A Dolly Parton Soundtrack for Elul and Tishrei
For a long time I’ve felt connected to the music of Dolly Parton. Journeying through Elul and learning the news of her passing just a couple of days ago, I have been listening to a playlist of some of her songs and some Jewish songs which speak to this time of year.
As I’ve been listening I have been paying attention to some of the lyrics. I couldn’t help but find themes and connections to this time of year in the Jewish calender in the Dolly Parton songs too. Here are some reflections on a selection of 4 of these songs as we journey through this news and this time of year.
Firstly, “Here You Come Again”, which seems like an obvious one and a good place to start. This song captures the tension between return, vulnerability and being drawn back in. This time of year comes around annually, as with all seasons of the Jewish calender and yet, it can come with a range of feelings and emotions. Some of these might depend on how Tishrei falls out in relation to days of the week or the proximity to the beginning of the academic/ school year. Elul/ Tishrei can sometimes feel complex but perhaps this song reminds us of the familiarity which might provide comfort.
Secondly, “The Bargain Store” which uses the metaphor of a second-hand discount shop for an emotionally experienced person with a healed, open heart. What if it was also a metaphor for our machzorim or the shul services, which can be particularly long and unfamiliar for some? I wonder if the invitation here could be to find those things that speak to us in among the many pages of liturgy and/or hours of davening we may be approaching over Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Thirdly, “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That”. The title of the song had me reflecting about something I’ve thought about previously. There are those who may show up in community this time of year and not at other times. There may be people travelling and find themselves in communities they are less familiar with. Perhaps there can be a reminder for us for there to be less judgement towards how people show up and more care shown that they have shown up.
Finally, “Coat of Many Colors”, which recounts how her mother transformed scraps of fabric into a beautiful coat. This teaches her, and all of us, that love, family, gratitude, and inner richness can make someone feel wealthy even in the midst of material poverty. I wonder if we can relate this to Sukkot. We dwell in temporary booths, which are traditionally made from natural materials and show a certain vulnerability to the elements and yet we are commanded to dwell in these, just like we do in our homes, for a week. Perhaps we too might be reminded to show care for others who don’t have access to the material luxuries that many others have. We can all feel grateful for the things that we do have, even if we are aware of the things we lack.
Those are some selections from my Dolly Parton Soundtrack as we journey through this Elul/ Tishrei. What would you add to this playlist of reflections?
