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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Let It Be

I sang that song at least twenty times in the car this weekend, on the way to see my grandpa in the hospital and back home again.

It was such a funny feeling to leave San Francisco, as I so rarely even drive anymore, and even more rarely leave the city limits. I just don't.

I felt like I was leaving Brigadoon. For a long time, San Francisco has been more than just a place to live, it's been my everything--the source of my living and my pleasures. I have not wanted to leave it except for my travel daydreams.

So being in the car, with real warm sun shining on me through the sunroof, both windows down, lots of empty highway around me (I was on 280, not 101), that was an odd sensation.

I liked catching the sight of my hair in the rear-view mirror, being whipped around by the wind. I sang Blondie's Greatest Hits, and a little bit from Revolver. But I had all this pent-up-ness inside of me. Part of me felt like it was going to explode and the other part was full of dreading. The closer I got to my destination, the more I could feel it building up.

And then I played Let It Be for the first time and burst out crying. It was instantaneous. I like that song a lot, but for some reason it never hit me until that moment what a song could mean. How a song could comfort you--like a person, almost.

It's probably not a really great idea to cry in the car while you're going down the freeway at speed, but if you're going to cry anyway and there's no stopping you, you might as well listen to this song.





When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be. Yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

10 comments:

Anonymous April 30, 2008 at 5:55 AM  

I have the chills : my son sang Let it Be at his grand-father's funeral, and it was so soothing to everybody, with this child's voice... Let it be.

Alan April 30, 2008 at 6:40 AM  

TB --

I know that nothing anyone says can change the feelings you have during this brief transition. Knowing that you have a big world of friends close around you can help ease that transition.

Because the connection is so everything, when the music stops and you step back into that other world, the transition can seem abrupt at times.

The abruptness is powerful and even sad. Just know that your memories will be of the dance.

My thoughts are with you.

-- Alan

PhantomMinuet April 30, 2008 at 1:13 PM  

Sending you a virtual hug.

tangobaby April 30, 2008 at 4:42 PM  

Chere Tassili,

I can only imagine how incredibly beautiful that song must have been with your son singing it. I'm sure it was a memorable tribute for his grandfather. How very sweet.

Dear Alan,

I know you understand this situation very well. I'm so glad to have your comment here. It's not a substitute for a dance with you, but it's something.

I hope you are well, and I'm thinking of you too.

Dear PhantomMinuet,

Hug received and it was very nice. ;-)
Thank you...

AlexTangoFuego April 30, 2008 at 5:45 PM  

Love...

Red Shoes April 30, 2008 at 7:27 PM  

Love, too...

tangobaby April 30, 2008 at 11:30 PM  

Thank you, Alex. Thank you, Red Shoes. You both are very dear. Good night.

xo

paris parfait May 1, 2008 at 4:36 PM  

Love that song and driving down 280 (is 101 still a traffic nightmare?). I'm always amazed by the power music has to move us at particular times - both of stress and sadness and at times of happiness. Sending a big hug your way. And I'm going to see you THIS MONTH! Hooray it's May! xoxox

paris parfait May 1, 2008 at 4:36 PM  

Love that song and driving down 280 (is 101 still a traffic nightmare?). I'm always amazed by the power music has to move us at particular times - both of stress and sadness and at times of happiness. Sending a big hug your way. And I'm going to see you THIS MONTH! Hooray it's May! xoxox

tangobaby May 2, 2008 at 10:30 AM  

Dear Paris Parfait,

Yes, 101 is to be avoided at any time, and day, imho.

I cannot believe I am going to see you in a matter of days. I am over the freaking moon about it!!!!

xo