I’ve been wondering if there’s one song that captures our communal and individual COVID experiences. Inspirational music. A song we could memorialize as the “pandemic anthem.”
What an impossible task — to narrow down the world’s music to just one work. Then I heard Britanny Howard sing, You’ll Never Walk Alone© on the Grammy’s. As I listened, I thought about how millions of people all around the world continue to brave the darkness of COVID. And how hope is the essence of survival. It’s what keeps us taking the next step.
Composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein, You’ll Never Walk Alone is the unforgettable ballad from their 1945 musical Carousel. The song is performed everywhere, including at soccer clubs around the world. This tradition began with the Liverpool club after the chart success of the song’s 1963 single by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
During COVID, You’ll Never Walk Alone became the anthem of support for medical staff, first responders and those in quarantine in parts of the UK and Europe. There are many renditions of this remarkably inspirational music. Along with Gerry and the Pacemakers’ version, I recommend Ms. Howard’s rendition, tender, intimate and powerful. And Andre Rieu with the Johann Strauss Orchestra, serving a grand and almost emotionally overwhelming version.
I would like to nominate You’ll Never Walk Alone as the official pandemic anthem.
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
Written by: Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
With thanks to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.
Another beautiful song you might enjoy is Summertime. And, if you’d like a bit of a laff, tune into this woodland love story. Yes, my dears, the universe is always with you.
“One Day at a Time”
I like your idea and second your nomination of the song. Great piece
One of my go-to songs has been Breathe by Ruby Amanfu.
The song I’ve sung the most in the shower since this started was Mel Brooks’ “High Anxiety,” but then I have a somewhat dark sense of humor.
This song is so inspirational. You know my Mom was a singer, and I loved her version the best.
I wish I could hear your Mom sing it today! Is it the pandemic anthem?