Am setting aside writing guru Natalie Goldberg's advice to write about the ordinary - not the pop stars, new gadgets, famous places, etc.: "They get all the attention they need, plus millions of dollars in advertising to ensure their popularity." But only for a while and just to write about Tina Arena and this song of hers, "Now I Can Dance".

This song is, I believe, autobiographical for this highest-selling Aussie singer who pretty much struggled to be heard as an adult voice after success as a regular child performer on a TV talent show. She has had to move from Australia to the U.S., to the U.K. and then to France to follow her dream and find an audience for her songs. Her own artistic struggle and triumph is inspiring. Tina's better know for songs like the duet with Marc Antony for the "Mask of Zorro" theme song, "Burn", "If I Didn't Love You", a remake of "I Want to Know What Love Is" and those recorded in French as well. This song, by far, is my favorite from her repertoire because it really speaks to me. Imagine being a unhappy little teen and hearing that infectious melody and those affirming lyrics! "Now I Can Dance" literally helped ME dance again. It's also one of the few favorite music pieces my Dad and I have in common, and he's as tough a music lover to please as they come. He listens in rapt attention, taps his finger in time to the rhythm and hums along with the melody of the song whenever I play it.

The song is truly special, so here --- enjoy!


"Now I Can Dance"
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tinaarena/nowicandance.html
by Tina Arena


So I hope this finds you well
Sun is shining down eastern valley ways
There's some news I need to tell you
Give my Mother a kiss
Tell her I'm ok
I recall her words
"If it's too easy
It never lasts
I have compromised
But I'm finally free of the past
Now I can dance
Clouds have all disappeared
Freedom
I hold so dear
Cause nobody knows me here
Though I can only imagine the sadness
In your eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
All alone the other night
I came to realise we'd be friends for life
It was always meant to be
For some people the heavens can get it so right
Like an angel you see
You have graciously offered a hand
You'd be so proud of me
Now I'm finally taking a stand
Now I can dance
Clouds have all disappeared
Freedom
I hope so dear
Cause nobody knows me here
Though I can only imagine the sadness
In your eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
Now I can dance
Now I can dance
Clouds have all disappeared
Freedom
I hope so dear
Cause nobody knows me here
Though I can only imagine the sadness
you eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
Though I can only imagine the sadness
In your eyes
Please understand
Now I can dance
So I hope this finds you well
Sun is shining down eastern valley ways
So good
Be free
Can dance and laugh and just be me
So good
Be free
The clouds above have disappeared