Music, poetry, and finding yourself, again

We love lyrics in our house. Over Saturday breakfast, my husband Steve puzzled over Toto’s “Africa” — especially the wild dogs’ “solitary company.” Steve can spot a contradiction a mile away. We mused about the oxymoron, and came up with this:

The wild dogs cry out in the night, as they grow restless, longing for some solitary company

Toto – “Africa”

“Solitary company” suggests the ability to be at ease with oneself, alone, without distractions to fill the space. The cry of the dogs echoes the singer’s longing to know that place of quiet fulfillment — where he can keep his own company.

What works for me here is knowing I’ve been to that place, and can get there again. Music that resonates is the soundtrack for the journey.

As my Steve says, “Music gives poetry a home.”