Learning how to listen

In Memory of Abbey Lincoln, born August 6th
This Music Mentor continues to teach me through lyrics, twists and turns of melody & harmony, and all of the metaphors implied.

LEARNING HOW TO LISTEN                                  words & music by Abbey Lincoln

Verse

Life is like a song to sing, With measured beats and phrases,
With bended notes and some repeats, Music through the ages.
That brings the highs, the lows, the swells, Sometimes it’s for an ending.
Bringing other songs to sing- Ascending, descending.

Chorus

I’m learning how to listen, how to hear a melody,
How to hear the song I’m singing, how to feel and let it be,
And listen to the song, knowing how it goes,
And listen for the melody that flows.

Music is a lover with shiny golden wings
That whispers in the lover’s ear and dances when it sings,
And sends a variation on an everlasting theme,
It’s either love or sorrow on the scene.

I’m learning how to listen for the songs I name and sign,
And claim as a possession, and say that they are mine.
‘Cause every body knows that songs come from out of the blue,
And I’m learning how to hear the changes too.

I’m learning how to listen, to the rhythm of the night.
How to keep it simple, how to make it sweet and light.
Smooth and free and easy or slammin’ in a jam
And know for just a moment the music that I am.

I’m learning how to listen, how to holler, sing the blues.
I’m learning how to rise above and wear somebody’s shoes.
Learning how to listen for the song was given me.
I’m learning how to listen and be free.

I’m learning how to listen, how to hear a melody
How to hear the song I’m singing how to feel and let it be,
And listen to the song knowing how it goes
And listen for the melody that flows
And listen for the melody that flows ~~~

Listen to “Learning How to Listen” from AMINATA MOSEKA: an Abbey Lincoln Tribute