"Seasons of Love"

The most famous song in the production RENT is titled "Seasons of Love". I had the privilege to go see RENT this past weekend in Toronto, and despite the controversial topics they discuss, there is a lot you can get out of the lyrics throughout the play when you don't necessarily put it into context. The night before the performance, I was YouTubing the song, and watched the song over and over. The song is so heartwarming, as I find the words to be completely true! However, I didn't realize/remember where the song was placed in the production. I've seen the movie, but that was many many years ago. After the show ended I thought back and found it to be placed in a very odd spot, with not much explanation of why it went there. But I guess it doesn't matter, the theme could fit wherever really, because it purely talks about how our lives should be surrounded and filled with love, no matter what time of the year it is. It's hard to imagine that there are actually five thousand, twenty-five hundred, and six hundred minutes in a year (and yes, I actually calculated the minutes in a year to make sure the song is correct). The song poses some thought-provoking questions, as they try to figure out how to measure a year. As 2010 is in it's first month, and I am still reminiscing on 2009, I am tempted to ask myself how I measure my last year. If you don't know the song, the answer is that a year should be measured in love and specifically about the love you receive through friendship.

My grandma always comments about the amount of friends that I have (Althought, I don't think I have an over-abundance of them), and she always says to me, "in order to have friends, you must be a friend" and then always adds that I must be a good friend. My friends can be the judge of that, but I can tell you that I am blessed to have the friends that I do, and the love that I receive from them is sometimes more then I think I deserve, but I am grateful for it at the same time! I try my hardest to love my friends for who they are, as that is who God has created them to be and there is definitely nothing wrong with that.

The other song that struck me, although not in the context that it is used in the movie, was "Take Me or Leave Me". Basically it's a break-up song, but it really struck me, especially in relation to an experience I had a few months back. I had someone close to me judge my character in a way that I feel was unfair. They were trying to change my behaviour and my character without telling me, and when we discussed it, it really hurt that they had made a decision to act upon a judgment without involving me. Now that I look back, I realize that it is now a good thing this person is no longer close to me in my life, but it was definitely hard at the time. And some of the words in "Take Me or Leave Me" make me think of that struggle I had in my head, as I decided and realized that I want my close friends and loved ones to take me as I am, as who I am meant to be, and to love me for that person. That's not to say that I am not willing to accept criticism or to be challenged to better who I am, but I don't want to be 'changed' without my knowledge of it.

Anyways, I think that basically sums up my thoughts on how those lyrics hit home for me. Other then that, the live-production was absolutely fabulous. Of course, I was brought to tears a few times (I'm a sap) and I was amazed at how the production actually has no spoken words. It's the first 'musical' I've been too that hasn't had some words in it - even the messages left on the answering machine were done in song - absolutely amazing, I tell you!! I can't wait to go see it again next time it's in town...

I consider the year 2009 to be the "year of love" for me (especially learning about the topic)...but also know that every year is filled with love, as I am surrounded by so many people whom I love and whom love me back in the most sincerest of ways. I am so thankful for everyone in my life, as I don't think I'd be the person I am today without the constant love that I feel and receive. <3 Love you all.