Last Sunday evening at Cambrinus. The two musicians who performed in the afternoon, were invited by Jan to join us at the regular table. Doug Morter and Alan Thomson. The former was born in London, but currently living in Denmark. The latter a Scot, who was still living in Glasgow. Their musical experience was quite impressive, if I may believe the announcemtent of Jan. I’m not really able to judge that. However, the thing that especially impressed me was the story that Doug told us at the regular table. It concerned the background of a song he had been producing at the very moment.
Years ago a friend of his, Jim Gordon, was blessed with a daughter. The little girl was born with a severe heart condition. The only thing that could save her was an operation, an operation that, at that point, unfortunately couldn’t be performed in Denmark. In England it could, but at that time the costs weren’t covered by health insurance. Jim then began a crowd-funding. I don’t know if such a concept already existed back then, but anyway. Among other things he did, he wrote a song. The earnings of which were meant for the operation of his little girl. And it worked. When she was just three months old, she got the operation in England. Because of that she lived for another ten years. And that was already ten years ago.
If I accurately remember the rest of the story, Jim later lost another daughter in a traffic accident. As a result, this song got even more depth. Perhaps that was the reason to release it again. Aditionally this song would become the anthem for a charity event of the Heart Foundation. Therefore Doug wanted it to sound perfect. Listening to how the song sounded in different settings would surely contribute to that. A little while later we listened to the song, which Doug played using his laptop and the speakers of Cambrinus. Like I said, very impressive. Musically -although I’m not really able to judge that- but mostly, I was impressed by the lyrics.
As a reminder I typed one sentence into my iPhone on the spot. The more I thought about it that evening, the more beautiful the sentence became. And the more depth I recognized in it. The sentence inspired me and I was determined to share this evening, this meeting and this experience. I also told Doug that when the evening was nearing it’s end. The following day the sentence continued to go around in my mind: ‘Don’t take your heart to heaven, God knows we need it here.’ So beautiful. Jim’s deep pain was in those words, but I also recognized admirable optimism. And hope. And also a deeply lived trust. And it made sense that Doug wanted this song to sound perfect, so many years later. For Jim, for Jim’s two daughters, but mostly for everybody that had to hear this message.
This evening I searched the internet for Jim Gordon. On his website the song was placed prominantly at the top of his songlist. That could be a coïncidence, but I like the thought that it isn’t. Doesn’t really matter. ‘Don’t take your heart to heaven’ is the title. For years my donor card has been behind my creditcard.Last Sunday, because of a beautiful sentence, I have felt the importance and the worthfullness of that fact throughout my core. So, finally, one more time: ‘Don’t take your heart to heaven, God knows we need it here’.
Moreover, below is the link to the original song. Because the rest of the lyrics are also worth it to listen to. And later it will become even more beautiful. Because of Doug. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Alan would also be included. Anyway, their websites have my attention from now on. And knowing Jan a little, he also won’t let these men out of his musical sight. Will be continued, much like a life can be continued by…Oh well. The song below says it all.
http://www.broadjam.com/player/player.php?mediaID=61931&embedded=small&autoplay=false
Geert van den Munckhof 