Meatloaf and Mozart: What’s Your Passion?

Our taste in music is a very subjective thing, isn't it?

What's playing on our iPods or CD players is influenced by so many factors: the experiences we've had throughout our lives, our parent's musical preferences, our first experience of hearing a particular song or artist, and even just what type of mood we're in on any given day.

I've never been a great fan of classical music. And while there may come a day in my more "mature" years that I discover the wonders of Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, I'm not holding my breath right now.

The fact is, I may never like classical music! Eight years of having to learn Sonatas and Minuets in preparation for piano exams was perhaps not the introduction to classical music that I needed if I was ever going to love it.

I have to (grudgingly) admit that if it weren't for those classical pieces, I'd never have achieved the level of skill playing piano that I did. But at the time, I would so much rather have been belting out Billy Joel's "Piano Man" or Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues", or pouring my heart into playing "The Rose" or Debra Byrne's "Heroes".

Would it impress you if I told you that I could even play Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" for a while there? Maybe I should have more appreciation for the skills I gained from all those Sonatas!

I remember the first time I ever heard any of Meatloaf's music. 13 years old, rugged up at the footy, sharing the headphones of a Walkman with a friend as her other friend introduced us to songs like "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" and "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth".

I was hooked! I still am.

Don't get me wrong. I don't listen to Meatloaf every day. But he's right there, on my iPod, ready for those days when I want to listen to something with a bit of passion.

Over the years, my love for Meatloaf has - despite the often raunchy and not always uplifting lyrics - stayed strong, but it's also developed into something more. Because while Meatloaf is the man who poured himself into the performances, the music and lyrics of many of those songs I love are the creation of Jim Steinman.

Jim Steinman. Who also wrote many other great songs, like "Total Eclipse of the Heart", made famous by Bonnie Tyler, and "Making Love Out of Nothing At All", which was a massive hit for Air Supply. I bet you never suspected that Air Supply and Meatloaf had anything at all in common!

So what is it that Meatloaf and Steinman, Mozart and Bach all have in common?

The talent that both Jim Steinman and Meatloaf have, and have shared in their music, kind of blows me away. Sure, Jim Steinman is not Mozart or Bach, and if you're a great fan of classical music  you may be a bit put out by the comparison. But I know there are many who agree with me: Meatloaf and Jim are an amazingly talented combination!

It's not only talent though.

All of these men had the desire and determination to share their passion and talent with the world. Passion and talent that has touched my life, and I suspect yours too.

While I may not yet truly value and appreciate the music of the great classical composers, I realize that much of the music I do love is written with the same kind of intensity and passion that makes their life's work so truly amazing.

"What about me? I'll never be a Mozart!"

No-one will ever be a Mozart but Mozart himself.

Likewise, the only one who will sing just like Meatloaf...is Meatloaf himself.

And you and I? I think we already know the answer to that. You and I, we don't need to be Meatloafs and Mozarts, or even Billys and Bonnies.

What we do need is to do the very best we can at being ourselves.

Within you and I there is the talent, and the passion, that is needed to bring forth our own unique contribution to the world.

And just like Mozart and Meatloaf, the contribution that you make, when you find that place where your passion and talent meet, will be brilliant.

That unique combination of your gifts and talents, together with the passion and drive to share those for the benefit of others, will bring inspiration, joy and passion itself to the lives of those it touches.

Pursue that place, where your talent and passion will meet, with all your heart.

Make that contribution that is uniquely yours to make.

We'll be waiting to hear the music that's yours to share with the world!

Brigid




I'd love to hear about the music that has brought passion and inspiration to your life. Or about the passions you have and hope to share with the world. Share your thoughts by clicking on the comments button at the top of this post.