‘Life’s a long
song,
But the tune ends
too soon for us all’
From ‘Life’s a
Long Song’ (1972) by Jethro Tull
In the popular view of Advent as
a time for candles, calendars and chocolates, for present buying, parties and
preparation, and so on, reflecting on life and death and one’s own mortality
may seem rather strange. But I don’t think so.
As we look and long for the
coming of God’s Kingdom, we are inevitably faced with the reality that (however we understand this) we will one day
each have to encounter the one who is justice and judge, life and love. And for
each of us that day is inevitably getting closer.
‘How morbid’ some might protest!
But I do not find it morbid at
all. I have no wish to hurry towards that day. I am enjoying life, relishing being
a grandparent, and still have lots and lots of plans, and I hope to have lots
and lots of years in which to enjoy fulfilling these plans.
However, the inevitable
conclusion of this life does not fill me with dread or fear, and I can see no
point in ignoring or denying that which is inevitable! I do not dwell upon it,
and the thoughts do not constantly haunt me. But I do sometimes ponder it all,
and recall my own mortality, and acknowledge that there are now many fewer
years ahead than lie behind. I think about the life I have lived, and speak openly
about what lies ahead.
I know that for many people all of
this would be unthinkable; something to be avoided at all costs. I am not one
of these. It seems to me to be perfectly natural and reasonable, and as someone
of faith, while I relish life and look forward to the years ahead, I do not
fear death.
Lately, I have been reflecting a
bit more on all of this and looking back over my life thus far. It would be tempting
to quote Frank Sinatra and tell you that ‘Regrets, I have a few, but then again
too few to mention’. But, in truth, I have more regrets than just a few! (And,
anyway, I do not really like that song very much.)
But, while I acknowledge my past
mistakes and mis-steps, it is not my regrets on which I focus as I look back
over the years, but the blessings, the experiences, the people, the places, the
achievements, and so on.
Some of my recent reflection has
been occasioned by my awareness of the illness or the passing of near contemporaries,
some of them public figures, but also some of them friends and acquaintances
and family members.
And so, I have been pondering.
And as part of that I have began
to think of songs and pieces of music that seemed to me to resonate with my
reflections. These are not necessarily my favourite pieces of music (indeed, my
very favourite pieces of music and songs do not appear on the list). Rather, this
is music that has moved me or which speaks to me of my life and some of its various
moments and experiences. Most of the chosen music is reflective or poignant, or
speaks of looking back on life, or even of death and hope. All of these pieces
are very meaningful to me for all kinds of different reasons, and not a few
move me to tears on every hearing.
The compilation of this playlist
remains work in progress and, I must say, I am finding it utterly engrossing
and revealing. As I have said, these are not all my favourite songs or pieces
of music. Indeed, some of the choices may surprise those who know me and my
musical tastes. And some of these pieces may seem rather obscure.
The making of this playlist is a
wee project I embarked upon for my own benefit, but if anyone is interested this
is the link to the playlist (which remains work in progress)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7bNZWCybpNuCWIjiLKRfn0?si=5dd86def43674882
Life’s a long song!
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