Life is Sweet Posted Aug-23-2006
Natalie Merchant, Ophelia

But I tell you life is sweet
In spite of the misery
There's so much more, be grateful
So who will you believe
Who will you listen to
Who will it be
Because it's high time that you decide
It's time to make up your own
Your own state of mind*

In a fluctuating state of recuperation, of healing, of learning and constant growing I am comforted and mentored by many empathetic lyrics Natalie Merchant has shared through her songs (as a solo artist and with the band 10,000 Maniacs). And thanks to a good friend named Patrick, my first "unplugged" CD in the mid-90s was by the 10,000 Maniacs. I've played that disc ten thousand times and it still hasn't worn out.

A few days ago I added the songs Life is Sweet, Kind and Generous, and Carnival to my MP3 player and have found myself thrust into a backflash span of two years that occurred a decade ago when I could not separate myself from her CDs. Like a good friend, I found Natalie's music a comforting anchor in a swirling chaotic sea.

Today the lyrics to these songs still touch my core, give me pause, and make me cry. When artists express their creativity in such a spiritual way where it resonates so deeply with others, it connects us on a level that I wish to dwell in eternally. These are true gifts — ones that don't need any wrapping — that we can continually share with one another if we choose to. For that I am grateful.

Don't ask for more, be grateful
But I tell you life is short
Be thankful, because before you know it
It will be over* •

* Lyrics from Natalie Merchant's song Life is Sweet from the album Ophelia.

© 2006 Chris Dunmire www.chrisdunmire.com. All rights reserved.