“Music is the fourth great material want of our nature-first food, then raiment, then shelter, then music.”
BOUVÉE
What Bouvée says is undeniably true. Our body’s food is the product of the earth: fruits and vegetables and so forth. But our soul’s food is music. Undoubtedly it is so. Even our physical nature at times intensely craves and desperately needs music.
Keep Your Head Up is one of my favourite songs. As a rule I don’t listen to music when I run. However, during a particularly challenging night when I was running in the 6 Day Self-Transcendence Race last year I needed music to get me through and take my mind off the pain and discomfort. I was feeling rather sorry for myself; I was cold, tired, could barely walk and I was not in a good space. I knew this song elicited a strong emotional response in me and the lyrics are very poignant, especially the part where he says “All I was searching for was me”. I just love the video which is so uplifting and joyful. I so want to have a go on that soap slide, it looks so much fun!
Playing the song on repeat got me running again as my mind drifted off to a much better place and I became so happy and full of gratitude, remembering the purpose of why I was running the race. I became oblivious to the cold biting wind, the darkness and the pain that I was in. That could have been quite easily a lyric of the song.
I spent my time watching The spaces that had grown between us And I cut my mind on second best The scars that come with the greeness I gave my eyes to the bottom Still the seabed wouldn’t let me in And I tried my best to embrace the darkness In which I swim. Now walking back down this mountain With the strength of a turning tide The wind so soft at my skin The sun so hot upon my side Looking out at this happiness I searched for between the sheets Feeling blind, to realise All I was searching for was me. Keep your head up, keep your heart strong Keep your mind set, keep your hair long Keep your head up, keep your heart strong Keep your mind set in your ways Keep your heart strong. I saw a friend of mine the other day And he told me that my eyes were gleaming I said I’d been away And he knew the depths I was meaning It felt so good to see his face The comfort invested in my soul To feel the warmth of his smile When he said ‘I’m happy to have you home’ Keep your head up … Because I’ll always remember you the same Eyes like wildflowers with your demons of change May you find happiness there May all your hopes turn out right May you find warmth in the middle of the night.