There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is.
~William P. Merrill
Music. Is there anything else that has the ability to touch the soul as intimately as music? Music can penetrate our souls with its melodies. Burrow into our brains with its lyrics. Leave imprints on our life with its personality.
Music has a way of amplifying our emotions – whether joy, sorrow, serenity, or energy. Like a good friend, music can empathize with our sorrow and enhance our happiness. And some rare, extraordinary music can even invoke transcendence and feel almost divine. Like the German-Jewish poet and author Berthold Auerbach said, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
This week I’m bringing a little Sunday music to your Monday for the Monday Listicles topic of “10 Songs,” which was chosen by Cassie at Foto Friendly Family. To all my readers who aren’t “church people,” don’t worry, you won’t find any traditional church songs here. Rather, these are the songs that transcend the everyday by hugging my heart and cleansing my soul. This is my Spiritual Soundtrack, if you will.
[Note: In case you unfamiliar with any of the songs, I have included links to the songs in the song title.]
10 Songs on My Spiritual Soundtrack
- “Holocene” by Bon Iver
- “The Day Brings” by Brad
- “Breathe Me” by Sia
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- “Amazing Grace,” words written by John Newton
- “Siyahamba,” South African hymn
- “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley (originally by Leonard Cohen)
- “Ooh, Child,” by Five Stairsteps
- “These Are Days” by 10,000 Maniacs
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman
What songs touch your soul? What songs are on your Spiritual Soundtrack?
11 Comments
Love that you have Randy Newman on your spiritual list! I love Chant by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos. So amazing.
I was taught by nuns who always said that singing was praying twice. When I first heard “Joy” by Mick Jagger I felt like I was praying up a storm.
Love your list! Amazing Grace and Hallelujah get me every time.
Ooh, These Are The Days!! I haven’t heard that one in forever. Thanks:)
Lean on Me is wonderful. And I’ll let you in on how big a sap I am. Every time I watch the opening to Toy Store and You’ve Got a Friend in Me plays with that silly cowboy and boy — I get all teary. It is a perfect mix of music and story. I love it. Enjoyed your take on the music list.
Me too! Sometimes I’ll sing along with the kids and my voice will crack. They look at my like I’m crazy.
I like your list. My faves are More Like Falling in Love by Jason Gray, The Emptiest Day by Caedmon’s Call, and What Love Really Means by JJ Heller. These three songs speak so deeply to me.
Great list as I always need new worship music! Of course Halleleuah could be my all time fav. I’m really into Gungar (sp?) right now.
These are the days!! ALl around happy and shivers down the spine song. Lovely list Christine!!
Thank you, Stasha!
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