Spirit In Song

SEPT. 17, 1980, 5:17 AM
CHICAGO, PICK-CONGRESS HOTEL

Yes, o son, this is a proper title for this morning’s early meditation. You have one or two others like this, but you don’t have these with you, and this is the day of a presentation, so hear anew about the spirit as it is expressed in song.

I remind you again that there is a spirit in the song itself. Some songs have great and obvious evidences of spirit inherent in them, while others have little or none. One of the unique qualities of your presentation is that you don’t learn and use songs that have no positive spirit. You felt that in hearing some of the country-western songs in the presentation yesterday… the song is about drinking and therefore is potentially useful to you, but, finally, it seems just to be words and music… no spirit.

From whence does the spirit in a song come? It can come from the person who writes it, certainly. A song reflects the spirit of the one who translates feelings and knowledge into words and music. It also reflects the spirit of the one who performs it. “Bottle of Wine” is an apt illustration. There is a spirit inherent in the song, but it really isn’t present in the rendition you first heard. But it came through to you, and you put your spirit into it… and it comes out to be a very spirit-filled experience. So know that while practice is important to toughen your fingers and maintain the small amount of agility you have, the exercise of your spirit is of prime importance in preparing for a “concert”. This that we do together is more important than actual practicing of songs. One of My truths.

Do not worry about making changes in songs. If you feel like doing so, go ahead. If the way you are doing it feels good to your spirit, keep it that way, despite what other artists have done with it. I told you before that you have at least two songs to write, and I take this opportunity of reaffirming that encouragement. “Rainbows and Raindrops” seems to be a good start… from last Spring. Keep it up.

You know that songs affect spirits differently. As the spirit is affected it influences the mental-intellectual interpretation. Strong, acknowledged spirits have more obvious effects, so there always will be a variable reaction to what you do. As you seek to involve the spirit of each hearer, some will leap to the invitation and become totally immersed. Others will be reluctant in acknowledging, but the spirit may participate anyway (sometimes to the surprise of the person). Still others shall have such puny development of spirit that their responses shall have little depth or substance. Yet you provide them an opportunity to practice. From such may come growth… even some strength.

You cannot plan completely ahead of time today. You shall have to judge time and receptivity. But be not overly influenced by those with small spirits. Whatever you decide to do, do with spirit and conviction. I shall do what I can to help keep your strings in place.