Talking to my angel by Melissa Etheridge

Talking to my angel ~ Melissa Etheridge

Don’t be afraid
Close your eyes
Lay it all down
Don’t you cry
Can’t you see I’m going
Where I can see the sun rise
I’ve been talking to my angel
And he said that it’s alrightI’ve always had to run
I don’t know just why
Desire slowly smoking
Under the midwest sky
There’s something waiting out there
That says I’ve got to try
I’ve been talking to my angel
And he said that it’s alrightThis town thinks I’m crazy
They just think I’m strange
Sometimes they want to own me
Sometimes they wish I’d change
But I can feel the thunder
Underneath my feet
I sold my soul for freedom
It’s lonely but it’s sweetDon’t be afraid
Close your eyes
Lay it all down
Don’t you cry
Can’t you see I’m going
Where I can see the sun rise
I’ve been talking to my angel
And he said that it’s alright

“Talking to My Angel” is one of the commonly chosen funeral songs that touches the heart. It was written by an American rock singer-songwriter, environmental activist, and guitarist named Melissa Lou Etheridge. It is the last track of her “Yes I Am” album that was released on September 1, 1993. The singer and songwriter talked about her inspiration in writing the song. She describes that the angel of the song pertains to her grandfather and grandmother that she has lost through death.  It talks about reassuring her that she is safe and that she will be fine. On the other hand, another inspiration for writing the song is about her leaving Leavenworth, Kansas, where she was born, and moving to Los Angeles. The angel represents the being that encourages her to push through with her aspiration to continue performing.

Songs can have a lot of meanings. It usually depends on the relationship that we have with the deceased or our point of view in life. However, with Melissa Etheridge’s song, there is an encouraging feel to it to help us in accepting the death of a love one which is why it is a popular choice for funeral services. If you listen intently to the song, it gives a sense of comfort, warmth, and a sense of relief for those who are left behind by the dearly departed. The lyrics somehow tells us that everything is going to be fine. It speaks about accepting things, to go with the flow as this is part of life. It tells us to see our loved ones’ death in a positive light wherein the departed is free of the burdens.

The song is beautifully sung by Melissa. Her voice and guitar playing skills made the song sound calming and peaceful which is perfect for the occasion. Listening to the lyrics that Etheridge wrote, it talks about not crying over the passing of a loved one because he or she is in a better place. It talks about how everything will be alright in the end reassuring the loved ones that are left behind.