The following short video introduces Hafiz's poetry and the Islamic Sufi tradition. Be sure to watch to the end, since there's a question to respond to as a comment below.
ALSO: I have a link the dances of the Whirling Dervishes which I mention on the video. If interested in seeing them in action, click here (the dancing starts around the 1:50 minute mark if you want to skip ahead): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gG8YAUqVIs
YHelm:
ReplyDeleteAs a young girl, I remember hearing Barry Manilow's "I Write The Songs". The song was released in 1976, so I would have been 5, however, this song was played on the radio throughout my youth.
The lyrics:
I've been alive forever, and I sang the very first song,
I put the words and the melodies together, I am music and I sing this song:
I sing the songs that make the whole world sing,
I sing the songs of love and special things,
I sing the songs that make the young girls cry,
I sing the songs, I sing the songs.
This song spoke to me immediately. I associated the "I" as my Heavenly Father-the creator. It made me happy then and makes me happy now.
Yes, I remember this song, too, though I never thought about it this way! This is a very cool way to connect with the song and find your faith in something that isn't overtly about spirituality. Hafiz's poems are often like this; they are most talking about God and 'the way' when they seem to be most about our day-to-day life.
DeleteWilliam Carter
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, I heard a bit of Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me" and it has stuck with me to this day. The song is about this shy girl who wants to love a guy, but that guy is going out with a perfect girl who's a cheerleader and she's peppy, pretty, athletic, outgoing, and the shy girl is just shy and an introvert. The music was catchy and the lyrics were pretty good, but as an introvert, I felt close to the shy girl. I understood her shyness and understood her pain, and that resulted in understanding how this song spoke to me.
Great response: often in art, we identify with the singer, or someone in the song or movie or book that seems to represent our identity or our struggle. And that's what makes art so compelling...it can speak of other people while only speaking of itself.
DeleteThere are so many things I can relate to when it comes to music, books, or movies. However, there is one that I feel like I understand a lot more than the others. I love music, but a song called "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus is what I love and it's a good song in my opinion. I have had to deal with obstacles and it wasn't easy to overcome it, but it turned around for me when I had finally did what I was suppose to do. Just like what she has quoted before, "Life's a climb, but the view is great." I absolutely love this quote from her because once you overcome something that was very difficult to do, it turns out good in the end and it's worth it.
ReplyDelete-Brittney Taylor
Great response and song; quite often, it's when the song seems to be speaking our language, or expressing our struggle, that it most connects with us. As someone once said, a good song seems like you could have written it, or did write it, even if you can't write music! I like that line, too--it's a very powerful metaphor.
DeleteThere are millions of movies, books, different pieces of art that makes me open my heart up, but one that I really resonate with the most is the song "When I Look at You" by Miley Cyrus. When I think about finding a part of me that had always been missing or was hard for me to describe I think of this song. It says "everybody needs inspiration, everybody needs a song, a beautiful melody when the nights are long. But there is no guarantee that this life is easy. When my world is falling apart and there's no light to break up the dark that's when I look at you." You has meant a variety of different things to me at different points in my life, when I'm infatuated with a boyfriend I think of you as that person, who makes me happy and keeps me going. Similarily, if I've ever broken up with someone, I listen to this song and You is my mom, who helps me when I feel like I am at my worst. You also means God to me a lot of times, when I need something in my life to keep me going, I know he will always be there. When everything is crumbling down, he will always be there for me waiting. No matter what state I am in, or what phase of life I am going through, I can listen to this song and feel a deeper connection.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great response because it reminds us that art (whether a song, a book, etc.) can mean different things at different times in your life. That's why they use metaphors, so it's never about one thing--it changes. So it can be a boy, it can be God. We see the same thing in Hafiz's poetry, which could be about his relationship with a single person or with God--or with himself! A song remains fluid in this way, so we can decide what we need from it, and it's always there to listen, and to advise us.
DeleteThere are so many movies, books, songs, and pieces of arts but one song I really relate to and feel such a connection to is "Praying" by Kesha. In the song "Praying" Kesha is talking about triumphing through adversity, and finding peace in forgiving those who have hurt you. Kesha was abused by her former producer, Dr. Luke, her former producer and mentor whom she alleges drugged, and sexually and verbally assaulted her during her time recording with him at Sony. I myself am a sexual assault survivor so this is song just brings so many emotions to me it makes me sad about what happened to but also makes me feel so triumphant that I survived it and I am an even stronger person than before and I overcame adversity and I was able to find peace in others just like Kesha did for the people who hurt her.
ReplyDeleteWow, two people side by side have had a powerful experience with the same song--"Praying." When you go through something this large, I can't imagine you can just wake up one day and think, "okay, I'm better now. It's over." You need someone to tell you it's okay, but it probably can't be anyone you know. That's where art comes in: a song seems like it comes from inside of you but also outside--somewhere else in the world. It's exciting to know that you're not the only one, so you no longer feel alone--and therefore, you can do it, too. But a song always give you anthem to move forward--like your own personal soundtrack.
DeleteThere was a time in my life when I was very insecure about myself and I was going through a very tough time (a break up) and I knew that I could get through this tough time I just didn't know how. It was a tough relationship, one that mad me feel like I was never going to be enough and I let that person walk all over me. Everyone seems to talk about self love and how to love yourself but I just didn't know how to do that. Then I heard the song "Praying" by Kesha and it all clicked. I realized that I was enough and that in the end the only person you have is yourself so you need to fight for yourself. The part that resonates the most with me is the lyric "I had to learn how to fight for myself" because that is what I had to do and this song made me realize that I am worth fighting for. I will never let anyone treat me like that ever again, I know my worth now and no one can take that away from me.
ReplyDeleteGreat response: this shows how a song can teach you the lessons that you've heard from others, but that didn't make sense until it spoke your language. I've felt the same way many times, when a song, or a book, made me see something I knew, but didn't really understand, or truly accept. And I think it's important to remember that art of any kind can help you move past a difficult time and grow into a new person. You can't really do that yourself; you need something bigger than yourself to guide you. Music is often the perfect guide for the next step of your journey.
Deletemicah mitchell
ReplyDeleteive never really had an experience where ive heard or seen something that has stuck with me, there are a lot of things that i can relate to but thats just like with every thing and everyone else bu i have never been like wow this it the one for me
It doesn't have to be something miraculous, but something that really moved you at the time, and that you found something unique in--whether a book, a song, a movie, etc. Maybe when you were a child? Try to dig a little deeper...
DeleteKoby McClain
ReplyDeleteI never really had an interest in music growing up. Until around November 2015 when Drake, the canadian rapper, dropped "Take Care" one of the single greatest albums released in my generation. This album was able to appease any mood I was in with just the switch of a song. When I was sad, I could play Marvin's Room. When I was excited, I could play HYFR(ft. Lil Wayne). There was not a problem that this album couldn't help fix. It helped me become who I am today.
That's a great point--that an album is diverse for a reason: it's supposed to be something you can grow with, change with, and learn from. That's why the best albums have a range of moods and subject matter, so you can reach for the right song at the right moment. And I agree with you--an album can make you into a better person, just as art itself can change the world. We don't like to say that today, but it's true; no one becomes a better person without it.
DeleteMusic has been a huge part of my life as long as I can remember. I love listening to and playing all kinds of songs and genres. But one song that has really stuck with me and really helped me out is a song called "Graves Into Gardens" by Elevation Worship. This song has been a huge inspiration to me and helped me keep my head up when things are not going well at all. It is a great reminder that no matter what mountain is in front of you, God is by your side and going to help walk with you through the bad times.
ReplyDeleteGreat response; this is a great testament to the power of music to make ideas 'ring true' to us. That's where the lyrics come in...the music takes on another life, and seems more powerful, and seems to speak directly to us. And Hafiz's poetry was often sung as well!
Deletemusic has been a part of my everyday life for a couple of years now i mainly listen to hip hop / rap but one main song that has stuck with me since last year is 'through da storm' by polo g its basically about making it through the tough times and proving the people that counted you out that they were wrong
ReplyDeleteJust about a month ago I really started liking this new artist, Jeris Johnson, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out why, until I listened to his newest song, "Damn!" It was then that I realized that not only did I really connect with the words he had chosen, but I also really connected with the tone and mood he had set. Then I started thinking more and realized why I really liked pop punk music, such as My Chemical Romance, it was the words and the force/ anger behind them. It didn't make sense at first because punk and gothic aren't my personality at all, but the force behind the words and the anger behind the force describes me more than my own words can.
ReplyDeleteI grown up to listeing to all different types of music instead of watching televsion. I would rememeber waking up and hearing early 2000s muisic playing. I like listen to all different types genere of music, just depending on what I am trying to achieve or do is what determines on what I will listen too. One of my favorite songs would have to be Slow down by Bobby V. because it reminds me to take a deep breath,slow down to achieve my goals.
ReplyDeleteI remember years ago I was in my high school library looking for a book. Out of pure randomness and boredom of the lack of books available that didn't catch my eye I chose a book by the title of The Pigman. I think what initially caught my attention was the title, I assumed it would be about some weird monster or something, but I couldn't have been more wrong. As I read the book I grew to relate with some of its characters. The difficulties they seemed to endure, the hardships some characters went through, and the sense of belonging that the book spoke of when some characters met. This all seemed relatable and to this day I haven't forgotten it. Things are not clear and sometimes I forget the plot or why I even liked the book because it was so long ago when I read it, yet it still remains. The title remains in my mind at least. Serving as a memory of something that I once knew as relatable and capturing.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I don't have a specific song but my dad and I would listen to old country music and he would always have me guess who was singing it. This helped me and my dad become really close because that is a way that me and him bonded together, now if I here some old country music it reminds me of all the times he would ask me. Music also helps me in my daily life, it helps me stay focused on things and it really helps me be in a good mood.
ReplyDeleteSomething that has always captivated me is Will Smiths: Bliss is on the other side of fear. I could listen to this over and over. He talks about the time he went sky diving and how he was so scared. Than when he jumped from the plane it was the best experience of his life. He preaches that the most amazing things in this world are set on the other side of fear. This talk really hits me because I am constantly afraid of anything I set my mind to. Fear of failure, embarrassment, set backs, and the list goes on and on. Although if I can manage to power though that fear my life greatest achievements are waiting for me on the other side.
ReplyDeleteMatthew
ReplyDeleteSince I was a young kid, I’ve always enjoyed most genres of music with the exception of country. My all time favorite artist is this rapper name Lil Wayne. He dropped the carter V album a couple years ago and there was a song that stuck to me. The song is called, “Can’t be broken” and the song talks about how he won’t be stopped by the obstacles of life. After hearing that I made a self promise that whatever life throws at me I won’t be stopped and will be victorious.
I love music and there are many songs I’ve heard that I can relate to. There’s one band that I relate to most of their songs on most of theirs albums. Different parts of my life I can relate to many of their songs. I guess I’ll just pick one of my favorite song from them. Smile by weezer. This is one of their light hearted songs. Like most of their songs, when I heard the lyrics I could relate to a part of my life. It’s kind of a love song. My favorite lyric is “cause you wanted some love I’ll make it happen”. I’m going to be a bit cheesy but it’s fine. This lyric just reminds me of my boyfriend and how happy he’s made me. I really like the wording of the song and melody.
ReplyDeletegrowing up my mom always sang me this song
ReplyDeleteYou are my sunshine my only sunshine you make me happy when the sky's are Gray you'll never know dear how much i love you so please don't take my sunshine way
i think it made me who i am i am always happy go lucky type of girl i always wanted to see people happy and in a good mood i think i am like a ray of sunshine in a way
Monica Guajardo:
ReplyDeleteMusic is something that I have always connected with. I can listen to literally any genre and be happy. I think one of the songs that completes me is "O- Children" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. There is something about this song that literally just completes my soul every time I hear it. It always just calms me and allows me to clear my head when I need it.
Oluwatobi Afolabi
ReplyDeleteThe song that makes me feel complete is a gospel song titled "Excess love". From the title you can tell that the song is about love. The song glorifies God for the love he has shown to us. I connect deeply to this song because most times, I feel unworthy and yet he showers his love upon me. Whenever I listen to this song it reminds me of how God has my back no matter what I do or what comes my way.