jakorte's blog

Music soothes the savage beast, or is it breast?

* William Congreve wrote in 1697: "Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast / To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.". The line alludes to Orpheus, whose songs mythically affected animals, rocks, and trees.
* Some believe the quote should read, "Music soothes the savage beast" from the Latin, "Musica delenit bestiam feram."

So, which is it? I can apply both to myself - sometimes simultaneously.
I’ve been angry lately, and depressed.
There’s the ugly inner beast screaming it’s not fair, and the heart in my breast holding my breath until I am forced to gasp and painfully remember what it feels like to have to inhale.

I’ve been turning back to music more and more. Studying, I suppose, popular trends, markets, air play, companies. What amazes me is the specificity of what I’m hearing. Revelation by Third Day reminded me what a good song really is. It reached me, and brought back the power behind the faith of prayer. It doesn’t answer my questions, but it names them. Specifically.

Revelation, Third Day
My life, has led me down the road that's so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Trying to find my way,
Trying to find the faith that's gone
This time, I know that you are holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,to be the ones that bring me home

Give me revelation, show me what to do
Cause I've been trying to find my way,
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me revelation
I've got nothing without You

My life, has led me down this path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn I'm always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
I don't know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won't You show me where I need to go
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it's the only way that I can get back home