Essay
Spirit in the Sky
Music theory course discussion post, December 6, 2020, reflecting on performing a death-rite for his father days earlier and processing grief through a specific song.
Details removed
06DEC2020
Mundo Santillan
Discussion Post #2
Music Theory II
Spirit in the Sky
As performed by Norman Greenbaum
Norman Greenbaum, 1969, Spirit in the Sky, by Norman Greenbaum
Last Thursday evening at 5:45pm my father passed away at his home while surrounded by his family. I was fortunate to be able to fulfill my role as a son and a Shaman. I had a soul oldies playlist in the background, held his hand, rubbed his head, and guided his peaceful transition. I’ll spare you the graphic heart wrenching details of my experience, but I will share how I’m trying to heal with music.
For the first couple of days, I listened to a variety of songs all striking a chord on my heart strings evoking memories and waterworks. However, when I hear “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, my tears of sadness turn into tears of joy. The 130 BPM tempo with rhythmic hand clapping and tambourine, get my toe tapping and head bobbing. The song has an uplifting feeling played in the key of A major with 3 sharps on notes F#5, C#5, & G#5. The chorus of “Spirit in the Sky — Norman Greenbaum.” Changes the agonizing visuals of what I witnessed as my Father took his last breath and turns them into a joyful spiritual parade of ancestors ushering him home.
spotify:track:0jvN7eQJJt4nxQzgQfZ1SP
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