"Music is the universal language of mankind" ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Indeed, I believe the famous American poet of the 19thC nailed it. Just watch a young toddler dance to a song. She probably knows not the meaning of the lyrics. But she dances, sways and grooves to the rhythm. From the use of chords and the tempo, even a young child can detect the mood.
Today, I watched my little one waltz happily with her plush doggie pencil case. I think it was contagious because I picked up the nearest pooh bear and followed suit.
Flashback to two years ago. She was in my arms. A tiny baby. And I was waltzing with her in the hall while listening to the same song. Songs can truly anchor our memories to really specific moments in our lives because while dancing with pooh bear today, I could recall every emotion I experienced two years back.
And what song were we dancing to, you ask.
Here it is. And if you scrutinise the lyrics, you'd know why I was swept away by my emotions:
Top of the World
Such a feelin’s comin’ over me
There is wonder in most everything I see
Not a cloud in the sky
Got the sun in my eyes
And I won’t be surprised if it’s a dream
Everything I want the world to be
Is now coming true especially for me
And the reason is clear
It’s because you are here
You’re the nearest thing to heaven that I’ve seen
(*) I’m on the top of the world lookin’ down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I’ve found ever since you’ve been around
Your love’s put me at the top of the world
Something in the wind has learned my name
And it’s tellin’ me that things are not the same
In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze
There’s a pleasin’ sense of happiness for me
There is only one wish on my mind
When this day is through I hope that I will find
That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me
All I need will be mine if you are here.
To my darling Alicia, mummy loves you...
