On my drive home today “Land of Make Believe” by Chuck Mangione was playing.  This is a song from 1973 that I had never heard before.

I am familiar with Chuck’s music.  His style is jazz rock, as sort of a crossover style.  He had several rock/pop hits in the early seventies.

Ester Satterfield is the singer.  Her performance, the lyrics themselves and the music was striking and gave me pause.  Hence today’s post.

Ah to dream

The opening verse caught my attention.

“When you’re feeling down and out
Wondering what this world’s about
I know a place that has the answer.

It’s a place where no one dies.
It’s a land where no one cries.
And good vibrations always
Greet you.”

Sometimes there is a moment when all around you is in chaos and worries abound, taking that pause into the land of make believe is all you need to re-charge.

Circumstances adding meaning to the song

The impact of the song was greater for me as I drove home today due to the events of last night.

Last night, in the city of Edmonton where I currently live there was a senseless tragedy.  Two young adults and a youth went on a criminal robbery rampage resulting in the killing of two innocent convenience store employees – for no discernible reason.

The song resonated.  If only we could live in that land of make believe  where no one dies, no one cries and you are always feeling good.

In short a beautiful song, great sentiment and timely for me.