Music -- The universal language

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Barry Manilow was originally a jingle writer. He wrote the coke song, the Clearasil jingle, state farm jingle etc... One of the songs I like best is "I write the songs that make the whole world sing". Not sure the title is really that long but you know what I'm talking about. Music is the universal language and I think I have an idea as to why. When I was working in the child care business, we used music and songs all day long. We had little songs we sang to bring all the kids together for story time, songs for lunch and snacks, songs for picking up the toys, songs for getting in line to go out side, even songs for going potty. Kids naturally love music and songs. I sang songs with my boys a lot but mostly while we were in the car or truck heading to school, an activity, or a trip. I grew up with music being a big part of my life and in turn have made it a part of my children's lives. Growing up in a Church of Christ, we were expected to learn to read music at an early age and when I said read music I mean with the shaped notes, the whole Do Re Mi thing because instruments were not allowed in the Church of Christ. Oddly enough though we were all expected to learn to play the piano and required to take lessons. When the family all got together, the grown ups would break out the hymnals and sing, each their own part in perfect harmony. I loved hearing them sing and always wanted to join in. I was not as good as the grown ups but still when I sang with them, I felt I was a part of something. I think that is the magic of music. It makes us all feel united together. It doesn't matter if we are singing, playing an instrument or just listening, we are suddenly an active part of something along with everyone else. Music stirs up our since of being alive. Even if you aren't good at sports, academics or gifted at conversation, you can enjoy music just as much as the most talented performers in the world. Music levels the field for everyone and it invites us all to join in together, united with one voice.