Why Did We Cry When Susan Boyle Sang?
I know the Susan Boyle story has become a media saga, from the huge internet reaction to the Britain’s Got Talent performance to the pressure, stress, and collapse and politicians jumping on the bandwagon, up to and including the local council thinking about putting up a statue in her home town of Blackburn and a TV appearance pushing President Obama off the TV schedules…
But still, I find myself thinking about what it was that moved us when we first heard her sing.
Just in case you haven’t seen it, here’s the video clip (sorry I can’t embed it, you’ll need to watch on YouTube)
So, Why Did We Cry When Susan Boyle Sang?
Maybe in part it’s the lyrics, reminding us of a time when we were…
…young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted
Maybe we remember Thoreau, and think that we don’t want to take our own song with us when we go – whether it’s sung, told, written, painted, lived.
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
Maybe it’s got something to do with possibility.
- The potential we see in others, and want to help make real
- The judgements we make about others – and ourselves – and what happens when we let those judgements go
- The dreams we hold inside, and remember we’re not (yet) too old for
- The sense that things we thought were impossible are maybe just a little bit closer than we imagined
I know the emotions are cliched, the programme hackneyed, the story over spun and yet still there’s something about this video, this performance, this song, that gets to me. That got to millions of us.
What do you think it was? Was it something to do with waking up to a collective sense of what’s possible?
This post is a contribution to the theme of possibility, a topic I’m exploring in July and August.
Susan Boyle sang her own song, she didn’t follow what society THOUGHT she should do, she didn’t listen to what society THOUGHT she was capable of, she didn’t follow the conventions of what society had laid out for her.
She found her unique blogging voice in her own niche (singing), and didn’t waste her time trying to copy others. She knew her own value and was brave enough to stand along side it.
That’s why I think a lot of people cried – she has more guts than most individuals around.
.-= Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog ..6 Brilliant Squeeze Page Resources You’ll Want To Explore Part 1 =-.
I think at least part of the reason I cried was because that beautiful voice does not come in a “media friendly” package.
She has an AMAZING voice – but this is truly an age where video killed the radio star.
It took such courage for her to stand up there – to watch the judges roll their eyes when she took the stage. After all – this is a show searching for a pop idol – and pop idol’s don’t look like that.
By the way, she DID NOT win that competition. Some dance crew did – which is criminal in my opinion. However, they are a much more “media friendly” package and THAT was the purpose of the show.
Part of the reason I cry today is I don’t think I’ll ever get a chance to enjoy Susan Boyle’s amazing gift anywhere outside of YouTube. THAT is a shame!
SIGH!
.-= Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog ..Social Media’s Warning Label =-.
Joanna, what an incredible take on the theme of possibility. I think we cried because as cliched as it may be Susan did represent what is possible. She is like many of us, just a normal woman with a gift and passion who had a dream come true. Even as I read your post, it brought tears to my eyes and joy rose up in my heart. Without hope we are lost but even the hint of possibility fuels us to keep moving toward our dreams.
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..The Fear of Competition =-.
I watched this clip the day after she appeared after it was reported in the press in Scotland . I make a point of not watching these sort of shows as I feel they are designed to show the participants in a light which allows others to sneer. And sneer they did at Susan when she came on and during her interview. My hackles were up and I felt like I wanted to step in and defend her and challenge those people who turned up their noses. But of course there was no need for me to do that because as soon as she opened her mouth to sing she had fought ( and won ) her own battle. I am not sure what emotion this provoked in me – but I felt good.
.-= Jackie Cameron´s last blog ..How financially literate do you need to be? =-.
My emotions came from the underdog overcoming “normal people’s” expectations to rise beyond those expectations with individual flair, so yes it is very much about possibility, especially unexpected ones.
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Five traits of a narcissistic ‘crazymaker’ =-.
I think all of us know that there is more inside of us than it may seem at any given time. Susan Boyle reminded us not to judge and dismiss without going deeper. It’s a certain grace we would like others to extend to us as well.
.-= anna´s last blog ..Free From Public Opinion =-.
I did not cry but was moved deeply because of her courage and
her purity. Not hindered at least by the negativities of the public,
she just sang, because that was what she wanted to do. She
did teach us a lesson in humility and was great in singing,
acceptance, courage. And that voice !!!! Incredible. Makes
us think of the angels, and what is more moving?
She has a lot of love in her voice, love and compassion, that
I find very moving too.
Barbara you’re right, there was a lot of courage in that performance. I like the comparison with finding your blogging voice
Kathy I know what you mean, and there was such a contrast with the way performances are normally packaged, and the reactions (and sneers) of the judges and audience. I’m sure Susan will keep singing – at least in Scotland – so if you end up over here some time you might still get to hear her in person
Karen me too. I love it when hope trumps cliche
Jackie that’s a good description – our desire to fight for the underdog, then pride and admiration when we see her doing it for herself. I’ve found the whole saga afterwards kind of dispiriting, but have heard that she’s been out and about in Blackburn which I’m sure has been good for keeping her in touch with what’s real, and people in her own community who will look out for her.
Lori thanks for chipping in. I know it was a big media / internet phenomenon, but I do believe there was a powerful human emotion that was driving it… maybe just that sense that people who don’t fit the norms can do great things, awakening our sense of what’s possible
anna hello, it’s good to see you. Interesting isn’t it, that a programme dominated by judges should actually offer us this insight into not judging others, and wishing for that freedom from judgement. What new possibilities would emerge if we could all bring that grace into other aspects of our lives?
nel yes – her voice has a quality and a depth that reaches us, deeply. Interesting thing that about music, or at least some forms of it, that it can reach and move people across borders and boundaries. Thankfully. Thanks for saying hello and joining the conversation
My eyes filled with tears the instant she started to sing.
It amazed me how cruel the audience was, and that she still had the nerve to belt out that song so beautifully.
She was so happy with the audiences reaction that she just walked off the stage, not even caring what the judges had to say, and then blew a kiss to the once ridiculing audience.
She accomplished her goal, singing in front of a large audience, and got through it.
The clip was filled with every emotion.
She’s a very special lady and I just can’t wait for her first CD.
Simon said it’s amazing.
I explored this in a blog post soon after the Susan Boyle phenomenon exploded on the Web, it was called: “Mindless Media, Limitless Possibility”
From the post:
“…a wave of strong emotion ran through me.
Predominant was that surge of sheer adrenaline that makes you want to stand up and scream at the top of your lungs: “YES!”
It’s the primal cry, an atavistic rooting for the underdog, the irrational desire to see passion triumph over logic, the excitement that we live vicariously through seeing someone else go for that impossible dream… and win!”
.-= Dr.Mani´s last blog ..Proud Dad =-.
For me, the reason why I couldn’t stop listening to her was her passion. You could hear it radiating and oozing out of her. She almost shone with passion.
It made the hair on my skin stand up, and I generally only get that when the singer is hitting an octave my ears can’t quite catch.
.-= Naoko´s last blog ..Geekery failed =-.
I read about it in the German press, but I’ve never heard her sing – up to now. Thanks for the link to that video, Joanna!
The whole thing tells a lot about our current tv shows and how they work. Either we are presented with that styled up type of girlish woman we never will be and – for me I can say that – want to be, or we are presented with lowly types which we are to laugh about. And then someone comes and sings like that – it’s like a slap in the face of those media gurus!
.-= Ulla Hennig´s last blog ..The Beauty of Water =-.
Joanna,
I have completed your Mission (Im)possible Group Writing Project and it is up at my site.
Regarding Susan Boyle, I was greatly moved by her performance. While I loved her voice, it was her courage that brought tears to my eyes. It was obvious she wasn’t comfortable going on the BIG stage, but she did it anyway.
I think she’s a great example to other people. If you have a passion, a dream, or something you want to accomplish, you have to willing to step out on the “stage,” and go after it. Susan definitely did this:~)
.-= Sara Healy´s last blog ..Writing Assignment: Tree Story =-.
Great post Joanna – and what a reminder (as Susan Boyle’s story reminded us) that there are often hidden and unused talents for each of us that can change your own life and contribute to others as well. There are also weaknesses that hold us back and too often take the upper hand unless we focus on and build what we do well. Thanks Joanna!
.-= Ellen Weber´s last blog ..Snip your Amygdala Before you Snipe Back =-.
Joanna,
I think it is the human element of responding to beauty. I’m glad that so many people did respond in this way. It tells me that maybe the world is not as hardened and cynical as the web makes it appear sometimes.
George
.-= Tumblemoose´s last blog ..Why You Need a “Google Friend Connect” Gadget for Your WordPress Blog =-.
We cried because Susan was so pure and bold and courageous, the things we think are gone in our media-frenzied world. But they’re still there in a wee lass from Scotland, singing her heart out! She gave us hope in a world that seemed hopeless. She showed us inspiration when we needed it most. Long live Susan Boyle!
Marty hello, and thanks for chipping in. I loved that moment when she walked off the stage too. Like you say, the view of the judges wasn’t really so important to her, it was singing her song
Dr Mani thank you for sharing your post – I’m sorry the extra link threw it temporarily into the spam catcher. All sorted now. I love the way you’ve captured that primal, universal feeling that her song evoked. Including passion over logic. Oh, that’s one I need to remember!
Naoko I think many of us got a physical reaction to the song, hence the tears. It’s interesting how we see or identify different things – maybe it’s a reflection of what is most vital to us, most important to us inside? The different words and descriptions that you and others have shared here are interesting, and beautiful to read
Ulla I’m glad you found the video Ulla, it’s well worth watching / listening to. You’re right, it’s a slap in the face to convention, and I’m sure that’s one of the reasons we want to stand up and cheer for her, the lowly underdog. It sings to us of what’s still possible in the world
Sara thanks for playing mission (im)possible! Thanks for your comments on Susan Boyle too. I love the way you’ve made it a more universal lesson about having the courage to step up and out onto the stage. Yes, indeed.
Ellen oh yes, that’s such an important dimension to what we were seeing – the transformation in her, but also the transformative effect that has on others. We are inspired to grow and chance as we see others so doing. Thanks for the reminder!
George I’m glad of it too. It reminded me that we share simple, powerful, universal emotions and reactions that transcend boundaries and borders.
Jane hello, and thank you. Courage, heart, hope… powerful stuff indeed.
I think it’s the story.
It’s the tale of an underdog that finally gets her big break and changes her life. It’s fairy-tale-comes-true kind of stuff, not to mention the power of possibility. She made the most of what she’s got.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Why Strengths? =-.
J D ah, of course. It’s the underpinning story, which, as you say, is of the fairy tale sort, although she doesn’t wait to be rescued, she does it herself by getting up there and singing. I love the way you get to the heart of things!
Yep, Susan Boyle’s performance was one of those things you remember for a lifetime. She definitely isn’t going to die with “the song still in her.”
.-= Ben´s last blog ..Quiet Desperation =-.
Ben sorry your comment got stuck in spam – rescued now. I see we share a penchant for that Thoreau quote. And yes, the feeling you get when you see someone deciding they’re not going to go with the song still in them. Thanks for stopping by Ben.
Haha, no worries about getting stuck in spam
But thanks for rescuing it! I definitely love that Thoreau quote, and the whole chapter in Walden. Reading “Where I Lived and What I Lived For” still sends chills up my spine. I really like your blog. You have some excellent, unique thoughts. I’m very glad I found it.
.-= Ben´s last blog ..Quiet Desperation =-.
Ben thanks for the follow up… and the challenge to actually read Thoreau, rather than just quote him. Thanks too for the feedback on the blog, it’s much appreciated