The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #17844   Message #174215
Posted By: Judy Predmore
06-Feb-00 - 02:01 AM
Thread Name: Help: Caring what others think
Subject: RE: Help: Caring what others think
Relating this more specifically to music... When I tell people I've found a perfect song that certain people will like, or will be perfect for certain occasions, I get immediate advice to choose songs for my own reasons, & not for other people. But there are so many incredible songs out there, I can't learn to sing them all...

So I start my selection by noticing songs that really move me, that I'd like to learn for myself. Then I think where I'd like to sing them. If I can't think of anywhere or anyone I'd like to share the song with, then I'll just learn the melody & some of the words, & that's enough to keep me happy. If I think of a few situations or people who will really like the song, I'll learn it, but if it's long, I'll keep the lyrics with me for the few occasions I might sing it. If I think alot of people I share music with will like it, I learn it really well, & sing it often.

I've gotten more & more feedback over the years, that people really like the songs I choose to sing. I think it's partly because I've been learning what it is about songs that move people. And it's also because I've listened to alot of songs, & I seek out songs that other people aren't familiar with. And I have to remind myself to try songs that I'm not sure people will like, & see what happens. Sometimes they fall flat, & sometimes I'm totally surprised that people like a song that I thought would be considered too sentimental or pop-music-ish, or whatever.

I used to be thrilled when someone told me what a nice voice I had. Now what really thrills me is when people tell me what a wonderful song that was & where did I find it. I love to bring wonderful songs to people's attention. That makes both me & them happy - a win / win situation.