The Playlist
As my husband, Brady, languished in the hospital during the final days of his life, I looked for something - anything - that would perk up his spirits. He wasn’t communicating and was disconnected from me. We didn’t share the same taste in music, but when I turned one of my playlists, he immediately perked up, gently took my phone and held it to his chest, smiled and shifted to a state of calm. As his condition deteriorated rapidly over the next few days, his healthcare needs increased. During those days, I was lucky to squeeze in the occasional three-mile run through the neighborhood and it was music that helped me put one foot in front of the other. Song lyrics became more inspirational, boosting my mood and even validating how crappy I felt. Music gave me the emotional push I needed to take one more step, just when I thought I couldn’t. Now, when grief unexpectedly slaps me in the face, I reach for my playlist to perk myself up and enjoy a happy memory with Brady. For that reason, one of the elements included in this New Chapters space is “The Playlist” a random collection of songs with sounds and lyrics that spoke to me then and now. I invite you to embrace the poetry of music to help find your center when you feel off balance or need to be soothed. (A New Chapters playlist has been made public on Apple Music.)
TRUE COMPANION
Songwriter: Marc Cohn
Sung by: Marc Cohn
When I look in your eyes
I'll still see that spark
Until the shadows fall
Until the room grows dark
Then when I leave this Earth
I'll be with the angels standin'
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion
HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY THAT I LOVE YOU
Songwriter: Van Morrison
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one above you?
You fill my heart with gladness
And you take away my sadness
You ease my troubles, that's what you do
Oh, the morning sun in all its glory
It greets the day with hope and comfort too
And you fill my life with laughter
And you can make it better
You ease my troubles, that's what you do
I CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU
Songwriters: Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore and George David Weiss
Sung by Elvis Presley
Wise men say
"Only fools rush in"
But I can't help
Falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help
Falling in love with you?
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you