the extreme limitations of this pandemic. Jill’s sultry voice in “Crown Royal on Ice” causes me to close my eyes, lip singing the lyrics as if I wrote them myself. Never mind that it is week 9 of me being on house arrest from work, right now I am officially on vacation from COVID19.
Besides the IG “Verzuz”, I also (reluctantly at first) participated in a 10 album (cover) challenge on social media. Usually I ignore any and all “tags” that invite me to participate in a challenge, but this time I chose to play along because…. what the hell else do I have to do? The challenge called for me to recall 10 albums that had a significant impact in my life with no requirement to provide a lengthy explanation. The brainstorming sessions allowed me to reminisce and realize how much music has truly played a role throughout my life. Some brought me out of my shell while attending a new school that was predominately white. Some introduced my eclectic side and allowed me to accept being “different”. Some brought out a sense of confidence, while others allowed me to embrace and address any grief I may have buried. For instance, a while ago I heard a particular song that immediately took me back to my mother’s wake. As the piano played I was transported to the front pew in the funeral home while family and friends internally battled whether to approach me or leave me with my thoughts. Even though this is not a pleasant event, I appreciate music’s ability to force me to revisit pivotal moments in my life. Overall, I completed the album challenge with even more appreciation for the strength of music.
“Your hands on my hips pull me right back to you” and just like that, I have managed to successfully be distracted from the extreme limitations of this pandemic. Jill’s sultry voice in “Crown Royal on Ice” causes me to close my eyes, lip singing the lyrics as if I wrote them myself. Never mind that it is week 9 of me being on house arrest from work, right now I am officially on vacation from COVID19.
Music serves so many roles: the ultimate healer, the great equalizer after an intense debate, the preacher when you need a word, the therapist when you need to vent, the agitator when you don’t have liquid courage available & the motivator when you can't find the initiative.
The soundtrack for this love letter (to music) is none other than the IG Live series “Verzuz”: Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott – some other motivational vices may be present as well, but that is beside the point.
While many have struggled (or thrived) during the COVID19 pandemic some have been able to enjoy an hour of distraction with “Verzuz”. People have prepared for each battle as if they are pre-gaming for a concert. At this point we will take any form of social interaction we can get.
Although I may have my reservations about social media I believe this series has allowed the public to congregate while maintaining a politically correct sense of social distance. I have had days in which I have not wanted to get out of bed, days where I felt like the world’s most useless and unproductive person. Who was this person looking back at me in the mirror because I don’t recognize her at all…ohhh this is the pandemic version of yours truly. The one that feels sorry for herself, the one who is frustrated and sends out invitations to pity parties any chance she gets. I’m really not feeling her right now, but I have a scapegoat named Corona. Music this is your cue….
Besides the IG “Verzuz”, I also (reluctantly at first) participated in a 10 album (cover) challenge on social media. Usually I ignore any and all “tags” that invite me to participate in a challenge, but this time I chose to play along because…. what the hell else do I have to do? The challenge called for me to recall 10 albums that had a significant impact in my life with no requirement to provide a lengthy explanation. The brainstorming sessions allowed me to reminisce and realize how much music has truly played a role throughout my life. Some brought me out of my shell while attending a new school that was predominately white. Some introduced my eclectic side and allowed me to accept being “different”. Some brought out a sense of confidence, while others allowed me to embrace and address any grief I may have buried. For instance, a while ago I heard a particular song that immediately took me back to my mother’s wake. As the piano played I was transported to the front pew in the funeral home while family and friends internally battled whether to approach me or leave me with my thoughts. Even though this is not a pleasant event, I appreciate music’s ability to force me to revisit pivotal moments in my life. Overall, I completed the album challenge with even more appreciation for the strength of music.
The CDC may not allow us to gather in groups exceeding a headcount of 10, but we can all connect through various melodies. Singing in unison as we think back to specific moments in time that reflect that distinctive emotion, verse, bridge or chorus.
As I sit here struggling to find a clever way to end this summary, Badu’s “Bag Lady” has entered the ring so I will just imagine you can hear it too and utilize it as my outro, so…. ”Pack light”.
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