Songbird

Songbird was played at the beginning of the service celebrating my friend Bruce’s life on Thursday. I first heard Songbird when I ‘discovered’ Eva Cassidy. I bought her CDs, heard her tragic story. Twenty-five years ago they were probably my most played, most enjoyed CDs. It was only later that I realised that ‘Songbird’ was written by Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie…

For you, there’ll be no crying
For you, the sun will be shining
‘Cause I feel that when I’m with you, it’s alright
I know it’s right

And the songbirds keep singing like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before

To you, I would give the world
To you, I’d never be cold
‘Cause I feel that when I’m with you, it’s alright
I know it’s right

And the songbirds keep singing like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before, Like never before, Like never before

Songbird is a simple but profound love song. It’s about the warmth and security of love given and received, the selflessness, loyalty and generosity of love. It’s a confession and celebration of the overwhelming force of love. Eva Cassidy sings it with passion.

Coming to this love song I see in it a picture of my faith. I reflect on God who is love who describes his love as the love of a loving father, and asks me as his follower to love God and love my neighbour. This God calls me to live in a loving relationship with him…

Today is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week. Looking at the Songbird lyrics again I see the Easter story…

‘I love you… To you I would give the world…’ On Good Friday I see Jesus suffering, bruised and bleeding, nailed to a cross, giving everything he has for those he loves. A dying Jesus shows us what sacrificial love looks like and calls me to follow in His steps.

‘For you, there’ll be no crying, for you the sun will be shining…’ On Easter Sunday we celebrate resurrection, pain and death and pain replaced by life and hope. A risen Jesus points us to the true love that leads to joy, peace… and heaven.  

‘I love you, I love you, I love you, like never before…’ I’m reminded of Jesus appearing to Peter on the sea shore. Peter has messed up; he’s denied his master. A forgiving Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Peter’s three ‘I love you’s  give him a fresh start.

‘’Cause I feel that when I’m with you it’s alright…’ I enter in to, experience and respond to this old story. I rediscover that this Jesus invites me into a living relationship with him. This loving Jesus gives me security, purpose and reassurance.