We used to never say never, used to think we live forever, flying free beneath the sun.

Days go running and hiding. The weeks go slipping and sliding. Years leave quicker every time they come.

Do you remember when we were young?

When we were young – Passenger

These are some confusing times. Times which we never dreamed about going through. Scientists are still trying to get their heads around the virus. Governments are having the hardest challenge, one that they never imagined they had to go through when running for office. And the rest of us? We are trying to cope with life and trying to make it to the other side of this whole chaos, hoping to hug the people closest to us once again. You read blog posts, articles by doctors and psychologists, on how to deal with the situation. But at the end of the day, everyone is different. We cope in a different way, and we are learning about ourselves right now, more than ever before. We are discovering our true coping mechanisms – to what we turn to when we have no idea what is happening around us.

I turn to music. It is one of the few things that brings me peace, helps me remember better times, and in general, just drift away for a bit. Hence why I felt that I should write about music here. 

There are quite a few artists that I turn to, varying according to my mood. One album that I listen to over and over again is Young as the morning, Old as the sea, by Passenger. I listen to it mostly when I need some time for myself, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed. From his soothing voice, to the soft and melodious music, and those lyrics that ultimately hit home, this album seems to have all that I need right now.  

I stumbled upon this album when preparing myself for Rock Werchter in 2017. Before every festival, I compile a playlist with the music of the artists who will be there, and listen to it on repeat,  getting myself ready to sing my heart out. Passenger was one of the artists who was performing that year, so I started listening to his album. Ultimately, it turned out that he was going to perform at the same time as another band that we also wanted to watch, and we had to choose to skip Passenger – one of the downfalls of being at a festival with multiple stages.

They say fear is for the brave

For cowards never stare it in the eye.

So am I fearless to be fearful

Does it take courage to learn how to cry

Home – Passenger

Passenger might be mostly known for his song Let her go, which he released way back in 2012. But this album feels so much better. So much more intimate, raw and simply an invitation to unwind and reboot. Home is one of the songs that I can relate to the most. But then again, I feel a connection with most of his words. Every track makes me reflect on life. It feels like we are having a heart to heart over a glass of wine, accompanied by some amazing guitar music and one of the most soothing voices I have ever heard.

So during this time of uncertainties, grab a glass, or a bottle of wine, sit on the sofa and put this album on. Let the music take you on a journey. I’m going to leave you with the below words. Words that reflect much of my thoughts right now. May we all soon be free as the birds flying by, without a care in the world. Take care dear friends! 

I wanna lose myself in the Scottish highlands, the West coast of Ireland, the Cornish breeze.

I wanna rest my bones in the Spanish sunshine, the Italian coastline is calling me.

To be free as the birds that fly past me. Light as the fish in the sea.

To be wise as the mountains. And tall as the trees.

Young as the morning, Old as the sea – Passenger