“From the dirt I rise up like a weed that’s grown out of place”

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No quote of the day today, just lyrics from the song “In My Bones” by Lauren Shera. We had a ten hour day driving from Richardson, TX to West Memphis, AR the other day, and I listened to the song on repeat at least eight times. I’m an addict. I’m not embarrassed. Sometimes I forget just how good her songs are, especially the older ones that she doesn’t play live anymore.

I’m always a little apprehensive to share my favorite music with people, because I don’t think the best songs can be appreciated in a single, half-hearted listen. I didn’t think Lauren’s songs were as amazing as I do now on first listen, but that’s one of the best things about them. There is more to discover in the lyrics the more you listen. The story and all its details and nuance become apparent bit by bit. I know her well enough that I can guess some of the autobiographical elements of her songs, but she is largely a mystery to me. Rather than hearing a friend announcing her life story and beliefs, I hear a poet weaving images of seeking, finding, losing love, not to pull at arbitrary heartstrings like many singer/songwriters, but so that she and her audiences can find peace in these things.

Here newest album, Once I Was a Bird, is mostly centered around heartbreak, but the final song begins:

I made peace
with the pain in me
one morning as the sun rose.

Opened up
my chest and set it free
and watched it float away like smoke…

A song about coming home, healing and new beginnings.

I don’t know where she holds this well of honesty, or how she can draw upon it with such ease and confidence, but I’m glad it exits. It amazes me that the kind of shy, polite girl I occasionally hang out with is also somehow the curly-haired goddess of song who puts words to inexpressible feelings and can illuminate parts of your soul you didn’t even know you had.

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And now for the real tour update:

Nothing particularly exciting has been going on. Performing and travelling has settled into routine. We have a few days off here so were able to start rehearsing understudies, which is a daunting task, but it’s relieving to have it underway. Five days until our seven week break. I’m looking forward to being home for the holidays.