Beyond the Music
Is David Serving a Higher Purpose?
Many of us here latched on quite early to the notion that David was something far more than meets the eye.
Although his messages were always subtle, we became aware of the fact that he wanted to convey something through his music. His music choices, I believe, were always more difficult than any other contestants on American Idol. It seemed that he wanted to choose songs that he could not only perform well vocally, but which said something about him, about his values and what was important to him; what messages he wanted people to hear.
“Waiting On The World To Change,” “ Imagine,” “ When You Believe,” “You’re The Voice,” “Angels,” “In This Moment.”
David delivered these pieces nearly flawlessly, but also, subliminally, it was as if he was working his way into our souls. By opening himself up, allowing himself to be vulnerable, and taking risks on song choices, he was conveying more about himself than perhaps we realized at the time.
David has just finished a twenty-five stop tour, from East to West Coast. As the tour moved on, we saw David making visits to children’s hospitals and cancer centers. These do not seem to me to be impromptu appearances. I believe these visits may well have 
been equally–if not more–important than his performance appearances. A considerable amount of planning must have taken place, possibly long before the tour was even announced, to arrange these visits.
David’s charitable works are not advertised, there’s no forewarning, and he seemed to go to great lengths to keep the schedule of his visits to charitable organizations during this tour well under-wraps. As skillful as the ArchAngel detectives have become, nobody knew about these visits until after they had taken place. That, I believe, was not by accident.
I can’t imagine that David has become involved in charitable works because it was expected of him, or because his public thought he should. When we fell in love with him, we didn’t know how deeply caring and involved he would become in this work. With this in mind, I offer you a thought to contemplate: Perhaps, David’s music is not his first love. Perhaps, just perhaps, his music, the voice, is merely a vehicle, enabling David to reach farther, and fly higher.
- dawn65
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Just re-posting on this new post from our previous thread:
Good morning everyone! I just woke up from David Dream #12. (Yes, it’s official: I’m missing David and the morning rain is doing nothing to help it -- sigh).
So, in my dream, I dream that I’m planning a trip to a David Archuleta concert. But before heading there, I’m on this bureaucratic runaround trying to retrieve a check that the govt owes me. Everywhere I go, I’m told that the federal government has no money and that there is no check. At the treasury dept, I’m given the startling announcement that there is $0.00 in the treasury!
I’m pretty upset at this point, but I’m not giving up! I’m going to my David concert. So, I’m taking out some $$$ from my savings, although I’m calculating to make sure I have enough to tide me through this economic tsunami we’re experiencing. I choose to not fly or take Amtrak, and calculate that I have enough gas in my car to get me to David.
I forego a nice hotel or even a cheap motel room and end up staying in one of those group hostel rooms, where I’m sharing the same space with some down and out folks who’ve lost their homes and jobs. Naturally, I feel guilty telling them that I’m in this hostel room because I’m in town to see David Archuleta.
So, night time rolls around, and I go to the concert venue, which looks alot like the grungy location of the Northern Lights. Inside, I’m wondering if this is really the venue because it’s all mature looking, seedy type adults -- no tweens or teens. And, curiously, a number of the women are donning wigs as if they’re incognito. Before David performs, we’re subjected to a two-person act in which a couple is being torn apart because of economic woes! I’m getting depressed and anxious for David to come on stage. Next thing you know, I’m hearing an alarm go off.
And then I woke up! No glimpse of or sound of David.
Sigh.
So, yeah, I’m missing David, and in his absence is a bunch of economic and social woes drowning us in misery.
And this is when, as much as I’m happy for David to see the world and interact with his Arch Angels overseas, I start my rant against Jive.
See, when I commute to and from work, I listen to pop music, which brings down my stress level when I’m driving in a way that NPR news and audio books do not. So, on a daily basis, I’m subjected to the same number of songs and the same number of artists (a number of them on Jive’s label) who are played on a loop.
And, when I hear the same artists and the same songs, when I would give my eye tooth to hear a David song -- not randomly or by chance but ON ROTATION! -- I get a little impatient with his label. Because I don’t see why, just because David is overseas, those of us in the U.S. should be deprived of a daily dose of David. And I don’t see why, when music videos are constantly played in the mornings on VH1, we can’t get a glimpse of a David music video.
I’m just a little impatient, and my dream makes this manifest. Because I do think waiting till May (and perhaps the summer) for a daily dose of David -- if this will even happen -- is pushing the limits on our patience.
All I needed this month of April, and especially with the end of David’s solo tour -- was a David single on the radio IN ROTATION. That’s all. If I had that, I would not be having such a dismal dream, and perhaps I wouldn’t be as addicted to the Internet as I am because this is where I can get my regular David dose.
Sigh. I’ll end my rant here, except to say: doesn’t his label know that The Voice is salvation for many? Why deprive us of it? Why make it so scarce?
Now that I got my rant off my chest (whew! and thanks for listening), let me get to the topic at hand.
First, Dawn, I love this post! Any post asking me to contemplate David the Artist and what he’s all about is the kind that gets my juices flowing, so thank you for this.
Now, I want to try and address this particular statement: “Perhaps, David’s music is not his first love. Perhaps, just perhaps, his music, the voice, is merely a vehicle, enabling David to reach farther, and fly higher.”
Except I do think music is his first love. And that it’s his music that enables David to reach farther and fly higher. In other words, it’s the reverse. It’s not that music is the vehicle but that David himself is the vehicle allowing music to reach farther and fly higher. Does that make sense?
I guess how I can explain this is: on Sunday, while I was pretty much in a spiritual mode, Gemzone asked me if I had heard David’s rendition of How Great Thou Art. Then she graciously provided me with the You Tube link, and listening to David soar (no musical accompaniment, just the voice) gave me an epiphany. Music is David’s first love because it’s David at his purest and most transcendent. We’ve all commented on how, when David sings, he becomes larger than life, he becomes EXPANSIVE, he is greater than the adorkable 18 year old boy we’ve come to know and love.
His caring and his charity work, it seems to me, is just an extension of that great big heart that opens itself to us all in music and offers us a glimpse of the eternal.
Beyond the Music? For me, David’s Music is the point. And knowing that David cares about others -- honestly, he didn’t need to demonstrate that through charity work. I think it’s great that this is part of who he is, but I just need to hear The Voice to already know this.
Now, that said, in light of my earlier rant that I don’t get to hear David on rotation on my radio, I’m really torn. Because, in many ways, I think David is “Beyond Pop Music,” and many of us want David to succeed on pop music terms. I think his Voice is truly special, and part of me is concerned that an on-rotation display of The Voice would diminish its worth, make it banal in the commercial world. So, part of my impatience is also wanting David’s divine qualities to shine through the commercial trappings, which those of us inclined to recognize such artistry would be able to hear and stand back in wonder.
Dawn
Thank you for this writing. Music can soothe the soul and perhaps save a soul in the process. When David makes the visits to the hospitals, I imagine a ripple effect of good will. The staff, the patients and families all feel the healing through his singing. The joy and anticipation of meeting David can be food for the soul. He is proof that Angles do exist.
Abrra
HG, you are the queen of the David Dream!
I like Dawn’s article, she offers food for thought, but I actually don’t think David sees his music as a means to an end. I think it absolutely is his first love. I believe it was the second or perhaps even the very first comment I ever made online about David, lo these many months ago, when (even then) the question of his romantic life came up, that “music is David’s lover.”
That is not to say that he doesn’t also realize music’s power as a means to an end, but I don’t think he consciously, or even subconsciously, made a determination that music was going to be the method by which he wanted to help people. Indeed, We have heard him say, on those rare occasions when he is pressed about the impact he can have on people with his music, that it “is not him.” David is conscious of the fact that in music, he goes to another place, he becomes a conduit for spirit, a channel into the infinite.
David’s charity work is, I believe, an extension of who he is as a person more than who he is as a performer. That is to say, I think it actually has less to do with his music than many other of his endeavors and activities.
Well, heck, rascal. I often have tears in my eyes when I hear David sing, but to have them because you finally….finally posted, is a bit much.
Yay! A Rascal comment! And “David Dream Queen”? haha! I can live with that!
Thanks also for making the exact same point that I made, except done so in more poetic language:
“David is conscious of the fact that in music, he goes to another place, he becomes a conduit for spirit, a channel into the infinite.”
Yep, Rascal is back!
My favorite performance of “WYSYLM” -- David is definitely conveying a message here. Thanks Dawn for the lovely article which I totally agree with you.
Speaking of charity, we are working on a section of the site called “Giving Back.” If anyone has thoughts on how we might get the TDC community involved in compassionate efforts on behalf of our namesake, this would certainly be an appropriate thread to share ideas.
Very thought-provoking comments, as usual.
I do not believe that David’s music becomes “a conduit for spirit” -- assuming you are referring to the listeners spirit.
I believe we are our own conduit. Perhaps I misunderstand.
However, David’s music stirs my spirit -- spirit being the aspect of my being that is my driving force.
So, simply by having one’s spirit stirred, by whom or whatever, enables one to become aware of the infinite possibilities to enhance our own and others’ lives, and to channel that spritual energy (the desire to do good works, to live a more exemplary life) towards the attainment of the possible.
Many residents here have a similar affect on me. So, I thank all of you for that.
As we know some of David’s favorite charities are “Invisible Children”, “Rising Star” and “MS”. I would think any or all of these would be good.
The famous “CHICKEN FAMILY DOODLE” CD autographed by David is being auctioned off at http://www.angelsinthealleyway.org (all proceeds going to Rising Star Outreach).
Bids close at noon, PST, April 12th, Easter Sunday. Check it out!
From the site: “This CD was signed on November 11th at the Virgin Megastore CD signing party. Crush was playing overhead and David was singing along. The mean lady there wouldn’t let David doodle on it for me so the next day, I gave it to Jeff to give to David. He doodled the chicken family while waiting backstage at Regis and Kelly. What was going through his head when he settled on a chicken family? who knows, but it sure is cute!”
Just quickly checking back in before heading to work.
I’m loving the Giving Back idea! Highlighting his favorite charities (replete with donations) is a start. Perhaps an article highlighting the work of some, like Invisible Children, or links to useful resources is another way to flesh out this section.
OK, gotta go! Until next time.
The video of David singing ALTNOY in Singapore. Exhibit 1 for “Imagine there are no countries …”
(hope the video link works)
You know, it looks like such a cheesy set-up, but with being in a foreign place and not having a clue as to what the reception might be, the look on his face is totally worth it. He is so happy.
testing… CRUSH in SG
same effect anywhere… pax just want to sing along LOL!
COOL! it worked!
TMH
ATM
Tell me, is there another artist out there who can turn a pedestrian mall half a world away into a lovefest just by showing up? One Love… One Country… The Archu-Country!
dawn65 -- Very thought provoking piece… need to read again.
hellogorgeous -- I loved your rant…I mean what’s it going to take? I have to remind myself to be patient, David WILL prevail.
To reaffirm what I just said, just watched this ATM from Singapore, good video with nice close ups, his pure joy warms my heart. Sitting here with the biggest cheesiest smile, that was brought to my attention by co-workers walking by my office saying that must be good, they can’t see my screen….how can he not prevail?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfsQPm0nPCc&feature=channel
Ooops….forgot the v
Here’s another, getting ready to sign autographs….my cheeks hurt, I can’t get rid of this silly grin…he just to much.
httpv://www.youtube.com/user/aura3000
The v didn’t work…hmmm.
httpv://www.youtube.com/user/aura3000
Ok…. don’t mean to be spamming, I’m doing something wrong?
dawn65,
What a thoughtful, really lovely editorial you have given us to ponder. That picture is breath-takingly surreal and compliments what you express in this post so well.
I don’t know how any of us can sit here after more than a year, still caught in his spell and not believe that David is serving a higher purpose. How many have been comforted, healed, uplifted, moved from joy to tears by just the sound of his voice conveying hope. Always there is the common theme of hope, even if, as in the song Desperate, he has to change the words to carry that message to a desperate heart. Somehow, David’s love of music and love of people is welded together, as though neither is complete without the other. He began to sing at the age of six but it was not until he heard Tamyra Gray sing “And I’m Telling You” on AI that music took on a new meaning for him. He said he never knew (paraphrasing) that someone could sing with such passion and really express feelings to the listener. It came as a revelation to him that music had the ability to connect with people on a very powerful level. Music for him, suddenly had a purpose, apart from mere entertainment. It was a way to connect. It would be a vehicle to transport feelings. And not just any feelings. He has said that he likes songs with messages; his song choices reflect that. The message David was inspired, called, to bring to the world with his music is HOPE. I believe that’s what he firmly intends to do and his charitable work is an extention of his commitment to reach out and uplift and bring hope to a weary world. Does he see himself as a hero? No. The real ones never do.
djafan — The reason your embedding didn’t work is because you did not use a link to a video (it looks like a link to a user’s channel).
Thank you admin… I see the error of my ways….try one more time.
Are we suppose to posting here? Some people are posting in the previous comments.
Wow! Great 5 part interview with David.
http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/entertainment/razorpop/26358.html
juliebug #26
Phew! I almost put the URL for that 5-part interview in the previous comments. Came here to find you had already posted it. Great interview — takes a while to watch it but certainly time well spent. Love how David rambles and the interviewer thankfully does not interrupt. David has a lot to say — good stuff, wise words and thoughts to share.
djafan#25 -- There are two threads going, the feature article and this editorial. Feel free to post comments in either one.
Hey, when did times show up? Rascal or was it Marlie that did this? Thanks!
We’re just the little gerbils you hear spinning the wheels under the site, Liz
Hi all
A few folks have not sent mailing addresses for the CD. I posted over at jD. Please if you have anemail from Kara regarding Tour CD, send your mailing address. No mailing address= no CD
These are ones I am missing.
peruu
fandaforeverti48
daffyfordavid
Jan
ogie
Abrra
Hi, I’m not a regular poster here, but I do often lurk. Congrats on your new site! It looks fantastic, and I’m very happy to see Rascal back in action.
I don’t know how many of you are aware of this, but there is a site that is dedicated to raising money for the charities David supports. Here’s the link:
http://angelsforacause.ning.com/
Rascal #8
I have 2 David Archuleta Cd’s from Japan. They were purchased by a serviceman and sent to me. I am willing to donate them to TDC to raise cash for a charity.
To sweeten the pot some, I was hoping someone from here could carry them to the UK in hopes of having them autographed.
Email me if you think this would be worth the effort.
Abrra
welcome cowboys4~thanks for the link ~check your email
Dawn65: David has been said to have changed lives -- people here and elsewhere have told their stories. He also seems to be changing lives through his charitable work. He asks for money, and fans contribute. Possibly some who are quite young and have never given much thought to donating time or money. He models good works through his visits to charities, hospitals and individuals who are very ill. You’ve just got to love a man that young who looks outside himself and sees the plight of others.
I love the idea of the Giving Back page…perhaps we should open it up (I’m scrolling up to see if rascal has already done this) and put some kind of message there to capture ideas for how to use that page most effectively.
Dawn65: Beautiful post. I do think David would do good deeds no matter what he did in his life, as he is such a giving soul. Part of our attraction I suppose, as his kind spirit just shines through.
Angelica #23- so well said.( better than I could…can I say how lovely your name is) I do believe there is a higher purpose David is serving through his music- He heard her call and he answered. I guess when anyone is truly special, with some gift so rare, they have a sense of it early on in their life. You know or have read about those focused people who are single minded in their purpose. To me that is David. I believe even if AI had not come along, eventually we would have learned about David. I imagine it is hard to rise to the top in the traditional way, but I truly believe it is his destiny…. yeah corny but true.
Dawn How appropriate and timely this post shows up today. I have been hanging on to 2 Japan David cd’s for a month. I was waiting for just the right vehicle to use them to raise cash for charity. I had an offer from someone who will take the cd’s and have David sign them at the meet and greet on April 15. I think that will increase the value 10 fold. Just waiting for TDC to decide what charity
Abrra
I’ve wandered over to peruse the comments here while I’m watching Idol at the same time. Talk about a reality check. Please, contestants, go watch Season 7 and see how a real singer delivers perfection week after week (well except that one little blip..but the studio version was great.)
River
(forget her name) I think you can stick a fork in AI. It’s done.
I don’t think many of them have “it”. I like Kris and the red head
Abrra
I always look at Idol singers as if they are truly potential recording artists and would I want to listen to their music. Of this group, only Allison, yes the magenta haired 16yr old, fills that bill. The others, nope, that holding candle thing.
Dawn65 -- great thought invoking post. Like HG, Rascal & others, his music feels like his first love. Yet, what I have observed (as someone who has worked with youth & a parent & grandparent) is there are special individuals who are born with love, caring, empathy and understanding of others. They’re non judgemental and don’t need to be prompted or encouraged by others to do for others or even the right thing. However it’s in moments of tenderness & being able to connect to others who are in need, that are so moving (I’m sure that’s why I tear up EVERY time I hear SOT). The hand holding incident with SF tugged at my heart not so much for the action but what I felt was the emotion behind it. Not to take that moment away from her but it felt like a gesture to those who needed to share in it (Sorry, if this makes no sense as I can not write or explain myself like others on this thread). So maybe, the music is the vehicle. I guess I’m not sure, anymore.
fandaforeverti48 . April 7, 2009 at 9:26 pm .
“The hand holding incident with SF tugged at my heart not so much for the action but what I felt was the emotion behind it.”
I understand exactly what you mean. It was David’s genuine way of saying how much he truly appreciates the love fans show him on a daily basis. Words were not required.
Abrra
Thanks for the article Dawn.. and I have been contemplating your thought- “Perhaps, David’s music is not his first love. Perhaps, just perhaps, his music, the voice, is merely a vehicle, enabling David to reach farther, and fly higher”.
I have to believe that David’s voice, his musical soul is what comes first. The fact that music flows out of him, seemingly effortlessly, makes me think that it is his vehicle to communicate and his ablilty to use his music to inspire others is what will make him “reach further and fly higher” It sometimes seems to me that it is not even by his choice, but because he recognizes that this is his gift, and the good that comes from it is “not him”.
HG… your dream… makes me miss him, thankfully all our friends in Singapore are keeeping us up to dat. He seems so far away though…
This is just too much! I have to wait til I get home to catch up with David in Singapore! I just watched all the videos and the 5 part interview. David was fantabulous! I love that David doesn’t take his success for granted. I love that David knows family is more important than a record label or money. I love that his family understands David’s love of music & why he has to do what he’s doing.
Whether he’s serving a higher purpose through his music, I don’t know. I don’t think he thinks of it in those terms. He’s just doing what he loves to do. All these good & wonderful things, charitable works, changing lives for the better, etc. is kinda like a bonus for David. Something he may otherwise never have had the chance to do, or at least not at this young age. When he says, “It’s not coming from me”, I think he remembers that if not for the Grace of God, he may have not fully recovered from vocal paralysis. He could be just another kid in school trying to live with shattered dreams. But he was given a second chance and he knows the gift of his glorious voice was given back to him so he could do the most good as a result of that gift. He doesn’t take his gift for granted and when he says “It’s not coming from me”, that’s exactly what he means. And he will gladly “give back” of himself for the rest of his life with good works. This is just what I think.
Good night everyone! And for David…
Dear Lord,
Please take care of David. Watch over him, protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his Archangels do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey. Keep David and HIS VOICE healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
Though we may be unworthy, we humbly pray.
Amen.
And David…Hope you’re sleeping well, eating well and are really having the time of your life!
May your journey continue to be happy, safe and all you have hoped for and deserve! May your positive and good Karma continue to attract those with positive and good Karma! May you continue to encounter goodwill and happiness! May you continue to be healthy and strong throughout your journey in Asia. Keep with you all our love, prayers and warm thoughts! We are missing you badly, and loving you madly!
I agree with Rascal, HG, fandaforever,& others that musice is David’s first love. I believe that if he had not recovered from the vocal paralysis, he would have eventually found another way to express it, whether in writing songs, playing instruments, dancing, or simply humming. It’s in the very fiber of his being, it will to come out someway.
To me, the charitable work that David does is like a follow-up to what he initiates with his music. His music opens your heart to hope and caring and then he demonstrates what that looks like.
“Perhaps, David’s music is not his first love. Perhaps, just perhaps, his music, the voice, is merely a vehicle, enabling David to reach farther, and fly higher.”
- dawn65
I still think this is true and that he is referring to his first love when he says, “It’s not coming from me.”
JMHO
dawn65-- I must say that I have felt for a long while what you have put into words. I honestly feel that David is serving a purpose that is higher than just entertaining his fans and others who merely enjoy his talent and see him as a talented young man. When the words he speaks thru music can touch a soul the way his do, it is as rascal stated, “David is conscious of the fact that in music, he goes to another place, he becomes a conduit for spirit, a channel into the infinite.”
Angelica #23 ” The message David was inspired, called, to bring to the world with his music is HOPE. I believe that’s what he firmly intends to do and his charitable work is an extention of his commitment to reach out and uplift and bring hope to a weary world. Does he see himself as a hero? No. The real ones never do.” No, he does not see himself as a hero, but we do. He ‘knows how to save a soul”
Rascal #29, I’m late to see your comment, but glad to know that wheels are spinning!
rascal4 -- “David’s charity work is, I believe, an extension of who he is as a person more than who he is as a performer. That is to say, I think it actually has less to do with his music than many other of his endeavors and activities.” That’s what I thought at first too. Then I remembered the Holiday of Hope performance of Imagine; the Angels performance at the Hospital or Clinic (can’t remember the specifics); Another Day in Paradise on AI with the message he spoke of at the end; etc. and the lines become blurred for me. It’s almost like he has this desire to give and the music provides the direction or defines it for him. Does that make any sense? Just not sure.
Dawn, terrific post! The title “beyond the music” sums up how I feel about David. While his voice is what initially caught my attention, I’m now a tad bit more captivated by who he is as a person and by the joy that his smile brings.
HG, when I read your dream summary, I began to think about a statement David made during AI before he sang Angels. Despite what a person is going thru, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. In your dream u went thru a lot to see David -- to reach that light at the end of the tunnel.
Follow up to my post #50:
The image of David included w/this editorial gives the appearance of him standing at the end of a dark tunnel; his face lights up that tunnel.
SF #44
“And he will gladly “give back” of himself for the rest of his life with good works.”
From your lips to God’s ear.
Nice speaking to you dear one.
Abrra
On another note………..
One post to follow is quite enough. Is this the new format? It breaks the flow to jump back n forth.
Abrra the spammer
Just came across this.
dawn65 -- I feel like a moth to a flame. This subject has totally distracted me, not sure why. Actually, when I first heard him sing, it was the VOICE and how he delivered his music (with so much emotion) that caught my attention. Days, Weeks, Months passed and every youTube moment caught his openess & vulnerability when interacting with the fans. It was like a close friendship was developing. Rewatching every AI performance that “had a message”, where that message became apparent. Each endearing act hooked me deeper and deeper into my ODD. Thus “when I fell in love with him, we didn’t know how deeply caring and involved he would become in this work”…..not just a thought but a passion to actually do something for those in need. I believe “when I fell in love with him”, I did know, that’s one of the reasons why I did.
Angelica54 -- isn’t that HG’s video? I think she made it late last year or early this year.
Hi desertrat/ebonyangel!!!!
Am so behind and try to work backwards but then I miss some in between.
Hi, I am Diana from nD.
This morning I woke up with a bad throat from last evening’s screaming at the newly opened ILUMA Entertainment and Shopping Centre in Singapore.
I arrived at the Centre about one and a half hours before show time. David was scheduled to perform at the Atrium area at 7pm. I joined the Q of the people who wanted to have their CDs autographed by our beloved David. It had to split into two sections so that the main entrance would not be blocked. I started at the second Q. There I struck up a conversation with people in front and at back of me. One was from New Zealand and her friend is a Korean (I think) and of course my countrymen, the Malays and the Indians. In Singapore, the majority race is of Chinese origin of which I am one of them. Every one was excited and had many good things to say about David, our common love interest. And we were not even jealous of each other like rivals in love – just kidding! I even gave away a gift poster (one of the two I brought along) to a girl who was so sweet to accompany her friend who has ODD.
These people with CDs are allowed into the special barricaded area nearest to the stage. When it was my turn to enter the area my CD was checked and she told me I was not eligible to be in the “inner circle” because my CD was not purchased in Singapore. I pr-ordered 3 piece from Amazon.com and many more copies from Singapore to give away to friends and unfortunately the piece I brought along was from Amazon. I pleaded with her and I said “how about signing on the poster that was given to me by the Singapore store?” and she said “Sorry, this is the organiser’s policy, autograph only on the CDs purchased in Singapore and no signing on the gift poster”. I did not kick up a storm for the stupidity of the policy. She was polite and firm and I understood that they had to be selective because of the massive number of people wanting to have their CDs autographed by their beloved DAVID.
So with resignation, I retreated to the upper floors because the Atrium was filled nearly to the brim and I reckoned it easily must have at least a couple of thousand people there on this floor, with more than half of them with CDs to be autographed. IT WAS LIKE A MAD HOUSE, but it was well organised and orderly.
I went from the lower upper floors to the higher upper floors because even the upper floors were filled with fans at least 3-person deep from the balconies. Finally I settled on the highest floor, with a standing space that allowed me to peep at the stage from between the concave of two people’s waists!
We waited for David to appear and during this time there were chanting of “David, David, David…..” and waves of screaming. My backbones ached from stooping and finally at around 7.15pm DAVID arrives, and
SINGAPORE,THE LION CITY, GIVES DAVID THE LOUDEST LION’S ROAR!!!
David ran up the stairs to the stage, and even from that distance, I could feel his energy. He was like a thunderbolt, he waved in all directions and we returned it with more screaming of love and admiration. He performed four songs, ATM at the organ. He started with TMH, he was jumping. waving, and he looks really really happy.
David often said that he feels weir with fans’ screaming but I think he really, really loved the screaming and he swims happily in it!
When the autograph session started I decided to move to the lower floors. There were 3 to 4 helpers at his desk helping him with the smooth process of the signing. It has to be done that way, otherwise it would take the whole night if help was not there and fans would tend to strike a long conversation with him. In between signing David obliged fans at the balconies with hand waves of acknowledgement. There were a couple of school girls who tried frantically to get David to wave at their direction but to no avail. I think David’s right ear is sharper than his left. So I help them with the volume of voice, and we went – one, two, three “DAVID, DAVID, I love you” for many times, but no response, I felt sorry for them. Some fans who could not get a good spot, took to the escalators, so they were up and down the escalators screaming ” DAVID, DAVID, we love you” and they were lucky, David smiled and waved at them.
When the crowd got thinner I moved to the Atrium and I was about 3 metres (10 feet or so) away from him at the side. I observed with amusement at David, he was so mechanical with his movements and so genuine with his smile. He goes: signs with his left hand with a smile, looks up at his fan with a smile, says hi with a bigger smile , shakes hand with his fans with his right hand still smiling and grinning, moves his head down with a smile quickly to sign the next CD with a smile and repeats that for hundreds of time. A fan said to me ”Gosh, how he manages, his mouth and hands must be very tired!”. We fans tried to take a picture of him from that distance (dammed the barricade), but at certain point of his fast movements he was blocked by the helpers, and we were frustrated, and we kept whispering “move away, we don’t want to film your a$$e$!!” Giggle, giggle, David’s fans are fun people and understanding.
The people who got their CDs autographed left with a big grin on their faces, and some left screaming. These consist of people of all ages, genders and races. It was very gratifying to observe that albeit with envy, dammed, I planned to the last details to meet David up close and I overlooked the origins of my CDs but they all look alike, except the fine prints only the people in the trade could spot. I thought I would be the oldest fan, but some who got their CD signed looked older (not age maybe) than me!
I left at 9pm, and David was still there doing his best to make sure everyone there at the Q got their CDs autographed, and he was not even half way through it! I wanted to give him my hand cream and massage his poor hands and maybe his neck. He looks pale (he is too fair!) and my body and neck was aching on his behalf. I was glad I spare him autographing another copy!! I had to go, I was feeling famish and also worried about my Chihuahua who hasn’t got his dinner.
Well, I left a very happy fan and a tint of regret wondering when I will see him again. With this overwhelming warm reception from Singapore fans, I hope the organisers will consider it worthwhile to stage a David concert here in the near future. Last evening, there was no hint of a recession. All the gloomy feelings (Singaporean were the most pessimistic about the future although we were the least affect by the economic downturn in this region according to a survey) we had were blown away with the sight of DAVID ARCHULETA in our lovely Lion City.
I had so many more to say, but its time I stop rambling!
PuteriDi #58, thanks for the update. Now I feel like I was there too.
Sorry you didn’t get your CD signed but it sounds like u had a wonderful time.
Hello fandaforever #57!!
Good night everyone.
Hi Diana from nD! Thank you for sharing your experience. Isn’t it wonderful David traveled across the globe to reach his overseas fans! I am really happy for you and everyone. The reception he is receiving is truly heartwarming.
SF, your words resonate with me the most in regards to the editorial piece. “Whether he’s serving a higher purpose through his music, I don’t know. I don’t think he thinks of it in those terms. He’s just doing what he loves to do. All these good & wonderful things, charitable works, changing lives for the better, etc. is kinda like a bonus for David. Something he may otherwise never have had the chance to do, or at least not at this young age.”
I believe he has said something to the effect that God comes first, then family, then music. Even if music is not his “first love” precisely, it doesn’t mean he considers it merely a vehicle to serve a higher purpose IMO. It is much more than a vehicle or a means to accomplish something outside of music. It is his belief that God created him, and God gave him the gift of music. Music in fact is what he is because music is in every cell of his body. So in that sense, if he is wishing to reach higher and fly higher, he would do so using himself and that happens to be music. David = music or music = David.
I hope I’m making sense! Time for bed. G’nite folks.
One more thing, while I like the idea of main article plus editorial, I must say having two places to post comments is a tad more than I might be inclined to deal with. It’s almost like going to two fan sites to make sure you didn’t miss someone’s comments. I’m barely able to keep up with one site for comments. But that’s just me.
PuteriDi, Thanks for writing about your experience with David. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to meet him, but I’m glad you had fun.
I must admit this post had me thinking a bit…and so I wanted to post some random thoughts.
I believe that at this point and time in his life, music is the love of his life and that’s why he is able to sing (or express might be a better term) a song the way he does. He feels it. He breaths it. He lives it…if only for that few minutes. And maybe that’s part of the reason why he selects songs with messages. He understands his gift is not merely for himself.
I really believe he understands there is a purpose from him and his gift in this life and he is just going out and doing it the only way he knows how.
Angelica#54, and fandaforever#56, yep, that’s my video. Glad you stumbled upon it.
Thank you for that review, Diana from ND. I’m glad we can keep coverage ongoing, wherever David is in the world.
Good morning everyone! I’ve been MIA most of yesterday, thanks to some depressing news at work. Nope, not laid off yet or anything, but the handwriting is definitely on the wall, hence in a year or two, I’m going to have to prepare for the inevitable. Sigh.
Where is my light to guard against the darkness? Jive, grrr, make that light shine brighter!
I’ll pop in again later since I have to head out early today.
PuteriDi #58: DIANA! I am so happy for you; and thank you so much for writing about your experience of hearing David sing live in Singapore.
Morning all. #58 PuteriDi, thanks for the perky recap, Reading your experience and seeing the vids and the interviews gives a real sense of the joy and excitement this promo tour is bringing, Makes me so happy for David and the fans in Asia. Thanks so much for posting.
Hi Vermeer, (waves) and (hug) #60- “if he is wishing to reach higher and fly higher, he would do so using himself and that happens to be music. David = music or music = David.” so true.
I have to add, I love the pic of David signing for the little girl, but the pic at the top of the article, not so much. I find it is not David but a plastic doll image…and he looks stunned… yikes. (sorry Dawn) runs and hides from tomatoes.
refnaf: I’m with you on that picture. It’s interesting that people either love it or totally dislike it. I’m on the not so much side.
Was this already posted?
http://www.straitstimes.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=68f8cad0e7080210VgnVCM100000430a0a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e361758920e39010VgnVCM1000000a35010aRCRD
Interesting interview, from fangirls trying to give him his ‘first kiss” to Idol being seen as “boot camp” (I do believe this is the most “negative” I’ve head David sounding regarding the show).
Until next time!
Good morning!
refnaf, marlie, regarding David’s picture above..when I look at it I wonder what he was thinking when it was taken, cuz he looks so somber. His eyes are so serious but still beautiful in the pic. It was taken the same day as the AOL sessions, and maybe he was tired or worried about his AOL sessions performances which were of course, great! Anyway, the picture reminds me of a passport or driver’s licence picture.
I’m one that loves the top picture. I find it totally mesmerizing. It has an abstracted, other-worldly feel to it and it just pulls me in. This is a picture that evokes strong feelings, for sure!
Diana -- thanks so much for your story. I can feel the Singapore love for David through you. Yes, he needs to do a full concert there!
SF: Driver’s license -- yeah. I think what I don’t like about it is the shadow and light on his face. It looks ghostly, ethereal in a BAD way LOL. There is something vacant about it. I know others see a totally different view than me, but I just don’t think it shows David the way I think of him.
I like the picture/art accompanying the author’s commentary…it seems other-worldly… almost cosmic.
The visual symmetry and the seamless merging of the ink-black background seem to project David’s image as a heavenly body…something to ponder.
On the other hand he could be mistaken for a half-human, half-vulcan…ala son-of-Spock.
bigsky..Son of Spock, half human, half Vulcan. Would be funny but could be a grain of truth there. Not the “son of Spock” part cuz Spock had no emotions. David though, seems at times to be from another galaxy far, far away where there’s only good, honest, intelligent, highly sensitive, loving and immensely talented beings. Really..don’t get me started on the subject of “Aliens, or as some may call them, Angels Among Us” and I don’t mean the illegal kind from Mexico!
Meet & Greet pix w/David.
http://pinkpigs.smugmug.com/gallery/7840585_BhZ6P#P-1-24
David in airport leaving Singapore.
PuteriDi #58
Thank you for posting your experience at the autograph signing. It feels so good to see all the love David is being shown so far away. I wanted to cry when you described how he was still signing at 9pm and was only half through.
HG, I saw your name on the vid but didn’t know if I could credit you with it cause it was spelled different. Good job!
I do want to make it clear that I believe David loves music with every fiber of his being and is not doing it for any other reason than his love for it and the people he touches with it. He seems to have a great capacity to love, so whether the object of his affection is his first, second or third love, that’s a whole lotta love.
About that picture with this post. I can see how some people might not like it. It is abstracted from the jovial David we usually see. My reason for loving it is because I view it as an abstraction, a work of art. It is so eerily, inhumanly beautiful. I love the way the light shines straight on and pushes the edges into shadow and utter darkness, like he’s emerging from the dark. It shows a side of David that must exist or he could do what he does so well. The stare is so unwavering and penetrating, it is hard to look away, and he refuses to look away or let you go. It is disturbing. I love that.
Arriving at KL airport.
(Hilarious and scary…)
desertrat . April 8, 2009 at 10:36 am .
I just got home from work. David looks luscious in RED! EYELASHES so pretty. GHA! I love the pictures. Just too much!
Abrra
Angelica #76 -- “About that picture…”
I ageree. Well said.
Hi folks. I’m glad I’ve got people thinking. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in analyzing David the person it makes my mind spin. He confuses and fascinates me equally.
The “David” I’ve grown to love and admire so much.. expands much further than his music. It’s everything about him. It’s in his voice during interviews, his enthusiasm, his honesty, his willing to be vulnerable.. his willingness to remain TRUE to who he is..astounds me.
His concern…his mutual respect for his fans.
I wrote this editorial after watching David blog about Rising Star Outreach. Something in his eyes.. his voice…when he was explaining how sad it was for those people to be alone.. and if we could do anything. I literally felt the sadness in his heart.
I’m starting to write another editorial here.. LOL.
I’ve been MIA …still fighting whatever this is that ails me.. is it coincidence that it started the day David left for Asia ? LOL
I don’t know… but I’m on my second round of antibiotics.. if it clears up when he returns home.. then I’m in real trouble when he heads off to the UK.
Dawn, just wanted to pop in and say thanks for the thoughtful post. It’s hard not to feel and wonder about all the “extra” that comes with David and want to define and analyze it. I do tend to think like SF(#44) and Vermeer (#60) do on the matter. But he definitely expands beyond the ordinary, that’s fer sher.
The little Abrra avi looks cool. Your CD cover will be *marvy* I can tell just by that itty bitty thumbnail.
AND… dawn, did you create that other wordly portrait for this post? Talk about mezmerizing!
Angelica, it was funny to see your comment about the image (#76) because I had just been really studying the image and then saw your remark. =:O Your comment resonates with me to a tee.
A final note: I am so thrilled that Asia loves David so fiercely. Diana, thank you for sharing!
YJfanofdavid #77, Hilarious and scary… is right! Holy moly, the incredible shrieks!!
Hi refnaf!! *waves*
dawn65 #80 thank you for giving us something to think about. That’s what I always loved about this community. And about the David blog about Rising Star Outreach, doesn’t he just astound you as to how absolutely articulate he can get at times! I was so struck then by how effortlessly his words flowed in talking about it. I hope you feel better soon!
Thank you vermeer… I hope so to. If I mend up when David comes home.. I may not worry so much..but if I get sick again when he leaves for the UK.. then I’m checking myself into the psych ward… hopefully they have internet
DAWN65 -- I hope you are feeling better as I write this, coming in late as usual, (weak smile). I also hope that what ails you is not ODD-related cos UK + the Manila visit would be a looooooog sojourn! Our David is the David of the world so we have to adjust to seeing him time and again away from our respective shores. Universal and timeless he is, isn’t he?
Thank you also for your editorial. David truly inspires various themes and ideas. And this is what I thought of re your query: I have always regarded David’s Faith as his true love and Music, his “mistress”.
David’s Faith (in humanity) defines him. It is what shaped him and is the voice in his head that directs his actions. IMHO, his industry, generosity, honesty, kindness, humility, fairness, level-headedness and charity, are simply manifestations of what he may believe as the best he can be to connect as a productive member of the human community.
His answer in one interview confirms this: He says the attention he receives as one of America’s newest heartthrobs is “a gift you receive that you’re trusted to use well,” and that it’s “important to reach out to as many people as you can because of the attention you’re receiving.”
But can we deny that what emerges most strongly in his young life is his commitment to music? The mistress for whom he seem to save the fullest intensity of his passion?
We have all seen/felt it. When musically engaged, David transforms and becomes this other-worldly creature. He can ‘zombie’ us in a snap, which is why at one time or another, his voice, his performance seemingly has ‘divine’ status in our consciousness. Just like how zmaz in his poem “If Music was a Woman” narrates:
I’d know her every soft touch
I could tell when she was sad
her rhythms would tie in to my heart
She’d take me to that place
take me into myself
dance with me
let me go
escape
He escapes, he lets go. With a generosity that is as overwhelming as humbling, David holds nothing back onstage. Music becomes David’s enabler. It supports his goal to communicate and connect.
All of which he knows he makes available for us to draw from: Of the man. Of the learner. Of the performer. Of the master. And some where in between all these, he lays bare the makings of a true artist.
Mr. Duke Elington, the king of jazz once wrote, ”Lovers have come and gone, but only my mistress (music) stays”.
Good thing we are here for the long haul, right Archies?
And re his pic above -- am guessing, a passport pix?