One of the hardest things about planning this wedding so far has been choosing the music. I had never really thought about what music I want at my wedding before, and since music has played a big part in my life it’s been difficult to find the perfect songs. My dad has been looking forward to our dance for years, and so I really wanted to choose a special song for him.
The other day I was working on my computer, and I set my iTunes to shuffle. After hearing “One” by U2 and “Fields of Gold” by Eva Cassidy, a song that I had never heard before played. It was just background music to what I was focused on at the time, but about halfway through I had to stop what I was doing to see what it was called, because I realized that I really, really liked it.
It was a song called “Easy Silence” by the Dixie Chicks, on their latest album. I played it over again, and then I looked up the words. Here are the first couple verses and the chorus:
When the calls and conversations
Accidents and accusations
Messages and misperceptions
Paralyze my mind
Busses, cars, and airplanes leaving
Burning fumes of gasoline
And everyone is running
And I come to find a refuge in the
Easy silence that you make for me
It’s okay when there’s nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay
I played it a few more times, thought about it, then took my computer straight downstairs to my dad. When I told him it was by the Dixie Chicks he wasn’t too excited because of their politics and the way they said they were ashamed to be from Texas. (But he loves Bruce Springsteen, so see how far that argument goes?) Anyway, he humored me and we listened to it together. I could tell he liked it, and when the violin came in he said so.
I guess this isn’t a typical father-daughter dance, but I think it fits us. When we dance to this at my wedding, I will be saying to him, “The world is a crazy place, and through it all you have protected me and provided me with a home, a place of comfort where I can rest and be myself. We aren’t talkers, you and I, but we understand each other. Thank you for bringing me up safely through all the hazards of life so that I can live this very moment, the happiest of my life, and marry the man I love. He will protect me now, but I know that it is because of you that I am here.”
From Tabaitha Kaye:
The father-daughter dance was one of the most precious moments in my life. I know how important a song can be and I’m glad you didn’t settle until you found the song that fit you and your dad’s relationship the best. I couldn’t fight back the tears, while dancing with my dad.
From dad:
I’m already tearing up
From Renee:
I’m glad that you and your dad were able to get beyond politics and enjoy one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite groups, The Dixie Chicks. That’s the beauty of music, it can bridge any divide, if we allow it to. Oh, just a slight correction…they never said that they were ashamed to be from Texas. They said that they were ashamed that Bush was from Texas. Great, insightful and sweet post! Congrats on your wedding!
From Katy:
So sweet, Kathleen!
From Megan:
I’m glad Renee clarified that because otherwise your token liberal Northeasterner was going to have to do so. And people from CHURCH read this blog!
During my father-daughter dance, I was just trying hard to make my dad keep going even though I had previously informed him that we were going to invite people to join us halfway through the song. Then, I changed my mind. Without telling him. Kept us both from crying, though.