Natalie Merchant - Wonder - Girl's Self Esteem - Down Syndrome - Sue Shanahan

Find the iPad App here: http://bit.ly/pqG1no
www.sueshanahan.com
I've loved this song since the first time I heard it. It's the perfect music to illustrate the message I want to convey, every child is beautiful just as she is. I believe the world is ready to embrace the notion that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Wonder
• Natalie Merchant
• Girl's Self Esteem
• Down Syndrome
• Sue Shanahan
• Esteem
• Wonder (song)
• Self-esteem
• special needs
• Self Esteem (song)

[ritubahar]

I am surprised at all the misinterpretations of this song. It is not at all about any autistic child or someone with a "down syndrome". It is about a specially blessed child. A child who is a wonder, a challenge to the so-called male-ruled balance. See how easily male-biased system of thoughts misinterprets or distorts any artistic work that upholds or celebrates feminine power?

[sueshanahan]

@ritubahar Natalie Merchant's video for the song Wonder had an array of females in it, including a girl with down syndrome. She is the only person who can say the meaning behind the lyrics of her song. In a BBC interview on 8/24/10 Natalie said, "It was a song that I wrote after seeing a documentary about a severely physically handicapped girl who at been institutionalized at birth."

[sueshanahan]

@sueshanahan Hmmmmm Natalie is in the video I'm talking about. It was released when the song came out. Google the Natalie Merchant BBC interview "Striking a Chord. She discusses the song "Wonder," off her 1995 solo debut album, Tigerlily, the inspiration behind the song, and the powerful impact it has had both on her and her audiences ever since. I'm not saying there isn't a place (or a good point) in your interpretation of the song.

[demarkee727]

wow this really shows me how immature and ignorant i am...thanks for living at a deeper level and appreciating life at all levels...wow the message is good and is like a slap in the face to my ignorance thank you :)

[rxshea]

yeah. you are a great artist. these pictures are beautiful.

[drewsky684]

I think we can all remember the days of vh1 and mtv when they would play the music video for this song ad nauseum...it was always such a bummer. It meant you had to sit through 4 minutes of crap just to see what comes next

[nalah6464]

wonderful song which touches the hearts of many, no matter the message is clear that she'll make her way with love, patience and with faith

[Zenmanship]

The songs of Natalie Merchant usually carry a meaningful message. And i think her voice is totally mesmerizing and beautiful. One day i want to marry a woman that sings as well as she does. (Or nearly as well) I'm going to write that in my personal ad. Explaining how important a woman's voice is.

[staturne]

@demarkee727 I feel the same way. Beautiful, sad, happy.

[billyslayer91171]

@ritubahar I totally agree with you.

[2heebie]

My interpretation has nothing to do with Downs or retardation or disabilities....it's a father looking down at the greatest gift the world can give; and the thoughts racing through his head at that moment...and his hopes for her future...."With love and patience and with faith...she'll make her way!!!!

[ritubahar]

@sueshanahan This is a song from her 'Tiger Lily' album which was composed years earlier than the interview date you mention. So I don't think your information is accurate. Also notice that the video wasn't made by the artist herself. It's somebody else's interpretation of her song.