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When most people think about cancer treatment, they focus on a variety of medical procedures. However, psychological support is another
aspect of cancer treatment that has recently been shown to have a significant effect on the well-being of patients and their loved ones.
This is no surprise considering the wide range of feelings that people go though when faced with this difficult illness.
Music is a medium that can be very therapeutic since it touches people on a deep emotional level. The Colour's Coming Back,
is an album of original songs for people living with cancer and their families and friends. Each song deals with a different aspect of the
cancer experience. Most are based on true stories and therefore speak to listeners in a very meaningful way. The Colour's Coming Back
offers patients and their friends and families a unique kind of cancer treatment that brings hope and healing.
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| Track 1 - A Taste for Life |
Track 2 - I Feel Your Sunshine |
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Often people's initial reaction to hearing they have cancer is one of fear and shock. Sometimes they wonder if there will ever be a
light at the end of the tunnel. This is especially true if the treatment process is difficult. A Taste for Life touches on these feelings, but
also offers the possibility that deep within one's psyche there is a life force that gives people courage and motivates them to go on.
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This song was written as a tribute to everyone who brightens your day by being there to offer comfort when you are going through a
hard time. Its upbeat rock groove coupled with a Latin bass conveys a "sunshine" feel that underscores the message of support and encouragement.
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| Track 3 - Why Me? |
Track 4 - My Quiet Place |
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"Why Me?" is the question that probably gets asked more than any other as people try to make sense out of a situation that makes no sense.
We learn that if we are "good" we are rewarded, and that if we are "bad" we are punished. So where is the justice when those who are "good"
fall ill or have loved ones who are sick? The tension and mental anguish in this song are heightened by the wailing of an electric guitar and the
heavy beats of the bass drum.
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In order to feel more comfortable, many people try visualization and hypnosis. The lyrics of My Quiet Place are a hypnosis script written by
psychologist, Sharon Zigman. Listeners are encouraged to find the special corner in their minds where they can be free from stress.
The sensory images and easy Latin rhythm help them imagine being in a beautiful, calm tropical island. In the background, the sounds of
ocean waves are deliberately timed to coincide with slow breathing. This increases the kind of relaxed mood that can be experienced in hypnosis.
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| Track 5 - Gilda's Song |
Track 6 - Monique |
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Gilda's Song celebrates the spirit of the late comedienne, Gilda Radner, from Saturday Night Live who died of ovarian cancer in 1989.
Gilda believed that people touched by cancer should have the opportunity to participate in a support community where they can feel free
to be themselves and where they can live with cancer as opposed to just cope with it. After Gilda's death, her husband, Gene Wilder,
created a cancer wellness center called "Gilda's Club". Since its inception, Gilda's Clubs have opened in cities across the US, Canada,
and even in Europe. When people enter the trademark red door, they are immediately welcomed into the realm of acceptance, understanding,
inspiration, and growth that Gilda Radner wished for.
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A quarter century ago, biochemist and researcher Sarita Benchimol lost her sister, Monique, to a rare form of cancer. Throughout her illness,
Monique always maintained her beauty, elegance, and above all her dignity. Upon her sister's death, Sarita vowed to devote her life to
cancer research. For 25 years, she was unable to express her sadness. However, in the song, Monique, which is a tribute to her sister, she
finally speaks out. In this moving message to her sister, she brings exciting news - that through all the research that has been done, many people
with cancer can now survive.
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| Track 7 - A Gift |
Track 8 - When You're Near |
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A Gift is the true story about Arthur, a 13 year old boy who succumbed to leukemia. With a perspective well beyond his years,
he rejected the materialism of many youngsters his age and touched people at a very deep level with his human sensitivity. When a child dies,
what can anyone possibly say that can inspire hope? This young man's foster dad, Jack Fitch, had an answer that he wanted to share with everyone:
Life is so short that we must take advantage of each moment and live it to the fullest. Though stricken by leukemia at such an early age, Arthur
was the wonderful gift, the "shooting star …that made [its] mark/A stream of light fading into dark".
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When faced with life's challenges, it is often difficult to manage on one's own. Having someone who can be there to listen and offer support
can make a tremendous difference to one's morale. The melodious flute, smooth vocals, and rhythmic Latin accompaniment create a pleasant
upbeat feel that listeners can enjoy.
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