Discussions
A Lost Art?
Posted by LynneaUrania • 11/25/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: singing
Somehow, it seems to me that we have lost an art that's meant for joy. It's called, "Singing."
O I know. We have singers everywhere. We expect them to be professionals. We use them all the time to sing the praises of the marketplace in commercials. We use them for religious propoganda.
But how many of us get together and sing for just the pure dumb fun of it? Where I live, if one's voice is off the perfection of a stage performance, people act as if that person has no right to sing at all.
Poppycock, I think. People have the right to cut loose so that they don't blow a fuse amid the gathering gloom of social isolation. Who cares if one isn't "good enough?" Why not have groups who sing just for fun...spontaneously...unpretentiously...wherever they can be ornery enough to get away with it. Not many could be hurt by it. And many more than not would probably break forth in a smile if they hadn't all day.
What do you think? Am I off my rocker? Does anyone out there do this (other than the pros)?
User Comments
-
Would anyone here spend time with such a group?
-
Singing for the hell of it is a lost art. Now, me ... I'm not a big fan of getting people's attention, so you won't find me bursting into song in the middle of the street.-
A lot of people won't. That's part of the baggage we all have that keeps us from spreading a little unattached joy.
People who do this might be considered on a par with those who decide on the Internet to swarm a locale and do something strange, then disburse. Or they may appear that way at first.
And yet nobody is harmed thereby. Perhaps our not wanting to be conspicuous has become part of our language of ego that wants to stay hidden like the "island that never cries."
-
-
singing around here (glasgow , scotland) is usually just drunken abusive and aggressive songs about football or religious bigotry blared out in the early hours by drunken thugs!.-
A corollary to my point. While the Scots are more openly expressive than most of us here in America, it still comes down to using it for either a commercial (to promote a sports franchise) or for religious propoganda.
Why not just songs that express sheer joy. I'm sure the Scots haven't lost that too.
Or if we have all lost it, perhaps that's a means to break out of a socially-imposed rut?
-
-
i was singing the wiggles with my kids. does that count?-
Sure does. Whatever spreads cheer.
-
-
I don't think I'd join a group to sing (not with my voice) but I get your point. A month or so ago I did songstar with some friends and we had a blast, it was such fun. We also did Wii boxing and tennis.
Have you ever seen the episode of Friends where Phoebe does crazy running in the park? It's hilarious. Us adults need to let go sometimes and regain the childlike fun in our lives. Singing is just one way. -
I sing all of the time. My kids and I make up silly songs together when I'm getting them up in the morning. And what about karaoke - people who know they can't sing getting up and doing it anyway, because it's fun. Every bar around here has a karaoke night! I very much disagree that people don't sing for the fun of it any more. They don't make enormous piles of money, singing for the sheer joy of it, but they still do it. Isn't that supposed to be the whole point behind the indie music genre - people making music they love and to heck with the big labels?-
I do have to admit. Karaoke is one exception to the idea. But even so, it's in a controlled environment where people EXPECT you to sing. I was thinking more of like the town square, or at a train station, even a restaurant that doesn't do karaoke if the manager would allow it.
And those whose voice reminds them of the contractor's glopeda-glopeda machine, a group would be perfect. That way one's voice could blend in and not be noticed too much!
-
-
My friends and I make up songs all the time! ..it's so funny. Everything is a song. ...and I can relate everything to a song. ..or an episode of Seinfeld. I think music is part and parcel of the whole human condition. -
As a musician/singer... I'm actually Very much with you on this one. Everyone is too dependent on Other people's music and not willing to make their own.... whatever the form. I have no problem with the idea of more people making their own music... etc... We put too much weight on other people to meet all our entertainment needs. -
My wife and I sing to our son all the time. Singing just for the hell if it is great way to relax. Jam bands, Choirs, and Ensambles are also great fun.
I agree with you that people are overly critical of regular Joes (or Janes) that sing for the hell of it. However, if you go pro or try to make a living off it, criticism is necessary because it helps elevate the truly exemplary singers.
Edit: It's almost Christmas. Nothing gets me more in the mood then why my friends and I go out and do some Christmas caroling to spread the seasonal cheer! -
I don't mind attempting to sing in my own home but singing in public WILL get me shot
and notice I stressed WILL.-
By whom, Jeunelle? Who would shoot a sweet little ol' thing like you?
-
Yes if the singing is terrible I would
-
-
I almost see it everywhere....people in local trains form groups and sing, we all students start humming our favourite songs in between lectures...and not all of us are professionals....-
In San Francisco we saw it on Muni and on BART. People loved them.
-
-
comment removed by the community.
-
You're not off your rocket. I agree. We are conditioned as kids to shut up and let only those who are "gifted" sing. I think that's destructive and restrictive. Everyone should sing if and when they want to. I have been know to sing in supermarkets and get other shoppers to join in and sing with me too.
Add Your Comment
Login to leave a message.
