The cacophony reverberated through the air, an intruding barrage of jarring beats and deafening bass that disrupted the peace. The music pounded relentlessly, loud and abrasive, assaulting the ears with its overwhelming and grating presence. It was an obnoxious symphony of noise that refused to go away.
"That's it. I can no longer bear this. I am going to confront Andrew". I snapped.
I lifted myself off the chair and paced angrily towards the door, but Ben's large frame stopped me before I could reach the handle.
"You want to take matters into your own hands? Let other neighbors do the complaining, not you."
"I've had enough of Andrew's barrage of booming beats. I need to talk to him about it before it deafens me.
I nudged him off the way and walked out of the door towards Andrew's apartment. I banged on the door, but my bangs were swallowed up by the loud sound of his music. I found an open window and screamed his name into it. A few seconds later, the loud music mellowed, and the door creaked open, revealing the legendary lover of loud music.
"Hey neighbor," he said with a smile.
The initial plan was to let him know how annoying he was but seeing how pleasantly he greeted me, I had a change of mind.
"Hey Andrew. I know you love loud music, but do you know music is better appreciated when the sound is mellow?" I replied.
"Nah! These songs need the beats to raise the roof. That's the only way I can jam to them. I don't do acapella. I know you love Acapella a lot. I have listened to you play, but that's not my thing."
"But it could be your thing if you just give it a shot. The absence of instruments allows the rich tapestry of the harmonies to shine through. The lyrics of the songs are unadorned and genuine, which allows you to appreciate them more".
Andrew rubbed his temple for a moment and then looked at me. "Fine! For a change, I'd like to try acapella. Let's see if I enjoy it. Which do you think I should start with?"
"My personal favorite, the one I play on my birthday every year. I'll send the YouTube link to you right now and other acapella songs".
Andrew thanked me and went into his house. By the time I got back to my apartment, the sound of acapella music had filled the air, filling me with a sense of peace and tranquility.
The story behind my choice of song.
I grew up in a Christian home, and the only music I ever heard my father play was Christian. Secular music was strictly prohibited in our home. I never learned to sing any of them because I never got to hear them. I go to a church where everyone sings acapella and there is no instrumental music. It made me appreciate how voices can blend so harmoniously to produce beautiful melodies that touch the heart and make you feel as if you are singing with the angels in heaven.
Music is therapeutic, but acapella music is soul- lifting as well. All the way my Saviour leads me is a song by Fanny .J. Crosby. It describes God's providence and protection throughout our lives. What more can one ask for?
Every December 17th, I never fail to play and sing along to it. It's my special birthday song. This is because it reminds me of God's faithfulness in my life and makes me appreciate the fact that I am alive to witness the dawn of a new age.
My favourite line in the song is
"Can I doubt his tender mercy, who through life has been my guide".
I hope you listen and enjoy.
