Music, particularly folk, is an emotional, intuitive form of expression, and simultaneously conforms to rules of physics like pitch and meter, that appeal to and express our rational or intellectual side. We express solidarity with others by singing their songs. Music is communication that goes from our ears to our hearts without getting hung up in our brains. Talk to me about politics, economics, social reform, you might have to wake me up. Sing me "The Patriot Game" and I'll cry. And understand. Music is a living link to our past. It's timeless art and at the same time, a window opening on the time and place that produced it. When I listen to Mozart, I imagine the audience that heard the music when it was new. Was the woman in the blue silk enjoying the concert, or was she too worried about her son in the army in America to even hear the music? My first grandchild , pardon me, I meant to say MY FIRST GRANDCHILD is due in September, and I can hardly wait to sing old songs to him, or teach her some simple chords, and send to the future a message from the past, that there is hope, we can get through this, and you're not alone. Thats why I love music. And sometimes people will buy you a beer when you're playing.