Beauty and Tragedy

I listen to a radio station in Lyon, France more than any other channel. One of the songs they play regularly penetrated my soul like no other and with a little research I was able to find that it was a song called "Endless Night" sung by one Jason Raize who sang it for three years on Broadway when he originated the role of Simba.

The purity of his tone moves me. There is a softness to his voice that soothes like few others for me. I am addicted to this song and his beautiful face and voice. I have been smitten for weeks.

This morning, I watched a different clip of him singing and started reading the comments about him only to discover that this magical young man, this magnificent voice is gone. Jason, bless his stunningly beautiful voice and nature, hanged himself in 2004 at the age of 29 years.

It breaks my heart to think that a young man with such a voice was so sad yet he and his voice made countless strangers like me love him. Some things hurt too much. His poor, poor family.

The lyrics are poignant given this lovely man's decision to end his life:

Where has the starlight gone?

Dark is the day

How can I find my way home?

Home is an empty dream

Lost to the night

Father, I feel so alone

You promised you'd be there

Whenever I needed you

Whenever I call your name

You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on

Just waiting to hear your voice

One word, just a word will do

To end this nightmare

When will the dawning break

Oh endless night

Sleepless I dream of the day

When you were by my side

Guiding my path

Father, I can't find the way

You promised you'd be there

Whenever I needed you

Whenever I call your name

You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on

Just waiting to hear your voice

One word, just a word will do

To end this nightmare

I know that the night must end

And that the sun will rise

And that the sun will rise

I know that the clouds must clear

And that the sun will shine

And that the sun will shine

I know that the night must end

And that the sun will rise

And that the sun will rise

I know that the clouds must clear

And that the sun will shine

And that the sun will shine

(Repeat to end)

I know

Yes, I know

The sun will rise

Yes, I know

I know

The clouds must clear

I know that the night must end

I know that the sun will rise

And I'll hear your voice deep inside

I know that the night must end

And that the clouds must clear

The sun

The sun will rise

The sun

The sun will rise