I sang two songs at Salvatore’s on Sint-Salvatorstraat last night.  My usual goals were full in my mind:

1.  Sing with passion … fill the room.

2.  Sing in tune.

3.  Remember all the words.

1. (check)  2. (check)  3. (check)

Ahh … and there was a Number 4. >  Get the audience to sing the choruses with me.

It’s been a dream of mine to bring a choir into being.  And it happened!

First I taught the thirty folks the chorus to “Day Is Done”, famously sung by Peter, Paul and Mary, an American folk music trio.

And if you take my hand, my son
All will be well when the day is done
And if you take my hand, my son
All will be well when the day is done

Day is done, day is done
Day is done, day is done

Simple words.  But would they do it?  The first chorus opportunity gave me a soft response.  But it was fuller the second time.  And it filled the room on the third.

I gave my audience a huge smile as the last note hung in the air.  I put my palms together and bowed.  I was thrilled.

The second song was a classic – Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind”.  And the chorus …

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Same result, same thrill.

***

May we the people always make music

“Let the rivers fill.  Let the hills rejoice” 

(Leonard Cohen)