Musical moments that are just plain magic

Since it seems this blog has turned into mostly a place to express my musical inspiration, I'll continue with that again here, this time not with a song of my own, but one that is officially on my list of favorite songs ever. If you haven't heard of Danny Gokey, I highly suggest checking him out. I adore him for several reasons, his music only being a small one. Don't get me wrong, he's insanely talented. But his heart and his passion drive that talent. Plus, his desire to be a Christian first makes everything he does more attractive to me. That's a confidence that I admire...and aspire to have. If I were to pursue music, he is the kind of musician I'd work to become. Anyway, enough gushing. On to the initial reason for this blog - his song, "Will Not Say Goodbye."

We all love a good melody. So many people would choose an upbeat, dancy-type song over a slow ballad, but there are those rare cases where a "slow song" hits so close to home that you can't help but fall in love with it. In this case, it's the honest, genuine, raw emotion that bursts from these lyrics. It's essentially about a person who is hurt so deeply by the loss of someone they love, and as they try to sort through the feelings, they decide, "No, I will NOT say goodbye. I'll get mad, I'll remember, I'll cry...but that is one thing I can't do."

Ever been there? I have. That gut-wrenching emotion is so clear and intense in this song...I just can't get away from it. Now, if you listen to Danny talk about this song, it's not all doom and gloom. For him, it's a song of hope. See, Danny was on American Idol. But his wife passed away just weeks before the auditions. The song is about her. But for him, he knows it's for real - he'll see his beautiful wife in heaven someday...so why say goodbye?

Now, I've never lost a spouse (...I haven't had one to lose!) but I've certainly felt this deep emotion. And the rawness and intensity of it in this song...seriously, you need to check it out. Here's my version, but it pales in comparison to the original. Look it up. I mean it.