“Karaoke” is a portmanteau of two Japanese words, kara (“empty”) and oke (“orchestra”). The first karaoke machine was invented by Daisuko Inoue in 1971, and it has since become a staple of nightlife across the globe. The idea of providing music lovers an instrumental version (an “empty orchestra”) of their favorite songs is genius, really, and I think it may tap into something unique about our experience with narrative song. Unlike the visual arts like painting or sculpture, and even unlike theater, it seems like we have a strong desire to participate in the combination of sound and story that we experience in narrative song.
I know that there are people who hate karaoke, either because they can’t sing (thought that shouldn’t matter) or because they can’t stand to hear other people who can’t sing sing. I, on the other hand, love karaoke, and I especially love to hear people who aren’t good singers sing. There’s something really special about showing up to your favorite bar and being blown away by some nobody who gets up out of the crowd and absolutely slay a song, but that’s not why I go to karaoke. I go to karaoke to see that nobody who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but who gets up out of the crowd, picks up the mic, and lays their whole heart and soul out for all to see because they loooooove this song.
Karaoke isn’t a singing competition. It’s not about how good your vocal chops are. It’s about loving music, wanting to sing out loud, wanting to connect with the story of song and, for just one shining moment, having an audience for all that. Most people who can’t sing know they can’t sing, so I am all the more besotted with those who throw caution (and key) to the wind and just let ‘er rip.
Anyway, my go-to karaoke song is Dusty Springfield‘s “Son of a Preacher Man.” I’m a decent singer, but the end of this song gets up into my uncomfortable registers, so I just do like one does at karaoke and belt it out anyway.
One last thing: if you’re one of those people who has never sung karaoke because you think you can’t sing (or because you actually can’t sing), I want to encourage you to get over yourself and give it a try. Sure, there are people who will laugh. Yes, some people will make fun of you. But, I promise, there are people in the audience like me, who want more than anything to see you have your moment and to share in your joy.
And we applaud louder than anyone.
Runners-up for #30DaySongChallenge, Day 17:
- Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”
- Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”
- Hall & Oates’ “Rich Girl”
- The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden”