Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wonder

I woke up waaay too early this morning.  My mind was racing, so I turned on the radio for distraction.  Before 5:00 AM, our local NPR station broadcasts programming from the BBC.  Before I fell back asleep, I heard a fascinating interview with Natalie Merchant,  part of a series called Striking a Chord: songs that speak to a generation, country or culture.

Did you know that her song "Wonder" is a song about a woman with a physical disability? Her attitude is that differences in her physical body aren't handicaps or deformities, but wonders. What a wonderful outlook on life!
 
Hearing the interview, interspersed with snippets of the song, made me remember how much I like it. 
Note: I couldn't find the "official" video on YouTube, and this one didn't embed well.  Clicking on the link underneath the screen will get it to play.


"WONDER"
Doctors have come
from distant cities
just to see me
stand over my bed
disbelieving what they're seeing

they say I must be one of the wonders
of god's own creation
and as far as they see they can offer
no explanation

newspapers ask
intimate questions
want confessions
they reach into my head
to steal the glory
of my story

they say I must be one of the wonders
of god's own creation
and as far as they see they can offer
no explanation

I believe
fate smiled and destiny
laughed as she came to my cradle
"know this child will be able"
laughed as my body she lifted
"know this child will be gifted
with love, with patience
and with faith
she'll make her way"

people see me
I'm a challenge
to your balance
I'm over your heads
how I confound you
and astound you
to know I must be one of the wonders
of god's own creation
and as far as you see you can offer me
no explanation

I believe
fate smiled and destiny
laughed as she came to my cradle
"know this child will be able"
laughed as she came to my mother
"know this child will not suffer"
laughed as my body she lifted
"know this child will be gifted
with love, with patience
and with faith

1 comment:

  1. Yeah... I heard this on NPR too and was amazed that after the many times I've heard this song I had no idea the meaning in it. It has taken on a life of its own for sure. Thanks for posting the lyrics.

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