Before the Music Ends

"You really love your music," she said.

It was early. I had no idea what the woman was talking about. I always joke that even though I am moving about, dressed for work and appear to be functioning, I don't wake up until 10 A.M.

"I saw you pull into the parking lot, and I could hear the music playing."

I started to laugh. I realized that I had been blasting my stereo in the car. I was listening to Michael Crawford. You may know him from "Phantom of the Opera."

This was a live recording of a concert he did, and there are a few songs that really burn in my soul. As I am driving down the road, I can often be seen singing at the top of my lungs.

But there is a point on this CD that most of you might not relate to. It is the closing music, a reprise of a song he did earlier.

"On Eagle's Wings."

Mr. Crawford thanks the crowd, takes his bow, and heads off stage as the music fills the auditorium. Of course, if you have ever watched a concert, you know there will be more at this point.

There must be an encore.

Whenever I listen to this part, I pull over. I stop what I'm doing and really listen, perhaps imagine and dream a little too.

I am a singer. Having finished a concert, I envision myself so fulfilled, so complete that I cannot ever imagine it could get better than this. It's like Heaven.

Continued on page 2: What song is yours? What part do you play? »