Hickey Theology

Music plays a very important role in my life. Music saved me when I was struggling as a teenager. Music lifted me to the light when darkness seemed to surround me. My high school choir director, Mr. Witt brought music into my life and joy to my voice.

There are pieces of music that still causes to fill me with both sadness and awe. Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. This piece of music moves me to tears each time I listen to it. It is on my phone play list. I am in awe that someone could write something so powerful and emotional.

Of course, there are songs that bring out my emotions that one would question my stability. I get misty eyed whenever I hear ‘I Get Around’ by the Beach Boys. The moment it comes on this wonderful memory comes to mind. I remember at my brother Chris’ 13th birthday when Mike Cayton, my brother Tim and I grabbed our tennis racks and pantomime the song like we are ‘The Beach Boys’.

I can’t help but laugh and cry when I hear BJ Thomas’ The Eyes of a New York Women’ or Gary Lewis and the Playboys’ ‘This Diamond Ring’. Whenever these songs came on while the Dewberry Gang was gathered in our living room to listen to Steve Lundy’s Top 40 on KILT Tim and I would jump up a sing along.

The one that tears me up whenever I sing it or hear it is ‘ O Come All Ye Faithful’. It is a song that every time Tim heard he would sing along very loud. I miss that voice. Tim passed away in 2011.

There is one song that when it comes on the radio that still brings a smile to my face. When I was in high school, I took Drivers Ed. I was always the first driver of the morning. It was like the station knew that Shane Hickey was behind the wheel. When we pulled out of the parking lot Mungo Jerry’s ‘ In the Summertime‘ began to play as we went to the local Kolache Shoppe. Coach Gillioz would have me drive him and my colleagues drive there every morning.

There is one song that I heard at 18 after my high school girlfriend broke up with me that broke my heart all over again, that song was ‘Diary’ by Bread. It is a song about a young man who thought is girlfriend was in love with him, but when he read her diary, she wasn’t in love with him but with someone else she waited for.

I had not listened to it again until this past week by way of music reactions. I have been married to my best friend and the love of my life, Susan, for 50 years. I can’t imagine my life without her.

Of course, my reaction to the song is not the same, but it is reminder just how foolish I was at 18 and yet it reminds me what a wonderful life awaited me and that my choice was certain the right one.

There are so many more songs that bring out my emotions, there isn’t enough time nor space to share them with you. I am sure there is certain music that conjures up memories and emotions for you. Music stimulates the brain, stirs the heart and engages our emotions. I am so thankful for music for it soothes my soul, lifts my spirit and brings joy to my life. Until Next Time……..

Grace and Peace