Sunday, April 03, 2011

A Little Sunday Churchifying


This is one of my favorite songs by the late Donny Hathaway, "Thank You Master for My Soul." It's a sublime combination of gospel vocalizing and jazz instrumental harmonies, and was recorded back in 1970. Tragically Donny Hathaway committed suicide later that decade while under treatment for depression. But here he sings of profound spiritual gratitude and reverence. He sings of human frailty and divine redemption, presenting to my ear anyway a profound optimism and sense of perspective, once again a valuable touchstone in troubled times. I don't go to church every Sunday -- not my thing -- but Sunday is as good a day as any for a moment of reverence and reflection.

2 comments:

  1. not to take a happy subject and make it sad, but depression is a real bummer. i have it pretty severely, and i've fortunately been able to get it pretty well under control in recent years, and the onset of warmer weather is helping, too.

    this is a good reminder that depression isn't all about the stereotype of constant moping. in fact, many individuals, myself included, suffering from depression tend to be very cheerful folks most of the time. it's because we really value the happy times when we aren't feeling low.

    of course, everyone is different, though.

    speaking of happy times, it is nice to see some posts that aren't related to libya. ;)

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  2. Spring is always good for the soul, eh? I'm watching the buds on the cherry tree out front like a hawk.

    speaking of happy times, it is nice to see some posts that aren't related to libya. ;)

    thanks for the laugh!

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