07/19/07

When I was a teenager, music touched me in a powerfully intimate way.  I was particularly and profoundly affected by certain classic rock songs that struck a spiritual chord with me:

Hey you, standing in the road, Always doing what you’re told, Can you help me? Hey you, out there beyond the wall, breaking bottles in the hall, Can you help me?  (“Hey You” by Pink Floyd.)

There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west, and my spirit is crying for leaving. In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees, and the voices of those who standing looking. Ooh, it makes me wonder, . . . And it’s whispered that soon if we all call the tune, then the piper will lead us to reason. And a new day will dawn for those who stand long. And the forests will echo with laughter .  (“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.)    

I have climbed highest mountain, I have run through the fields only to be with you, only to be with you.  I have run, I have crawled I have scaled these city walls, these city walls, only to be with you. But I still haven't found what I'm looking for (“Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2).

Well I know it wasn’t you who held me down. Heaven knows it wasn’t you who set me free. So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
and we never even know we have the key. (“Already Gone” by The Eagles).  

Who are you, I really want to know, who are you… who the f*%# are you!” (“Who Are You?” by The Who.)

Songs spoke to me and for me.  They expressed thoughts and feelings I couldn’t.   I spent hours listening—soothed, strengthened, inspired, charmed, captivated and motivated by the lyrics and melody.  

One day the music didn't speak to me or for me.  I felt isolated and alone.  My emotions were locked in a cage.  So I began to sing my feelings and a song sang through me.  I felt like I had fallen through a manhole and landed up in heaven.  Songwriting gave me wings and a prayer. 

In fact, my songs are my prayers and the soundtrack to my life.  It is a privilege and a pleasure to share them with you. 

Dina Rae Capitani

Originally from Connecticut, Dina Rae moved to Nashville, TN to pursue a songwriting career and attend Belmont University where she earned a B.A. in Psychology with a double minor in Music and English.  She performs at various venues around Nashville.