Choosing a Song to Recite: A Reflection on Life
Have you ever been in a situation where survival depended on your ability to recite a song word-for-word? It sounds like a scenario from a gripping thriller, but the reality can be just as compelling as a story.
Les Crane's Desiderata
Imagine if the survival of a loved one was tied to reciting Desiderata, the famous poem spoken by Les Crane. This timeless piece of writing reminds us to live in peace amid the noise, cherish silence, and maintain harmony with others. Its profound advice emphasizes the importance of approaching life with compassion, empathy, and understanding.
The poem concludes with a powerful assurance that no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Throughout my life, I have strived to embrace this wisdom. While I may not have always succeeded, I continue to learn and grow from its lessons.
Omnia Sol Temperat: A Timeless Love Song
Contrary to the Les Crane poem, which is a testament to life's challenges, the next song I would choose to recite is Omnia Sol Temperat, a song written by a Goliard about 800 years ago. This beautiful poem speaks of the radiant sun warming the world, revealing the face of April, and urging the soul towards love.
The song's first verse reads:
Omnia sol temperat
Purus et subtilis
Novo mundo reserat
Faciem Aprilis
Ad amorem properat
Animus herilis
Et iocundis imperat
Deus puerilis.
Interpreting this into English, it translates to:
The pure and fine
sun warms everything.
To a new world it reveals
the face of April.
Toward love hurries
the soul of the master
and the boyish god
pleasantly rules.
This song is a heartwarming expression of the sun's role in the world, and its gentle guidance towards love and joy.
Loading My Albums
Interestingly, my experiences with song recitation vary widely. While I can sing almost every word of an album like Tapestry by Carol King, which I have listened to thousands of times since the 70s, attempting the same without the music results in utter confusion. This highlights the unique and intimate connection we form with our favorite songs and albums.
One of my favorite songs from the album is 'Summertime,' which captures the essence of easy living with a sense of nostalgia and reflection. While I believe I may have made one small mistake in the lyrics, the overall message and imagery of the song remain powerful and meaningful.