Fa La La Chicago
Three years ago, I walked the city during the holidays and was moved, as I always am, by its energy. For whatever reason, I was singing Deck the Halls to myself, and I began to change the words and created a new rendition. Who am I to think I can be a songwriter? But I love to play around shamelessly, and this is my ode to Chicago if you will. Each year since, when I find myself again walking through the hustle and bustle of this time of year, I pull out the lyrics I wrote, and I contemplate a rewrite. Because after all, a first draft is usually pretty crappy and rewrites are part of the craft of writing.
The years and days may change and undoubtedly, visible changes over time to any city. But the energy of Chicago I experienced when my parents brought me here as a little girl is the same energy I have felt throughout the years to the present. A few weeks ago, I gave myself a birthday present and spent the day before my birthday walking the city alone and going to my favorite spots. I reminisced about the lessons and experiences my parents offered me by exposing me to the historical, cultural, ethnic, and human characteristics that this city holds. Some of my footsteps that day were the same footsteps I traveled together with them. I thought about my dad's joy each time he stepped foot in the city and roamed its ethnic neighborhoods. I remembered my mom's spirit lifted each time she organized a bus trip for others to enjoy an event of the arts. I thought about all that has changed leveled out by what has remained the same.
Once again, the rewrite didn't come this year, but I did add an ending verse. Again and again, the heart of Chicago continues to offer the beat of its authentic rhythm. I will always recognize the strength of its good, taste the sweetness of its hospitality, and join the chorus with the many humans who love it too. As silly as it may be, I'm wrapping up Fa La La Chicago, tying a bow of affection around it, and sending it out to fly with the winter wind.
Happy Winter! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
ps. I hope to find a caroling choir to sing it to me one day.
Until,
Marie
Fa La La Chicago
Trim the streets with greens and berry
Fa la la la la, la la la la
This, the city to be merry
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Walk the windows is tradition
Fa la la la la la, la la la
Give our coin to all the missions
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Lovers wrapped in arms and nesting
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Homeless gift me with their blessing
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Ring the bells, sing Cheerful News
Fa la la la la la, la la la
My heart beams with vibrant hues
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Wait with me for birth of New Year
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Joy rings through the dark of fear
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Different lives come all together
Fa la la la la la, la la la
Hope arises with great measure
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Tis, the spirit of this city
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Standing tall while sitting pretty
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Winds do fly, her skyline glows
Fa la la la la la, la la la
Oh, I love you sweet Chicago
Fa la la la la, la la la la