May 1, 2026
Each week at Reflective Prayer over Zoom through Centering Space I am introduced to something new, be it prose, poetry, music, or imagery. On occasion I reconnect with something familiar to me. Recently, the program included a song that I cherish. With my mute button on I closed my eyes and sang along – I knew every word.
Perhaps, you also have a song or two that makes you stop what you are doing and pay attention, crank up the volume and sing, or get up and dance, or produce an invisible baton and conduct. Isn’t it wonderful when music overtakes us? It’s an experience of resonance with all that seems true in the world.
So – which song was part of the Reflective Prayer gathering that touched my soul? The song is “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel. He was the lead singer of Genesis and wrote this song when he was ready to leave the band. There is a bittersweet mood and repetitive riff in the guitars that sound like determination to me. Here are some of its lyrics that speak to the theme of change:
When illusion spin her net
I’m never where I wanna be
And liberty, she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouette
Close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Surprisingly, I did not have this song on any of the playlists that I keep on my phone. I decided to create a new playlist that I named CHANGE. In addition to “Solsbury Hill”, I have these selections:
“Turn! Turn! Turn! “- The Byrds
“Sing a Song” – Earth, Wind, and Fire
“These Are Days” – 10,000 Maniacs
“Upside Down “- Jack Johnson
“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
“Breakout “- Swing Out Sister
“Don’t Look Back “- Boston
“Yet “- The King Will Come
“Changes “- David Bowie
“Truckin’” -The Grateful Dead
“Under Pressure “- Queen & David Bowie
“Brand New Me “- Alicia Keys
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”- Elton John
Some of these songs describe the need for change, some describe the process of change, and some describe the outcome of change. Needless to say, they vary in style just a wee bit. If you have favorite titles that speak of change please add them to the comment section below; all genres of music are welcome. I would love to build up this playlist to have more music that encourages me to embrace newness. Thank you!
Ann Duchez