Who's Writing Your Song?

"I write the songs that make the whole world sing!”… OK, so maybe Barry Manilow didn’t write “the songs”… he just wrote ONE song, and chopped off parts of it to release as a new hit!  HA!  Whether you’re a Manilow fan or not, one thing is certain--you are most likely a fan of someone’s music.

Whether it’s an Iron Maiden anthem, or Michael Buble swing, a Faith Hill love song or an Eagles classic tune, just about everyone has a favorite song.  And every great song has a life of it’s own, a great story behind the song.

Our lives are a lot like a song.  Filled with drama & excitement, love stories & broken hearts, our lives are the stuff musicians live for, whether they are country crooners or hip hop divas.  Our lives are a song, but the musical question you have to answer is simple…Who's Writing Your Song?  

When you look back at the end of your life, will you be able to say with pride, “I wrote that… that’s the song of my life, and it’s amazing!”  You just may, especially if you understand what it takes to write a great life song.

1. Music Makes Our Dreams Come Alive...

I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment’s gone. All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity.  Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind." -Dust In the Wind, Kansas

Ever feel like life is passing you by, wondering if the world really is any better because you’re here?  Then stop wondering and do something about it!  Don't miss your moment in the spotlight! “Life is short” is such a HUGE understatement.

Seriously, what are you waiting for?  Great song writers seize the moments of inspiration that come to bring the dreams on the inside, outside and wrap then in a tune.   You can do the same thing in your life!  Garth Brooks said it best…   So don't you sit upon the shoreline , And say you're satisfied , Choose to chance the rapids, And dare to dance that tide." The River, Garth Brooks

 2. As You Write the Song, the Song Changes You…

"Because of you, I never stray too far from the sidewalk.  Because of you, I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt”.  Because Of You, Kelly Clarkson

Not only is the world a stage, but we’re ALL on it!  I’m writing the song of my life at the same time you are writing yours.  Sometimes it’s this amazing symphony that blows us away.  Other times, it’s just noise.  But with every experience, every note of the song that’s written, we shape our world and we are shaped.  Don’t be a waste of space!

Thousands of songs have been recorded over the years, with most of them never finding their way to the airwaves.   Duds or album filler is what became of most of them.  But a small number of songs make it to the charts & become a hit. Lives are just like that.  Some people are content for their lives to be the “extra” songs on the CD no one listens to… Others settle for nothing less than for the song of their life to top the Billboard life charts!

Bob Dylan challenged us when he sang, "How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see?" Open your eyes to the life you are creating, and open your ears to the sound song!  And when you do, make it spectacular!

 3. Living Your Song Out Loud is Contagious! 

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope one day you'll join us, and the world will be as ONE! " Imagine, John Lennon

Remember the great Coca Cola commercial (watch it here)?  The obvious message of the song is simple- let’s all have a Coke and have a great time!  But the more subtle message of the song comes in the delivery.

One person starts the song, a song about unity, hope and love.  And then another person joins in, and still another until the hillside, and maybe the world is filled with people with bad hair and horrible clothing, but singing and enjoying a friendly cold beverage and the world peace it brings!

That may be a little bit of a stretch, but the principle is sound.  As you discover and begin to pen the passionate song of your own life, your music can’t help but affect those who hear it.   “And the dream we were conceived in will reveal a joyful face and the world we once believed in will shine again in grace.”  Heal the World, Michael Jackson   So go dream, go shine, go write the song of your life!

By the way, if you had to pick one set of lyrics or one song that has impacted your life, what would it be and why?