The song inside you
“Don’t go with your song still inside you“, advises the theme song of a film I saw Sunday, called either The Shift or Ambition to Meaning, depending on who you ask or where you look!
Here is the video (not embedable, so please click!)
The song runs during the closing credits, and was filmed on location at a place I’ve spent many happy days. Asilomar Conference Center on the Monterey coast in California is exactly as beautiful, stark and exotic as it appears in the video. I love that, towards the end, they filmed all the other guests at the facility singing along, and then the staff, too. How great! There’s another video at the same link which contains a wonderful meditative piano piece, with even more stunning photos of the place.
After watching the film, I felt as if I’d spent a day at Asilomar, not just the two hours it took to watch. This was the highlight for me, revisiting a place where I was very happy and experienced remarkable openings. I have a coffee mug I bought there which says “A place where lives are changed“. Indeed. I’ll say that our lives are perfect in every moment, and don’t “need” to change, but there are times and places when the desire comes bubbling forth, and a profound shift takes place.
Although I had no idea who Dr. Wayne Dyer was when I attended conferences and trainings at Asilomar some years ago, I have since heard him speak in person and on television, and have read several of his books. The film centers around a documentary being made about him, sort of a “film within a film”. I find I’m generally in agreement with about 70% of his philosophy; it rose to about 80% in this particular presentation. I don’t resonate with some of his notions about “ego” or about “service”. I know there are those who feel that a little Dyer goes a long way. Still, if I allow myself to hear the message, and suspend judgment, I can appreciate his sincerity. Since he chose Asilomar as the place to put his life philosophy on film, he must be doing something right! 😉
The song is presented by the very laid-back jazz quartet Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra. There is a tongue-in-cheek, whimsical quality to it, as in much of Lipton’s music, but it contains a very profound message, and really sums up the entire movie. The place, the music, and the message began to merge for me as I revisited old feelings and realized how far I’ve come in so many ways; yet have become more essentially “me” each year.
One conference stands out as particularly poignant. I’d been at Asilomar for three days of the week-long program. When I arrived, I very much still had “my song inside” me. “No one wants to hear MY song”, I thought. “It’s not particularly unique, or relevant, or tuneful.” I won’t go into all the specifics, but by the end of that particular day, I had discovered that the voice saying those things covered up the authentic me—the one with the amazing “voice”. Any time we put ourselves down, or say we’re less than or not enough, is actually a blunted form of (and here’s Dr. Dyer’s word!) “ego”. A façade had formed to protect our authentic selves from harm for one reason or another (or five, or 622) over the years. When we were born, I was told, the universe was delighted with us, and we with ourselves. We had to “learn” to hold a different opinion, and that “learning” could be “unlearned”.
By the end of my week there, I had actual “fans” for my “song”! I haven’t kept silent since. 😀
Obviously the phrase “the song inside you” is a metaphor; it can refer to any kind of gift you want to share and develop from who you really are. In my case, it did involve music. Little bits of music had “leaked out” during my childhood and teen years; I was never completely without it. As I grew in confidence, I stepped into my music, rather than just letting it seep through my façade.
Now, as much of my work is in Arts Administration, I feel I am allowing out more and more of “the song inside”. I get to actually perform music—that’s almost a physical need at this point—as well as use my natural leadership ability (which I didn’t know I had!) to facilitate Arts experiences for others, both as performers and audiences.
The song in the film gives us a gentle warning: “Don’t GO with your song still inside you”; it says. I see the word “go”, in this context, in many ways—from going out the door, today, to the final “going”, the one where we leave this earthly flesh behind.
However you wish to interpret it, I wish for you, and for me, that we continue to discover the ongoing song, and allow it to come forth, strongly, beautifully; with passion and purpose.
MusEditions 
I haven’t told you this Muse but I’m a multi-instrument amateur musician- lead guitar being my main. So you see how deep I’m in to music too.
I’m just not lucky to find the right connections and my interest switched to writing.
pochp
May 30, 2009
Hey Muse! Great post. Monterey AND inspiration? What could be bad? Touches a deep part of me. I have many songs in my heart – as do we all. But the song I keep most hidden is the one that loves to sing and dance and perform. Shhh! Don’t let it know I’m talking about it. Too many times I’ve heard the “criticisms”. “OK, Ronnie. That’s enough.” (My singing is only so-so…. but oh how I love to do it!) “Her character was more frenzy than depth.” (It was a farce for god’s sake! And others said they loved my performance, but I only heard the ones who didn’t.) And so I just stopped trying and focused more on things I get more regular praise for. But part of my song is going unsung.
I majored in theater and let myself touch it here and there as an adult, but have never dared give it the respect it’s due. (Lots of mother/family stuff here I’m afraid. But it’s ME now.) What after all is the greatest expression of our humanity other than the arts – and love?
Why do I give more power to the critics than to myself? Your post and the wonderful video have given me a question to contemplate today. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. 😉
Thanks as always Muse. As I said, this one runs deep. MUCH appreciated.
Peace out and in,
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann
May 30, 2009
I just HAD to smile while reading this and then seeing Dr. Dyer’s name. It’s been awhile since I totally immersed myself in his philosophies but WOW – what an eye opener for ideas and self love, huh!? I just wanted to say this and NOW, I will click on that link you told me to click but haven’t yet….
Care
May 30, 2009
What a TERRIFIC song! I love the music, too. not just the message. 🙂
Care
May 30, 2009
I just loved the song, Muse! And the message behind it. I wonder how many of us end up “going” with our song unsung.
I’d like to watch the movie. Thanks for sharing. A beautiful post. I am glad you are singing your song! 🙂
thebeadden
May 31, 2009
Keep singing, Muse! I think you’ve found your tune. (And that blue-blue water around Monterey and Malibu is unlike any I’ve ever seen elsewhere. I haven’t been to California in years but I’ll never forget that color.)
ellaella
May 31, 2009
I did not know that about you, poch. Wow. You are a very good writer, obviously, but I hope there will be opportunities for music, too!
Oh, RA! You described your feelings so beautifully—but I’m sad. 😦 [Don’t worry; I’ll never tell!] I cannot believe how much performance criticism is dealt out to people, even very small children! I guess if we put ourselves in the spotlight, and get paid for our work, critical reviews are part of the life. But there is no merit in putting down someone else’s performance with what is, after all, only an opinion!!! 😕 You are so right, too, in that we tend to remember the bad reviews more than the good ones. I think anyone can learn to sing well; I really do, and everyone should who wants to. Have you ever sung in a group or a choir? =All the performance opportunity with little of the stress! There must be tons of opportunities in your area. I may be there myself when some of my choral group participates in a Carnegie Hall concert next spring! You majored in theater!!! I do hope you continue to contemplate. I, like you, am gradually letting go of the mother/family stuff. It’s amazingly powerful and long-lived. I salute you, and wish for performance art to sooth your soul.
Hey, Care! Indeed. Dr. Dyer is very mainstream these days, but if one really listens there are good messages there. He’s a prolific guy, and is able to absorb the wisdom from current teachers and package it in a way that makes it palatable to the general public. I admire that kind of talent. So glad you liked the song! I agree, the music and the performance is just outstanding, and would be even if it wasn’t so uplifting. But then, how could it possibly be not? 🙂
Isn’t it a great song, BD? After I first heard it (from the movie) I just played it over and over. I like watching, and I like taking in the message, and I like the excellent mellow jazz. 🙂 I don’t know if you saw, but the movie is available as a download for $4.95. 😀
I will, I will, ella! Thank you. There are always new nuances to discover. Ah yes, that part of the world is a truly magical place.
museditions
June 1, 2009
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, Muse. A busy week. When I consult, they actually expect me to work. The nerve!
Thank you for listening and understanding so well. I have much more I want to say to you. Maybe when you come to NYC with your choir. 😉 Wow. What fun! Have been thinking a lot about all this and am investigating choruses (there’s one not too far from where I live where all are welcome) and musical theater performance classes. Also have simply been spending more time singing just by myself. Very energizing. Plus am exploring potential volunteer work at the local Arts Council. It all feeds the spirit!
Thanks for the kick in the butt. Speaking of kicks and music, you might get a kick out of this. 🙂 Made me smile:
Laurel & Hardy Dance!
Ronnie Ann
June 5, 2009
Oh! The link didn’t work. Sorry. Here’s the direct URL:
Ronnie Ann
June 5, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this post, thank you for writing it. Music is really important to me, and since I hear it in my head all the time, the title of this post really spoke to me.
David
June 5, 2009
Oh, those pesky clients. They’re just SO demanding. Actual work, really! 😉 You are going to bring me to tears, Ronnie Ann! 😥 I just well up imagining you in a chorus and in musical theater class! If any little thing I said helped to propel you towards joyful expression, well, that just about makes my day! 🙂 And the Arts Council, what a good idea! (I’ll look into that in my area, too—thanks!) It’s also nice to think of you singing on your own. I do a great deal of chanting, (from many cultures) sometimes playing along on the keyboard; sometimes a capella. It keeps me breathing well, and joyful, and peaceful. 😐 I glanced at the video you posted, and thought “Oh, fun! I haven’t watched Laurel & Hardy for a while”. Then I looked at the title: …To The Gap Band? Wha? I was in stitches! This is brilliant. The beat and the synch are just perfect. What a treat. Thanks for the kick! Peace & joy, always.
PS: Email me anytime, if you want to chat more.
Hi David! Thanks for dropping by! I’m glad you enjoyed reading about my experiences. I’m very curious about how you hear music in your head—all the time?!? I’d better mosey over to your blog to see if you’ve discussed it there!
museditions
June 6, 2009
Yes, there is a music player in my brain somewhere that pretty much never turns off. It just plays whatever I’ve been listening to lately, but sometimes gets caught in annoying loops. It’s usually helpful, especially when bicycling. I’m able to whistle “both ways” (inhale & exhale) which I sometimes do while cycling, though the wind can make that a little tricky. Have you read Oliver Sachs latest book Musicophilia?
David
June 9, 2009
Yes indeed, David, I have Musicophilia in my library. I had been interested in Synesthesia for sometime (I have off-beat interests like that) so when that book came out, I scooped it up. Big fan of Sacks, anyway. I do hear music in my head for several days after performing in or attending a concert, but it usually fades away…
museditions
June 9, 2009
Yeah, the song inside. Thanks for this. It’s taken me awhile to hear mine. Although partly because it’s shifted. I had a song when I was younger that completed, then a new song arose that took a little time to notice. But as you mention, it was there all along…
Davidya
July 28, 2009
[…] Follow the Love July 28, 2009 Muse recently wrote an article on the song “Don’t Go With Your Song Inside You“. It’s evidently the song that closes Wayne Dyer’s new flick The […]
Follow the Love « In 2 Deep
July 28, 2009
Anyone have the lyric of the song “song inside”? I want to translate to spanish! Thanks to all!!!
JAV
September 20, 2009
Hi, JAV, thanks for stopping by! I may be able to transcribe the lyrics, just from listening. I’ll post them here if I do.
museditions
October 2, 2009
Thank you to transcribe the lyrics!!! I appreciate it!!!
JAV
October 11, 2009
This is not a race.
You don’t have to run.
You might even slow it down, take a look around
instead of chasing everyone.
Nothing to prove; no point to make,
if when its said and done,
you know in your heart that your song is sung.
You could lose it all.
You would still feel like you won.
You might fall out of the sky; learn to fly,
just by reaching for the sun.
No need to fret about regret,
if when its said and done,
you know in your heart that your song is sung.
la la la la la (la la la la la)
lo li lo li lo (lo li lo li lo) …etc.
museditions
October 15, 2009
The above comment contains the lyrics you asked for, Jav! I would really enjoy it if you would post the Spanish translation here!
museditions
October 15, 2009
Nice work! I can’t get Welcome to the Jungle out of my head! ”Welcome to The Jungle, We’ve Got Fun And Games”
mens sandals
February 6, 2010
Hello, sandals. Hope you can get the jungle out of your head soon!
museditions
February 8, 2010