"Mindy Gledhill's 'Falling and Flying' is a buoyant self-affirmation that only one’s failings can ultimately lead to triumph." - Melodic Sunburst
I really enjoy the sound of the song, but the lyrics are what really speak to me. Growing up in my family was a lot like working for NASA, "Failure is not an option." Seriously. I just bought my son a NASA shirt and that's what it says!
So, I was thinking about that and about the lengths I've gone in order to not fail and to maintain the approval of my family. It made me realize that the fear of failing has created a cage around me. So, I talked to my mom (took me awhile to work up to it). I admitted the failing I've tried to hide for so long. And, she understood! I felt the most amazing weight lift... and a sense of freedom. I don't need to be afraid of letting others see my failings (and there are way more than one!). Facing them and letting them go makes me feel free. Less trapped by that cage and strong enough to face whatever comes along.
I don't mean to imply that it was just this song that brought me to these realizations. I've been praying about my fear of failing for a long time. My family's disapproval has practically immobilized me in the past. Even the disapproval of a close friend makes me cringe inside. The biggest mistake I've ever made (so far!), was one I made because I couldn't cope with the disapproval of those around me. Growing past that, relying on my faith to see me through instead of people, is something I've struggled with my whole adult life.
I guess I've realized that for me, even though conforming, meeting the expectations of those around me, keeping up appearances, may seem to be a road to freedom, what really needs to happen is for me to be true to myself and the life God intends for me to lead.
So, here's the song. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me.
Falling and Flying Lyrics:
The rain drops falling on my face, invite my soul to take a taste,
As thunder spreads its wings into the space above me.
I tilt my head toward the sky, and laugh out loud as cars go by.
It’s been so long since I have felt alive inside.
NOW I’M FREE TO JUMP;
I’M FREE TO FALL!
FREE TO LET IT ROLL AWAY WHEN I DROP THE BALL.
I’M NOT ASHAMED, TO BREAK DOWN AND CRY,
SO COME ON PRECAUTION TAKE A STEP ASIDE,
CAUSE YOU SEE IT'S FALLING THAT'S TEACHING ME TO FLY.
There’s a breeze that’s blowing past my door, and it’s bringing change like I have never known before.
It used to be that when it rained it poured, but not anymore so give me more!
CAUSE I’M FREE TO JUMP;
I’M FREE TO FALL!
FREE TO LET IT ROLL AWAY WHEN I DROP THE BALL.
I’M NOT ASHAMED TO BREAK DOWN AND CRY,
SO COME ON PRECAUTION TAKE A STEP ASIDE,
CAUSE YOU SEE IT'S FALLING THAT'S TEACHING ME TO BE A LITTLE BOLDER.
So hello queen and goodbye pawn, I’m gonna turn my cheek and shrug my shoulder,
I’m gonna till I’m going gone,
CAUSE I’M FREE TO JUMP,
I’M FREE TO FALL!
FREE TO LET IT ROLL AWAY WHEN I DROP THE BALL,
I’M NOT ASHAMED TO BREAK DOWN AND CRY,
SO COME ON PRECAUTION TAKE A STEP ASIDE,
CAUSE YOU SEE IT'S FALLING THAT'S TEACHING ME TO FLY.
10 comments:
Very nice!
Seems when the approval of our own actions is self directed, it suddenly becomes easier to accept that we can never meet the expectations of everyone all the time.
I think all of us humans have different strengths and weaknesses. There-in lies the beauty of life.
Very deep, Eric, very deep! :)
I have learned to see the value in many different strengths... and weaknesses too. You are right. It is a beautiful thing.
This song has really great lyrics. :)
Isn't she fabulous? I found her through cjanerun.com and I'm so glad. My favorite on that CD right now is "Riddle." It captures one of my favorite scriptures in such a creative and unusual way...
Simply beautiful. I Like the introspective view. Thanks for sharing..
HI Rozella,
I hope you could hear the song! I read on another blog that you were having trouble with that. The lyrics are great, aren't they? Very freeing.
HI Leslie Ruth!
I was so glad that you had a link to Mindy G. on your sidebar! I've really enjoyed her music. Riddle is awesome too! Actually, I like the whole CD. Thanks again!!
Hi intrepidideas,
I'm glad you stopped by! :) It's so nice to find that others see the beauty in that song like I do.
Oh wow.. I've never heard of this song before but I really loved it.. and how true the lyrics are... you can't always be right coz then you never learn from your mistakes...:)
Thanks for participating in Music Monday!
HI LadyJava!
Wow! I feel so honored that you dropped by! :) Thanks! I've really been enjoying your Music Monday! Thanks for doing it! I'm glad you liked the song too.
I'm normally make my rounds on Monday itself or Tuesday but I had a blog makeover job on that day.. hence the delay...
But really I love the song.. am dl it even as we speak.. that's what I love abt MM.. last week I did the same thing too and I was singing and singing one song that I dl after listening..heeh.. and this week it's your song!
Can't wait for next week!
Nice song and great post, Chris. It's not easy to deal with what happens when you fail, but I try to look at the times I fail as learning experiences and move on.
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