Maybe TeeJays thread inspired me. (in the Family section) Maybe because the church service this morning was especially inspiring. There are so many beautiful songs. To have been able to write such songs as Have I told you lately by Van Morrison, One tin soldier (can't remember who), or What a Wonderful World (sung by Louis Armstrong). At the moment I'm listening to Beethovens 9th. His Ode to Joy to me is sublime, the whole symphony is. Goose bumps, tears, joy. The words were written by Friedrich von Schiller and Beethoven put it to music.
Ode to Joy
O friends, no more these sounds! Let us sing more cheerful songs, more full of joy!
Joy, bright spark of divinity, /Daughter of Elysium, /Fire-inspired we tread /Thy sanctuary./ Thy magic power re-unites/ All that custom has divided,/ All men become brothers /Under the sway of thy gently wings.
Whoever has created /An abiding friendship,/ Or has won /A true and loving wife,/ All who can call at least one soul theirs,/ Join in our song of praise; /But any who cannot must creep tearfully/ Away from our circle.
All creatures drink of joy/ At nature's breast./ Just and unjust / Alike taste of her gift; / She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,/ A tried friend to the end. / Even the worm can feel contentment, /And the cherub stands before God!
Gladly, like the heavenly bodies / Which He set on their courses / Through the splendour of the firmament; /Thus, brothers, you should run your race, / As a hero going to conquest.
You millions, I embrace you./ This kiss is for all the world! / Brothers, above the starry canopy / There must dwell a loving Father./ Do you fall in worship, you millions? / World, do you know your Creator? / Seek Him in the heavens! / Above the stars must He dwell.
