I didn’t write these songs, but I can related to every one of them.  I have to feel it in order to sing it. — Joss Stone

Man up!

That is a note to self.

Man up by the way, is not all about machismo.

The meaning of these two words is changing in American popular culture.  It is an exhortation that is taking on many guises. The manly message can also speak to women, and the slogan is really speaking to me now. For my purposes, “Man Up”  is a simple directive to toughen up.

I need to embrace this call to action as I work on presenting my next music project. This is a deeply emotional one for me.

I am putting my head, heart and soul into a collection of songs to honor the military.

Presently, when I am performing, I share this dream of mine with audiences before singing one particular song that I know will be included in the album.

That song is “Get Here“.  It was recorded in November of 1990.  Get Here became the unofficial anthem for the Gulf War (Desert Storm) in 1991. The lyrics express the longing for a loved one who’s many miles away, and the different methods of transportation that he or she can use to return.

Well, friends the event I hosted was in and of itself emotional.  Awards were being presented to women of distinction in North Carolina who are dedicating themselves to doing big things in the world… from feeding the hungry.. to enriching the lives of children whose families have fallen on hard times.

My feelings were already right there on the surface before I hit a single note!

Once I started singing Get Here, my mind went straight to the courageous and dedicated men and women fighting wars right now, and to their families praying for their save return home.

I got through the song, but I had my moments.  My notes trembled and faded a bit in several places.  The audience got it.  They understood. Still.

When this dream is fully realized, I will be singing Get Here, and others like it, regularly.

I want to sing them loud and proud and strong.

And people, for that to happen, Pam’s got to man up!

Onward!