What can a song bring? Balancing out the picture in pandemic

David Carless*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

How might we personally and collectively contain the burnout and emotional depletion that has arisen as a consequence of COVID-19? For some, the pandemic has been a further stressor on top of pre-existing trauma. Under these circumstances, how can we continue our work of intervening into the challenges and demands that face our communities? Here, I turn to a song – called It’s Alright – written and sung not only as a response, but also as a survival strategy. I try to let its sentiments and sensations wash over me to calm my nervous system. I sing it as a way to self-soothe, to stabilise. I sing it with and for you, on the chance it might be of service.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Review of Qualitative Research
Early online date12 Oct 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 12 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • critical arts-based research
  • burnout
  • COVID-19
  • music
  • performance autoethnography
  • songwriting

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