Although my choir’s concert isn’t for a couple of months, it’s time to get some of the songs memorized.

It’s no fun trying to memorize a song when you are under the gun of an imminent performance.

Been there. Done that.

Too many times.

One song that might give me trouble is Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”.

Not because it’s difficult to learn. I find it emotionally potent.

And if I focus on the words too much, I find myself getting emotional.

Last year, I had trouble with “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips. I remember repeating the lyrics to my daughter and I had to stop.

I was choked up.

The words “hold on for one more day” evoked the memories of people I had lost. People who I wished had been able to hold on. For one more day.

That’s the incredible power some songs can have.

I often marvel at people who can sing at funerals.

There are too many songs that are beautiful, but I can’t sing them. Too much sadness wrapped in haunting music and lyrics.

I managed to get “Hold On” memorized last year. Repetition helps deflate some of the power of the words. And focusing on the mechanics of the song, instead of the content, helps also.

I’m sure I’ll get through “Both Sides Now”, as well.

At the same time, I hope those songs don’t lose all their power over me. It’s a bittersweet feeling to be moved by a song.