“Can we practice after dinner?” my son Solomon asks.
“Yes,” I say.
“I can practice too,” my son Samson says.
“Okay,” I say.
Dinner is over. I grab Solomon’s ukulele. I’ve been playing Solomon’s ukulele instead of my guitar because one of my strings broke. I don’t know how to string a guitar. I should probably learn.
Solomon gets his viola. Samson gets his tuba. The Tanner family band set up in Solomon’s crowded bedroom.
Seven swans, seven swans, seven swans.
***
I’m learning how to play Seven Swans by Sufjun Stevens with my sons.
Seven Swans is probably my favorite song. It’s probably my favorite album. I have lots of favorite songs and favorite albums.
I played the album on repeat after Solomon was born. Katie, Solomon, and I were in North Memorial Hospital for three days after he was born. It was -20 outside. We stayed up all night. I played Seven Swans over and over again on my laptop. I can see a lot of life in you. There is so much life in Solomon.
The titular track on the album is an apocalyptic masterpiece. Titular is a funny word. The song is a retelling of Revelation, a parable of destruction, a rumination on the Lord. It is gorgeous.
***
I strum and sing. Solomon’s viola sounds beautiful. Samson’s tuba growls and slurs. The song is still in process. I don’t know what it will sounds like when we are done. I don’t care what it will sound like. It is good to make a song with my sons.
We offer up music to the Lord. Offer up music to love. There are so many worse things to offer up in this world. I choose music, love, and the Lord.
Seven swans, seven swans, seven swans.
Samuel Jaye Tanner 