me: karaoke

"It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday,
And the manager gives me a smile
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been comin' to see
To forget about life for a while.

And the piano, it sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, 'Man, what are you doing here?'"

Karaoke (n) origin:Japanese, person or event exhibiting no real musical talent; tone deaf. (Brantz Woolsey's Dictionary of Terms)

I got behind the microphone and scrolling words on the screen for the first time in my adult life at Dylan and Shannon's "Crash Pad 35". That night was a combined karaoke and ugly sweater party to relax a little before the stress of my first finals week back at college. We danced, sang, and played air instruments. 

When I do karaoke, I rock. I close my eyes, bend my arms at my sides and I rock that imaginary, cherry red Gibson Les Paul guitar nearly every Wednesday in that crowded Applebee's. Sometimes, it becomes a keyboard, drum set or interpretive dance solo. No matter what it is, it helps me "...forget about life for awhile." 

Even when you suck or get off pitch, the end of you song will be met with enthusiastic applause. It doesn't matter whether you're singing Hey Jude with Jordan, The Fox with Eric, Baby It's Cold Outside with Makenzie or even a solo of Sweet Carolina, the audience will love you. It may just be the half of the crowd that comes to drink, but it still sparks self-esteem. DJ Johnny Utah is always there with a laugh and high five when you finish a song, complimenting you for everyone to hear. 

And friends come closer. We sing together, but most of the time we just bond over conversation and shared half-price appetizers. The waiter keeps our waters (or Dr Peppers) full as we share moments with those friends we hold dear. As I share my celery from my boneless chicken wing platter, we share advice and insights on things that are happening in politics, school, the world, and our lives. Some of the most uplifting conversations I've had since my mission have been those I've shared at karaoke. 

Karaoke is a place of no cares. The weight of the world is washed away amidst the music and occasional microphone feedback. We laugh. We sing. We share something that others don't understand until they've been a part of it. 

You don't have to sing to have fun. It helps, but there are so many that come for the company and leave feeling loved. There is something about karaoke that exudes acceptance. It's hard to explain.

When I finish the chorus of Just Haven't Met You Yet, I've Just Seen A Face, or any other song, my friends know that it's not just another song. I get met with applause and I know they understand.