Mary Crowell Follow

Doctrine of Ethos
Copyright 2002 by Mary Crowell
I’ve always felt a spiritual connection to music. I really believe it can change lives and serves as a means for human beings to connect with each other.

INTRODUCTION
Music was considered divine.
Pythagoras, he showed us how with twine,
Or string, Whatever. The ratios are the thing
That makes perfection. Organized sound has a predilection
For controlling the universe!

VERSE
There used to be magic in songs that were played.
The music got inside your head, and there it stayed.
The Doctrine of Ethos said music’s a force,
A microcosm of creation at its source.

CHORUS
It’s mathematics,the ultimate code!
And the universe was singing in my favorite mode.
You had to listen. The sound made you whole.
Any shape the player wanted, he could twist in your soul.

VERSE
The music of ancients used several modes.
Through dorian and phrygian the power flowed.
The music played hot, and the music played cold.
The legends say, that in its day, it rocked and rolled.

CHORUS

INTERLUDE
You want ‘em calm as you demand in the palm of your hand?
Dorian’s the mode you want, Brother!
Forgetting right from wrong so exciting is your song?
Phrygian’s the mode that fires ‘em like no other.

VERSE
Some say that it’s evil. It makes the mind weak.
But ethos is the magic that musicians seek.
They say that it’s lost now. They say that it’s gone.
But those that play the day away will prove ‘em wrong!

CHORUS

VERSE
Philosophers spoke of the music of spheres,
and politicians limited what one could hear.
Upon much reflection, I have to conclude
There’s those who would prefer the power more subdued.

CHORUS

INTERLUDE
I hope you understand that the music’s in command.
You’re the one awaiting its pleasure.
And he who this denies is most certainly unwise.
His muse is false. There’s no one waltzing to his measure.

VERSE
There’ll always be magic in songs that are played.
The music gets inside your head, and there it stays.
The Doctrine of Ethos says music’s a force,
A microcosm of creation at its source.

CHORUS (VARIATION)
It’s mathematics,the ultimate code!
And the universe is singing in my favorite mode.
You have to listen. The sound makes you whole.
Any shape the player wants to, he can twist in your soul.

CHORUS (VARIATION)
Any shape the player wants to, he can twist in your soul.