Joel Hendon

Sing A Song: Some Songs Arouse The Emotions

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Posted: Sunday, February 19, 2012

by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html

I was always a poor singer. Two reasons for that, I think. I always had a deep southern drawl and my enunciation left something to be desired. I don’t think it was nearly as noticeable in my normal speaking as it was in my singing. Another reason, my voice was of the pitch which didn’t help either. I had enough gravel in my throat, that enabled me to sing bass in religious 4-part harmony…but, unless you were within ten feet of me, you would hear nothing. My volume was always too low. Oh, I could bellow out on the higher notes, but I’m talking about the lower ones where a good bass singer shines.

However, this article is not about my singing prowess or lack thereof. If I had to come up the song most moving to me, I’d have a lot of searching to do. But I have three in mind that have over the years, almost brought tears to my eyes, and especially at times when emotions were up to begin with. “Old Shep” might be the most difficult for me to keep straight with. Especially if Walter Brennan recited it. He could make you feel like it was you who was enduring it. Much of that has been my extreme love for dogs. Any one, which can wag a tail for me, even if it is only stub, can win my heart.

If you love dogs, I double dog dare you to go and listen to Walter Brennan here: http://www.minibite.com/oldies/oldshep.htm

Then there is another love of my life, good women. My mother, my sisters, my wife and a number of others who cared deeply about me. A step grandmother and one of my sisters, both gone now, were probably responsible for my survival as a pre-mature baby when my mother almost died and was not able to care for me. My wife, who has stood by me through good times and bad, with no complaints. So, one song which kindly makes me remember them all is “The Last Farewell” and probably the best rendition of that one is Roger Whittaker’s version. You can go hear that one also if you wish at this URL. http://hebronics.org/farewell.html

And even though my feelings were never so tenderly towards others than the people, and dogs mentioned above. I did love, and admire my father. Nothing tender about my father, but you knew nevertheless that down inside the gruffness and businesslike front, he loved his children without reservations. I recall when he was laying in the hospital dying from leukemia and I was sitting with him. His speech and mind had lost most of their lucidity, but as I sat next to him and a nurse approached…he pointed at me and said, “That’s my boy there.” It has been over 61 years but, it still bring tears to my eyes remembering it. So, since I have become blurry eyed already, here is one which I often play for his memory. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y04seHfYLAA

Enough.
Author Biography: Joel Hendon was born near Gadsden Alabama. He attended public schools in Cherokee County, Alabama and after serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attended Jacksonville State University, majoring in Business Administration. He became a Christian in 1948, and although he followed secular work as a career and retired from Allied Signal Aerospace, he is an avid student of the Holy Bible and related works as well as biblical history. He has an extensive website of conservative religious and political articles plus much more. Check it out. http://hebronics.org/index.html

Sing a Song
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Hilda Cang
 1 year 93 days ago.
73 fans.
Yes, songs are meant to be inspirational and emotional to the listeners. Thanks for sharing this touchy story and I think we do have something in common, by nature.
» left by Joel Hendon 1 year 93 days ago.
127 fans.
Thank you for reading and commenting Hilda. I guess I'm to the age that memories are a part of your life. I reminisce more now than I ever did. I just appreciate so much, the memories of so many wonderful people, of my family and other acquaintences. Those memories can make you sad with longing, but can also cheer one up just thinking of those who used to put others ahead of themselves. It doesn't happen much any more.
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