Many people feel that they need permission before they can sing.
Somebody needs to tell them it’s OK before they can even open their mouths. What’s going on here?
I’ve written many times before about the fact that everyone can sing. It’s our birth right and we’ve been doing it for thousands of years across all cultures.
However, our modern, competitive world with its talent shows on TV and viral videos of people with “amazing voices” conspires to make everyday folk believe that they’re not “good enough” to sing.
Many people think that you need singing lessons before you can open your mouth. Often people will believe that you have to be born a singer. Others that you can’t possibly be a ‘proper’ singer if you can’t read music. Or maybe friends and family have told you that you have an awful voice, or because you don’t sound like your favourite celebrity pop singer then you have no right to inflict your voice on the rest of the world.
Well, let me tell you, singing is allowed!
You are allowed to sing under any circumstances whether you think you have a ‘nice’ voice or not, or whether you’ve been trained or just like singing in the shower, or even if other people have told you that you can’t sing.
In the Netherlands they realised that many cyclists would like to sing, but felt some hesitation to actually do so. So in 2013, an artist came up with the idea of Zangfietspads (“singing cycle paths”) with signs encouraging people to sing.
For example, one sign reads:
“Here you can officially sing on your bike.
No more strange pauses in your song because someone is cycling by!”
The idea has gone viral, and now there are Zangfietspads in many locations across the country. You can read more (in Google translate) here and watch some videos.
So if you’re still hesitant about whether you ‘re allowed to sing in public, get on your bike wherever you are and let rip!
other posts you might find useful
What to do if you don’t have a ‘nice’ voice
Are only ‘singers’ allowed to sing?
Some people take pride in saying they can’t sing – but is that just fear talking?
“Everyone can sing” – what the hell does that mean??!!
Never tell someone they can’t sing – it is brutal, damaging and untrue
Why are so many people afraid to open their mouths and sing?
Chris Rowbury
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