The Playlist

As my husband, Brady, deteriorated in the hospital during the final days of his life, I looked for something - anything - that would perk up his spirits. He wasn’t communicating and was disconnected from me. We didn’t share the same taste in music, but when I turned on one of my playlists, he gently took my phone and held it to his chest. He smiled for the first time in weeks and shifted to a state of calm. As his condition worsened, his healthcare needs increased. During those days, I managed to squeeze in an occasional three-mile run and it was music that helped me. Song lyrics became more inspirational and boosted my mood, even validating me when I felt crappy. Music gave me the emotional push I needed. Now, when grief unexpectedly slaps me in the face, I reach for my playlist to enjoy a happy memory with Brady. For that reason, one of the elements included in this space is “The Playlist” a random collection of songs that spoke to me then and now. I invite you to embrace the poetry of music to help find your center and be soothed even momentarily.

TRUE COMPANION
Songwriter: Marc Cohn
Performed by: Marc Cohn

When I look in your eyes
I'll still see that spark
Until the shadows fall
Until the room grows dark
Then when I leave this Earth
I'll be with the angels standin'
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion

HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY THAT I LOVE YOU
Songwriter: Van Morrison

Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one above you?
You fill my heart with gladness
And you take away my sadness
You ease my troubles, that's what you do

Oh, the morning sun in all its glory
It greets the day with hope and comfort too
And you fill my life with laughter
And you can make it better
You ease my troubles, that's what you do

I CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU
Songwriters: Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore and George David Weiss
Sung by Elvis Presley

Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help
Falling in love with you

Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help
Falling in love with you?

Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be

Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you

I’LL CARRY YOU HOME
Performed by: Trisha Yearwood
Songwriters: Troy Verges, Gordie Samson and Caitlyn Smith

When you can't walk and there's chains 'round your soul
The burden's too heavy and you've run out of road
And you're praying out loud
As you stumble through the rain and snow
I'll walk out and find you, I'll carry you home

When you can't speak 'cause the words are too strong
And every time that you try, it just comes out all wrong
When your heart's screaming out, but no one can hear your song
Oh, I'll sing it for you, I'll carry you home

I'll carry you home, I'll carry you home
So rest your heart easy, I'll carry you home

So wander this world now, fearless and free
Climb every mountain and sail every sea
But if you wander too far into the great unknown
You know I will find you, I'll carry you home

A CASE OF YOU
Songwriter: Joni Mitchell

Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste to bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh, I would still be on my feet

Oh I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I’m frightened by the devil
And I’m drawn to those ones that ain’t afraid

I remember that time you told me, you said
“Love is touching souls”
Surely you touched mine.
Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time

LIFE GOES ON
Songwriter: Ed Sheeran
Performed by: Ed Sheeran

It hit like a train, I ran out of words
I got nothin' to say, everything hurts
And I know love leads to pain
But memories serve our sweetest refrain, mmm

The waves came tumblin' down
As you float away, I'm reachin' for ya

To tell me how, how my life goes on with you gone
I suppose I'll sink like a stone
If you leave me now, oh, the storms will roll
Easy come, hard go, then life goes on

IN THIS LIFE
Songwriters: Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin
Performed by: Colin Raye

For every mountain I have climbed
Every raging river crossed
You were the treasure that I longed to find
Without your love I would be lost

Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth
Going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered
Had come true
In this life
I was loved by you