As I sit here in my cozy kitchen in Bridgend, Wales, surrounded by the comforting hum of everyday life, I find myself pondering a question that has lingered in the recesses of my mind for as long as I can remember: why do I sing? At 65 years old, with decades of experience as a housewife and mother, the answer to this seemingly simple question eludes me still. Yet, in the quiet moments of solitude, when the demands of the day have faded away, I find solace in the act of singing, a source of joy and comfort that transcends words.
For me, singing is more than just a hobby or a pastime; it is a lifeline, a means of expressing emotions that defy explanation. From the tender lullabies I sang to my children as they drifted off to sleep, to the rousing hymns I belt out at Sunday service, each note carries with it a piece of my soul, a testament to the joys and sorrows of life lived fully.
Growing up in the valleys of Wales, music was an integral part of my upbringing. From the haunting melodies of traditional Welsh folk songs to the stirring anthems of the male voice choirs that echoed through the hills, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical heritage from a young age. Singing was not just a form of entertainment; it was a way of life, a language through which we expressed our deepest emotions and connected with one another on a profound level.
As I embarked on my journey through adulthood, singing remained a constant companion, a source of comfort and companionship through the trials and tribulations of life. In moments of joy, I would find myself humming tunes from my youth, a soundtrack to the memories that shaped me into the woman I am today. In moments of sorrow, I would seek solace in the familiar strains of hymns and spirituals, finding strength in the words of faith and hope that echoed through the centuries.
But perhaps the true beauty of singing lies not in the performance itself, but in the act of creation, of giving voice to the emotions that dwell within us. When I sing, I am transported to a realm of pure expression, where the boundaries of time and space fade away, and all that remains is the music, flowing freely from my heart to the heavens above.
In recent years, as the demands of family and career have given way to the quiet rhythms of retirement, I have found myself drawn more deeply into the world of choral music. Joining a local choir has opened up new avenues of exploration and discovery, allowing me to connect with fellow enthusiasts and explore a diverse repertoire of musical styles and genres.
But beyond the joys of camaraderie and collaboration, singing with a choir has given me a sense of purpose and belonging that transcends the boundaries of age and experience. In the harmonious blend of voices, I find a reflection of the interconnectedness of humanity, a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
So why do I sing? The answer, perhaps, lies in the very essence of what it means to be human. In a world fraught with uncertainty and division, singing is a universal language that unites us in our shared humanity, bridging the gaps between cultures, generations, and ideologies. It is a gift that we give to one another, a beacon of hope and healing in a world that often feels dark and divided.
And so, as I raise my voice in song, I do so not just for myself, but for all those who have come before me and all those who will come after. For in the act of singing, we affirm our common humanity and celebrate the beauty of life in all its complexity. And in that simple act of creation, we find solace, joy, and a sense of belonging that transcends words.
