Guttural distinctions

It’s said by many that song traces back to the origins of language. What that may have looked and sounded like is surely beyond what we can explain today. Moreover, as it developed over time, it has taken on many varieties of forms. While I am not versed on the historical growth of this specifically, I am somehow tied to the inward knowledge of rhythms and tonal qualities that move emotion along with thoughts through this medium. As this is penned, I have no doubt that within all of us there is a connection to the same movement of being, when exposed to song.

There are so many types of responses to singing, perhaps as many as there songs. Some bring up feelings of anger, rage, and danger, while others a softer feel like passions, relaxation, and comfort. Yet, all forms touch something much deeper than we now can scientifically explain. It appears that at the core of who we are, both physiologically and psychologically, there exists a connection to a bigger whole that intertwines all of us. The how and why of this is for others to explain, but for me there is a wholeness that needs to be accounted for in order to absorb these expressions of words and sounds.

Are we all connected to pat responses in expressions of voice? On the other hand, is it more to the individual response that we gravitate? Maybe both? Nevertheless, respond we do to not only song, but to the musical sounds often accompany it. And certainly we don’t want to mix in the language elements of common speech, which again is another stem of consideration, but different than this quick look at the effects of vocal skills used in song. With these put aside for the moment, we must admit that the words of a chant, or ballad, or any other form, move us inwardly. What can we say about the movement we feel during this connection?

Moving, touching, stirring, are but a few of the adjectives that come up when we describe a fine exhibition of voice. It seems to communicate so much more than the words alone. The apparently infinite ways to vocalize bring a sense of meaning through the approach taken with a song. The infinitesimal flutterings, slides, emphases’, slurs, body language, facial expression, and so on bring the complete story to the forefront. All this to communicate in a meaningful way the message as a whole. Nevertheless, despite the methodology, this stirs in us feelings and connections to our very core.

So, be it a cheer of players ready to take the court, an anthem sung at times of remembrance, or simply a nursery rhyme, all areas of daily life carry the possibility to include song. Whether we choose to do this is one of personal preference, but when chosen there comes a connection to a bigger whole. One that links us collectively to being more than just the individual, more than what we can do and achieve on our own. One that connects times, meaning, and our basest urges. What song are you hearing right now?