What Can a Song Bring? Balancing Out the Picture in Pandemic

Abstract

How might we personally and collectively contain the burnout and emotional depletion that has arisen as a consequence of COVID-19? For some, the pandemic has been a further stressor on top of pre-existing trauma. Under these circumstances, how can we continue our work of intervening into the challenges and demands that face our communities? Here, I turn to a song – called It’s Alright – written and sung not only as a response, but also as a survival strategy. I try to let its sentiments and sensations wash over me to calm my nervous system. I sing it as a way to self-soothe, to stabilise. I sing it with and for you, on the chance it might be of service.