Josh Groban - Touching the Soul - Healing the Grieving Heart

The first time I realized the healing effect of listening to Josh Groban sing was watching him sing 'To Where You Are' on an episode of Ally McBeal in 2001. David E. Kelly wrote the special Christmas episode as a tribute to those who had died on September 11th.

Josh has gone on to sing many other songs which have helped to soothe a grieving heart and been called upon to sing them during other times of loss and challenge, like singing You Raise Me Up as a tribute to the Columbia Astronauts.

In the Ally McBeal episode a very young Josh Groban sang the moving and uplifting song, 'To Where You Are' at a funeral.

• Fly me up to where you are
• Beyond the distant star
• I wish upon tonight
• To see you smile
• If only for awhile to know you're there
• A breath away's not far
• To where you are

For the Holiday Season 2007, Josh released the much anticipate Christmas album entitled Noel. Included on the album was his new version of the classic Bing Crosby song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." When I first listened to Josh's new version I was moved to tears and still tear up a bit nearly every time since.

Photo Source: © 2007 Shou-ping Yu. From 8/3/07 - The AWAKE Tour in Hershey, PA. Used with Permission.

• True creativity quite simply starts with balancing your emotions and activating the power of the heart.
• Through practicing emotional management from the heart, you tap into the highest form of creativity possible-recreating your perceptions of reality.
• Doc Childre

Photo Source: Keeandra. Still in My Heart. Royalty Free Use.

A Collection of Inspiring, Soothing and Healing Songs

I first saw Josh Groban in Concert on one of the first performances of the Closer Tour. The concert was in the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, a smaller venue. His was in an incredible, mind-blowing performance.

As I watched this young singer, I realized I was witnessing something truly remarkable, the sharing of an amazing gift with the audience...the gift of song, the gift of his voice.

Watching Josh sing, you can feel his passion for performing and for sharing his gift and feeling that voice and the spirit of the music resonate in the heart. I also realized as a bereavement expert, the healing effect that his voice could have on others grieving a loss, as those listening to his music may begin to heal their grief.

This is a collection of the songs that Josh Groban has sung and performed that I have found to be the most inspirational, the most soothing and the most healing for anyone who has experienced a loss.

Photo Source: © 2007 Shou-ping Yu. From 7/21/07 - The AWAKE Tour in Atlantic City, NJ. Used with Permission.

This is a list of all of the songs featured on this site by Josh Groban.

1. To Where You Are
2. The Prayer - With Celine Dion
3. The Prayer - With Charlotte Church
4. The Prayer - With Angie Stone
5. You're Still You
6. The National Anthem
7. For Always - With Lara Fabian
8. You Raise Me Up
9. Remember When it Rained
10. Vincent
11. In the Arms of an Angel - With Sarah McLachlan
12. Smile
13. The Music of the Night
14. Don't Give Up, You Are Loved

A Donation To the Believe Birthday Auction 2005

With beautiful photographs from Shou-ping Yu, I created and donated several Josh cards for the Believe (2005) auction. I wrote the haiku that was incorporated into this image.

These cards along with several special Believe Packages are listed on the Grobanites for Charity Page of Special Thanks.

Photo Source: © 2005 Shou-ping Yu. Josh Groban - Photos by Ping. Used with Permission.

Josh sings I'll be Home for Christmas on Good Morning America. He also introduces some military families.

This clip starts on a silly note, with Josh giving his impression of Alvin and the Chipmunks. You get to experience his sense of humor and his gift of charity.

Others Thoughts on the Comforting Words

David E. Kelly wrote the special Christmas episode as a tribute to those who had died on September 11th. In the episode Josh portraying Malcolm Wyatt sang the uplifting song, 'To Where You Are' at a funeral.

• "To Where You Are" brings such comfort to a grieving heart.
• Our loved ones who have passed really are just a breath away.
• Brown Betty

Beautiful video version featuring Josh Groban with flashbacks about a loved one who is not longer around.

Your purchases make a difference

Proceeds from the sales of the musical products on this lens will be donated by this lensmaster to the Josh Groban Foundation and the Grobanites for Charity (minus a small percent for the Squidoo Charities).

Your purchases on this site or your donations to the Josh Groban Foundation can make a difference in the lives of children.

While Josh Groban's songs may not be on a list of recommendations by music therapists (yet) as songs that soothe the heart, many people recognize the calming, soothing, healing effects of his songs and his voice.

Several of Josh Groban's earlier songs have been included on a Music for the Grieving Heart compiled for the Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center, Survivor's After Suicide Program.

This collection of Songs that Touch the Heart - Heal the Spirit on this lens will stand as another list of recommendations.

Photo Source: © 2007 Shou-ping Yu. From 7/30/07 - The AWAKE Tour in Uncasville, CT. Used with Permission.

This list was compiled for the Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center, Survivor's After Suicide Program.

A big break for Josh when Andrea Bocelli was unable to perform at the 1999 Grammy Awards. A sampling of the beautiful lyrics, some of which are performed in Italian.

• Let this be our prayer
• As we go our way
• Lead us to a place
• Guide us with your grace
• To a place where we'll be safe

This is also the song that the two performed at the closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

The version with Angie Stones is featured in the Concert album.

• Today we mourn the lost, honor the living and celebrate the character of our country and the creativity of our people.
• President George W. Bush

The first song performed by Josh Groban in the role of as Malcolm Wyatt on the season finale of Ally McBeal in 2001.

The moving lyrics on coping with pain, sadness and loss:

• You walk past me
• I can feel your pain
• Time changes everything
• One truth always stays the same
• You're still you
• After all
• You're still you

For Always was the theme from the movie "A.I. - Artificial Intelligence" recorded by Josh Groban and Lara Fabian, a song about a love that endures...beyond time, beyond space, for always.

• For always
• Forever
• For us there's no time and no space
• No barrier love won't erase
• Wherever you go
• I still know in my heart you'll be here

"You Raise Me Up" Official Music Video by Josh Groban.

A Song of Courage and Hope

Josh Groban version of "You Raise Me Up" reached the top of the Billboard AC Charts and remained there for 6 weeks. He also gave a special surprise performance for Oprah Winfrey's 50th birthday in 2004.

Josh's recording also was nominated for a 2005 Grammy award.

The moving and inspiring lyrics:

• When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
• When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
• Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
• Until you come and sit awhile with me.
• You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
• You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
• I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
• You raise me up: To more than I can be.

One of my favorite melancholy song. The music written by Josh is beautiful. This has been one of my daughters favorite songs to sing (since it was one of the earlier ones just done in English).

• Remember when it rained.
• I felt the ground and looked up high
• And called your name.
• Remember when it rained.
• In the water I remain
• Running down

"Vincent" is a song written by Don McLean as a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. It is often referred to as "Starry, Starry Night."

Josh Groban is among many artists who have recorded a version of this sad song. His version appears on his debut album. It continues to be a popular song in concert.

• Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
• How you suffered for your sanity,
• How you tried to set them free.
• They would not listen, they're not listening still.
• Perhaps they never will...

Image Source: Wikipedia.org. Images. Starry Night. Vincent van Gogh, 1889.

Josh Groban's version of "Vincent" is featured as a one of the songs with meaningful lyrics on the Suicide Prevention Center website, in the Music Bibliography for a Grieving Heart.

• And when no hope was left in sight
• On that starry, starry night,
• You took your life, as lovers often do.
• But I could have told you, Vincent,
• This world was never meant for one
• As beautiful as you.

Sarah McLachlan's "In the Arms of an Angel" has been one of my favorite bereavement and grief songs. The imagery of someone being carried off in the arms of an Angel is a very healing one.

• You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
• You're in the arms of an Angel;
• may you find some comfort here

An Inspirational Song to Help You Through the Tough Times

It interesting that a song written over 70 years ago can still work to heal the heart. This underscores the universal nature of loss and power of words to bring a bit of hope during difficult times...no matter how old or when the loss occurred.

• Smile though your heart is aching;
• Smile even though it's breaking.
• When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.

These is a good Video clip to bookmark as a favorite to play again on those days when you are feeling a bit blue.

• If you smile through your fear and sorrow,
• Smile and maybe tomorrow,
• You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Perhaps these lyrics help to explain the appeal that Josh and his music has for so many fans...

• Softly, deftly,
• music shall surround you . . .
• Feel it, hear it,
• closing in around you . . .
• You alone can make my song take flight -
• help me make the music of the night . . .

A good song to be playing for anyone grieving a loss, a reminder to not give up during challenging times that family and friends will be there to help you through the darkness.

• It's just the weight of the world
• When your heart's heavy
• I will lift it for you
• Don't give up
• It's just the hurt
• That you hide
• When you're lost inside, I
• I'll be there to find you

The list of Josh Groban Songs featured as part of the "Music Bibliography for a Grieving Heart."

1. The Prayer - Josh Groban & Celine Dion

   An example of Spiritual Music

   
   

2. The Prayer - Josh Groban & Charlotte Church

   An example of Spiritual Music

   
   

3. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

   An example of Spiritual Music

   
   

4. Vincent, Starry, Starry Night - Josh Groban

   An example of Music with Meaningful Lyrics

   
   

5. You're Still You - Josh Groban

   An example of Music with Meaningful Lyrics

   
   

6. To Where You Are - Josh Groban

   An example of Music that reminds one you may meet in the future

   
   

For more information about Josh Groban, scheduled performances, news about the tour or to become a Friend of Josh Groban start at these Josh Groban sites.

A special thanks to Shou-ping Yu for once again allowing the use of her incredible photographs of Josh Groban.

Ping has an amazing gift for capturing the true spirit of Josh the artist, Josh the person and Josh the singer.

Have you been touched by the music of Josh Groban?

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