Inner Voice

One of the more amusing little changes for me lately has been my switch from American Idol to The Voice as my singing competition show of choice. I had watched Idol since Season 2 ( I think . . . the Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken season). But over the last few seasons my interest had waned. Paula out, Ellen in, Kara in, Ellen out. Simon out, etc. I kind of liked Steven Tyler and J Lo. But then they were gone, too.

So this season I haven't seen a single episode. Not a Nicki Minaj fan. Keith Urban, meh. I started watching The Voice and was immediately hooked. I like the Voice for what it isn't. There are no painfully bad auditions to suffer through or irate people who don't get sent through to Hollywood. The back story pieces do get a bit long sometimes, but I can live with that. And I must admit I have a latent man crush on both Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Xtina was not as annoying as I feared she would be. And Cee Lo was Muppet-tastic!

This time around when Usher and Shakira came on board, I wasn't sure how much I'd care for it, but it still works. Not crazy about Shakira, but I don't actively dislike her, either. Usher really impresses me. I'm not the biggest fan of his music, although I respect his talent. What has impressed me most has been his style as a coach. He can be really tough on his team members, but he definitely wants them to be their best. And the man obviously knows a thing or two about music.

This past week, Usher did something right out of therapy, or even spiritual direction. One of his team members, Michelle Chamuel, made it through to the live rounds and was preparing to sing Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." Michelle is a quirky talent with a powerful voice and a definite shy streak, maybe a confidence issue (I can relate on those last two!). During the rehearsal, Usher was exhorting her to connect to the lyrics and to the audience. Then he did something a bit odd: he grabbed a full length mirror and had Michelle sing the song to herself.

I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

 Wow. I think we all need this kind of self-talk from time to time. Those of us who occasionally struggle with self-esteem need it even more.

Skyswimmer

Sometimes lyrics speak to us as we listen to a song; other times, we find the lyrics written online (always pays to check the veracity of those, however) or via iTunes or in the liner notes of a CD.

The song "Skywimmer," from Let the Wind Blow High by Enter the Haggis, was a combination of all these. I've had the 1999 release for some time and always enjoyed it. Then I had loaned it to a friend and decided to give it a listen upon receiving it back. The album is full of good Celtic folk and rock music, "Ride My Monster," "Donald, Where's Your Troosers?" and "Where Will You Go?" being highlights for me.

This time around, I paid particular attention to the track "Skyswimmer." I don't recall really noticing it until just recently. It sounds and reads like poetry, with beautiful themes and imagery.

I met a man with eyes like glass

Whose useful days were gone and passed

He told me in a cardboard tone

How long ago he once had flown

When I was young he did relate

I'd watch the birds as they'd escape

From the greedy ground we groveled on

Into the clouds and then beyond...

What kind of bird am I?

How can I learn to fly?

And so each day I'd try, he said

To let go of my mind of lead

And with my body floating free

Swim in the air as in the sea

This was my greatest, strongest wish

And so the air did not resist

One day above the ground I rose

And felt the air beneath my toes

What kind of boy am I?

How can I learn to fly?

I rose above the tallest trees

And summersaulted in the breeze

I dove with lightning speed and then

I shot up to the clouds again

I jumped off buildings with delight

And laughed at those afraid of heights

What need has anyone for fear

When we are free and the sky is near?

Oh, what a boy was I?

When do we learn to die?

And when I saw I was alone

And no one close to me would come

I soon forgot the joy of sky

And gently back to earth came I

I've never flown again, said he

Because we're all alike, you see

Our sickness strengthens unity

And no one needs to question me

What kind of boy was I?

How could I learn to fly?

(c) Enter the Haggis, 1999.