Olympics - I Believe? Yes!
I Believe is a song that has grown on me. I think that 16 year-old Nikki Yanofsky has a great voice. The lyrics and their message of togetherness, of coming together are appropriate to the Olympic movement and speak to how the world's citizens should behave on all issues. The clincher for me, though, is hearing the song when married to the amazing scenery and natural beauty of Canada and to the efforts of the athletes representing Canada at the Games. Those CTV Olympic adverts strike an emotional and proud chord with a twang of nationalism.
It all makes me very proud to be Canadian and also eggs me on to be a loud supporter of our team and country. I have often thought that Canadians do not wave their flag around enough. While we are proud we tend to downplay our successes and maybe focus a bit too much on our shortcomings. We should be more like the Americans I have thought many times.
Red white and blue, stars and stripes and the anthem. Gosh, the way they poor their hearts into the anthem. The interpretations can be very powerful. There does not seem to be a "right" way to sing it. The only need is to let your emotions take you over and give it your own groove.
So when Nikki stepped up to sing our national anthem at the Opening Ceremonies I was happy. I thought it was an amazing feat for such a young singer. But then she started singing. It sounded, uh, too American. She let her emotions get into the song, gave it her own groove. It did not sound right!! Turns out that, for me, the anthem has to be sung the "right" way. And that way is as I have heard it all my life. Exactly as written in on the sheet music with no room for interpretation.
Interesting. Lots of pride, lots of emotion but a desire to remain traditional and on track. Very Canadian. I am Canadian. GO CANADA GO.
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