There seems to be another element at work. Some people seem able to set aside the emotion of the moment and sing their hearts out.

Some years back a young Australian friend fell off a Juneau mountain and died. He was a great favo(u)rite of ours and it took us a long time to come to terms with it. (For instance, we had two memorial services for him- a whole year apart - because the local shaman told us we had to let him go.)

But on the weekend of his death we gathered at his apartment home, anecdotes were recounted, and some of his favourite songs were sung.

His favorite person in town was 'Joinie'; they were very close.

Jane sang a number of songs, her voice clear and strong. In between, she wept.