You Raise Me Up

Last night, Devon and I went to see Josh Groban and it was without a doubt the most amazing performance I have ever seen. Old Joshie and I started out together when I was about 15. Mum owned his first album but I never thought much of it. I couldn't understand over half the songs anyway. He did have an undeniably good voice, but I was caught up in boy bands and love songs, my ears not sophisticated enough to appreciate the musical genius I was hearing. I remember the first time I heard "You Raise Me Up" on the radio. I was driving the minivan home from work and the initial beauty of the melody caught my attention, from then on I was captivated. I made it home before the song had finished and sat in the parked car to finish the song. What the heck had I been missing out on? I soon after became proud owner of his second album "Closer" which remains my favourite to this day. His music touched me, and I found myself listening to it so much that I could even sing (poorly!) the songs in Italian.
He became my musical lifeline for every thing that popped up in my life. "You Raise Me Up" and "You are Loved" helped me through many a night of crying myself to sleep, letting me know that I would be alright. "Remember When It Rained" and "Broken Vow" reminded me that I was not alone in experiencing hurt, and gave it such a poignant description that I somehow felt less burdened with trying to identify what I was feeling. "Si Volvieras A Mi" and "When You Say You Love Me" were there when I had a heart full of gratitude, lighting up every blessing in my life. He was there to help me enjoy the Christmas Season with his beautiful rendition of carols. His lyrics and melodies have been with me and carried through the speed bumps, road blocks and scenic views of my life. How is someone able to do this? To connect with you on such an intimate and personal level? His songs come from someplace in his heart and soul. They aren't just a mindless collection of trite words. They have a meaning. They come from somewhere deeper than puppy love and teen angst. That's in my mind what makes them so powerful. Sometimes I have been those places and walked hand in hand with those words. And it took 5 years for me to hear them straight from the heart.
When Devon told me he was coming to Calgary, I knew I had to go. Mum graciously paid for floor seats as a birthday present, and as I have never sat anywhere closer than the length of a semi truck to the stage, I was thrilled. To be honest, I hadn't really listened to many of his newest songs but I figured what better way to hear a song for the first time than him singing it to me. Thursday was the big night. I was a bit worried about everyone on the floor standing, and blocking my view but luckily, the floor was full of middle aged women and elderly couples who weren't exactly going to start moshing when the time came. Dev noticed a platform about 15 feet away from us and my heart started going into VF just thinking about him possibly being that close. Oh please oh please let that be a stage and not just somewhere for the techies. The lights dimmed, and a live band began to play. Then right behind us, Josh Groban appeared on that raised platform. And in that moment my tear ducts became hyperactive and I was staring at THE Josh Groban. He sat down at the piano and began to sing. I felt like every note was a magnet (not the cheap fridge kind!). I was hooked. I've seen lots of people live and thought....mmmm I much prefer this on the radio. Nothing compared to him live. Words can't even describe how beautiful his voice was so I'm not even going to try. I enjoyed every song, even songs that I probably would not like as much had I heard them on the album. He was absolutely impossible not to enjoy.
waiting for the concert to start!
THERE HE IS!!!!!

Not even zoomed in!

Taking the lucky girl behind me to the stage
When he would come of the front stage it was hard to see where he was headed since everybody stood up super quick (well as quick as hip replacements allowed). Josh was on the hunt for a few single girls for his next song, so they were all waving their arms. Luckily I was surrounded by single girls because next thing I knew, Dev yells "There he is!" and lo and behold he pops right up our aisle and into the row right behind us. Anybody know CPR? Or how to use the AED? I just about needed it. He was TWO whole feet away. Two feet!!! I had a brief internal battle about whether to reach out and touch him, it lasted about 2 seconds, before Dev started screaming at me to take a picture. Well I fumbled with the camera while he took the girl right behind me to the stage. I don't regret being married in any way, but I have to admit I was a tad bit jealous... Just thinking about it now is making my brain stop working. I wish I would have spent 2 less seconds gaping at him like an idiot.
It was the best performance I have ever been to. He finished, as I hoped he would, with "You Raise Me Up" featured as one of Morgan's top 5 favourite songs EVER. This song reminds me of all the wonderful people in my life, my parents, my sisters, my husband, my Saviour and Father in Heaven, who have truly made me into the person I am today. Someone who I can say I am happy and grateful to be. I cried the entire song, remembering all those nights away from home that I used to listen to it, and be so filled with gratitude about how blessed I was and am at this moment. I'm glad that someone has used music, to express feelings I could never adequately express with words alone. To my dearest loved ones, I dedicate these lyrics to you.
"You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas,
I am strong when I am on your shoulders,
You raise me up, to more than I can be"