I recently attended what is often a solemn, sad, and sometimes heavy-hearted event—a funeral. But this one felt different. I reconnected with family members I hadn’t seen in a long time. In today's fast-paced world, it seems like we only come together when we lose a loved one. However, the music at my cousin's funeral lifted the mood. The songs were familiar, especially to those of us from rural backgrounds.
One particular moment stood out. The choir began singing "Fly Away Home," and it stirred memories of my childhood in rural Jamaica, specifically the Revivalist church next door to our home in Trelawny. The music spoke to me, reconnecting me to that deep-rooted spirit. I noticed others swaying gently, almost instinctively, careful not to disrupt the solemn atmosphere. Moved, I joined in and sang along with the choir.
At that moment, I caught the choir director and organist exchanging a look that reminded me of the sharp, bitter taste of Seville oranges. Undeterred, I continued to sing with passion, my spirit lifted. But then, the choir director turned towards me and sternly announced that it was the choir’s song. He was only about ten feet away, and I’m sure others overheard. I thought to myself, “Yes, it may be the choir’s song, but this is my relative’s funeral,” and I sang even more fervently.
It struck me how, though colonial powers may have physically left our shores, the attitudes they imposed still linger. Growing up, the church was a participatory experience for me, not a performance where we simply sat, listened, and clapped politely.
Mr. Davidson, you’ll come to realize that the greatest compliment a singer can receive is when their audience feels moved to join in. My brother, it's not always about putting on the best show but about touching hearts. A smile and genuine warmth can do more for our country than any perfectly executed choir performance. Unfortunately, your actions dampened my experience at my relative's funeral. It would have meant so much if, at the end, you had approached me with kindness and said, "I'm glad you enjoyed our singing." And who knows? If you had appreciated my enthusiasm, maybe I could have been invited to join the choir!
Note
Later that afternoon, I attended a birthday party for Monica Brown, the former head of the Student Loan Bureau, where I was the MC. Top-notch performers Everton Pessoa and Marie Myrie not only delivered great performances but also invited the audience to sing along. They even passed the microphone around, letting people join in. This resulted in me identifying a gentleman with a good voice and a lady that I invited to lead the singing of "Happy Birthday". They brought the house down. We didn’t know each other before, but by the end of the event, we had all become friends.
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9 comments:
Mr Derby,
While I understand your enthusiasm, the funeral programme and the order of who presents what and when, is built around the family's wish and in some cases the wish of the deceased. Joining in the singing when the item is meant to be done by the choir , a person, or persons, and especially when reminded, should be respected. Your choice to sing with more gusto reflects an indiscipline, contrary to what I thought you represent. I am truly disappointed. A funeral is not a Stage Show where the singers are seeking crowd support in a grand sing along. It is meant to be a solemn event unless stated otherwise. In the case you mentioned, a quiet sing along would have been more appropriate.
The way I learned it as a rural human product is that the people can join in and make t b e best of a song.
Fly away home to zion "fly away home".
The rendition by Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus is the best I have heard to date.
This is indeed quite distasteful Mr. Derby. Your attempt to smear the character of Mr. Davidson, has displayed a lack of order and innate sense of rambunctiousness.
A choral piece is not intended for the wholesome participation of the congregation, especially in a manner that will only detract from the choral presentation.
You have no right to utilize Mr Davidson’s photograph without his permission and I truly hope he sues you for defamation.
Mr. Derby, Sir,
My condolences on your loss.
I can appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to participate in the worship service. However, I have read your account and wanted to respectfully address your specific comments regarding you singing during the choir's presentation at the funeral for a member of your family.
While your passion is commendable, loud singing (or even singing “with passion” as you have described your response) may have detracted from the solemnity and dignity of the moment. I can only imagine that the choir had carefully prepared their piece to honor the deceased and bring comfort to the grieving family.
I understand that we are all moved by music in different ways, but I will kindly suggest to you, with a smile and genuine warmth, that in the future you refrain from singing loudly during designated musical performances at any event unless invited to do so, and in this way guard yourself from direct address or other “barks of di truth” from any music director. Instead, you can join in during congregational hymns or participate in other aspects of the service.
Let's work together to maintain a spirit of reverence and respect, and appropriate standards in our worship services.
What a respectful response although I don't agree with all you have said. Learn this, no choir director has that authority to direct any member of a congregation as to what they can do during any church service. You are not the Minister in charge of the service. Many of us set rules and regulations which have nothing to do with religion. Behaviour like this turn people away from the church. If a family member became overcome with grief, are you going to tell that family member in front of others to be quiet. The man tried to embarrass me in front of others who were nearby. Quite a few persons had joined in the singing but I guess like the policeman he singled me out. The service had persons from different faith. If you had some Pentecostal people there, they would probably cry out alleluia in the middle of the piece when they so feel moved. He would tell them to shut up? We have to be careful that we do not attempt to control others by our own standards. We must learn to accommodate all. I believe we should not abuse and be crude to one another. I like the tone of your response though. The next time I go to church, if I feel moved by the spirit I shall sing along, I shall say 'Praise the Lord' until the Minister ask the police to take me out of the church. The Minister might find out that the Lord will take him out before the police to take me out. I wish others who commented, read the post properly. We should first consider, am I doing it with love, will I hurt someone's feeling and will I turn off someone? If it will do any of these then probably it is not worth doing because no crime is being committed. I must say that I know other family members have seen this post and I have not heard anything negative from them.
Bwaii some ppl love chat rubbish. If yu go in a church and yu move to sing, SING with all your might. Who business if a choir song. A bet is because yu did sound betta than the choir dem did a try fi muzzle yu. If mi did she see a would a join yu Vernon.
Yu sure a your relative funeral. Seems ppl come out in Defense a Mr. Davidson. Anyone ever wonder if that was your way of handling your grief? Just saying!
Matter of enjoy freedom of expression bro. Some of these ppl behave like then drink starch and swallow ruler. Free up oonu self!
This is memorable. 'Some people behave like them drink starch and swallow ruler. Free up oonu self'! I believe that is one way to maintain a stable mental health. I am cracking up. This is classic :)
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