(Note: This meditation came on the Monday after a particularly big Sunday — the church’s longstanding tradition of a Music Appreciation Sunday, which it is my privilege and joy to helm each year. I was tired. Give this one a break. :-D)
I’m pretty much taking today off, folks. We’ll revisit this song’s composer, Cole Porter, again soon, I’m sure. I adore him. In the grand canon of musical theatre and cabaret, one would be hard pressed to find a more sophisticatedly clever lyricist, save Stephens Sondheim and Schwartz, who had the advantage of studying Porter’s whole catalog, as well as that of Irving Berlin, the other monster wordsmith in the arena.
We’re closing in on the end of our Pride month celebration. Cole Porter was gay, and we’re finally getting our first hot streak of the year, so today we hear his tune “Heat Wave” from Seattle’s great local treasure, Ernestine Anderson.
That’s all! Enjoy this fun ditty (including one of my favorite Porter lyrics of all time - “She’s starting a heat wave by letting her seat wave” - I mean, come on…) and enjoy this sunshine! I know I will be spending some time today lakeside. I hope you find pockets of relaxation on this beautiful Monday!
Breathe in and out a few times. Release the tensions in your neck, your shoulders, your arms, your chest, your trunk, your hips, your legs, your feet. Agree with your body that it feels good to do this intentionally. Tell it to enjoy the next few minutes.
Now press play.
Thank you, Spirit of Music, for accompanying us on our days off and our days ‘on.’