Songs That Touch Our Hearts

I posted a longer version of this at Mormon Matters, but I wanted to share a few things here as well. (See http://mormonmatters.org/2010/07/25/songs-that-touch-our-hearts/

Since yesterday was Pioneer Day, I thought I’d share my thoughts on one of my favorite Pioneer Hymns. Most of you are probably familiar with Come, Come Ye Saints. It was one of my sister’s favorite songs, and she requested that it be played at her funeral. While I always liked the song, I can rarely sing it without getting a bit emotional as I think of my sister.

She was the oldest in my family. My father was a convert, and always referred to her as “the pioneer” of the family. Perhaps that is why she liked the song so much. The last verse is the one that always causes me to think about my sister.

My sister died from a brain tumor. She struggled through radiation and chemotherapy for nearly 2 years before succumbing. I often feel like she died before her journey was through, but I am glad she is free from toil and sorrow too. I often wish her life was spared again, but it wasn’t.

She left behind 4 small children under the age of 10. Three of them are in college now, and the other is a senior in high school. They have coped very well, and are excellent people.

My brother died 4 years ago in a tragic auto accident. He was about the same age as my sister when she died (36). He also left behind 4 small children under the age of 7. At the funeral, the closing song was “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”

I can remember singing this song at the end of meetings, and thinking it was a nice song to end the meeting. I planned on meeting everyone the next week at church again. But when it was played at the funeral, it took on a whole new meaning. I usually can’t sing the song anymore, but I love to listen to it.

I can’t wait to see my brother again. So, what are some songs that touch your heart?

Those two, Praise to the Man, and BOM Stories were and are my favorites!

Not hymms but inspirational:

King Without a Crown and Jerusalem by Matisyahu

Personal Jesus, Sacred, Get Right With Me, and generally Depeche Mode’s albums.

Johnny Cash.

There’s way too many for me to list but there was a really tough time in my life where the meanings of many of those songs struck me to tears.

Tom, a few years ago and neither would I. I’ve had a massive change on many of my opinions to the point where the only thing I can do is maintain a sort of zen-like limbo at the center of the kalidescope of faith. “Praise To The Man” is definately not popular in the world of ‘outside’ Mormonism the song has a much different meaning to me than it used to. :ugeek:

Forever Young by Rod Stewart

I’m so Happy I can’t Stop Crying by Sting

…can I include those?

Nearer My God to Thee

Unbelievably, I sang it for years never thinking about the words. To me they are just powerful.

All of them. But especially:

“Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise,

So by my woes to be, nearer my God to thee.”