I love making people sing. I love group singing, sacred…
“I love making people sing. I love group singing, sacred harp singing, choral singing, recordings of people singing sea shanties, work songs, prison songs - how people just sang to get through things.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Matana Roberts on Music and Community, 2023
The speaker celebrates the power of communal singing across diverse contexts as a means of coping and connection.
In simple terms: Group singing helps people endure hardships.
Key Takeaway
Encourage collective music‑making.
Themes
community
music
healing
culture
Mood
joyful
empathetic
Type
inspirational
cultural
When to use this quote
- choir rehearsals
- community events
- therapy sessions
- cultural festivals
Key Concepts
social bonding
collective expression
folk traditions
Questions to Reflect On
- How does singing affect your emotional state?
- What barriers prevent you from joining group singing?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone feels comfortable singing publicly; cultural norms may restrict participation.