When All Voices Sing
A more perfect union is a choir of diverse viewpoints focused on a shared vision. Midlife reflections on the difference between unity and uniformity.
When only the basses sing, does the song still belong to all? Or is it a melody claimed by just one voice, while the rest wait in silence?
Note: This article also has a podcast episode that coordinates with the content.
I sang in an a cappella choir in high school and accompanied many choirs on the piano over the years since. If you’re familiar with choral work, you know that a choir isn’t made up of a bunch of people all singing the same note (unison). You know that it’s made up of people singing different notes, or parts, drawn from the notes that make up a chord, which is built on a musical scale. Typically, a choir has soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, with a few other variations, such as second soprano, in there.
One note in the cord forms the melody (the tune you might recognize), and the others are the harmony. But one without the other is either boring (only melody) or even more boring (a somewhat monotonous harmony). If you’ve ever sung the alto part, you know just how boring and monotonous it can be in places. But as each section sings its own notes, together, the voices make up one beautiful piece. A stunning musical composition that our brains hear as one voice. It works this way with a band and orchestra too.
When Only the Basses Sing
Now, imagine if only the basses sang while the rest of the choir stood by and didn’t open their mouths for the entire concert. Curious how it would sound? Listen here for an example of only the bass line from “Amazing Grace.”
One part is nice, but not concert-worthy. Where am I going with this? Yes. Let’s land this metaphor.
Our society is made up of a diverse collection of individuals, all with different voices. Together, we form a “more perfect Union,” to borrow from the Preamble of the US Constitution. A union not formed by one voice but by the collection of voices together, all working toward something better for all. The different tone from each voice is what makes the whole composition more beautiful.
A Union Still in Progress?
I’ve been alive for over fifty years, for one-fifth of our nation’s history. I remember celebrating the bicentennial of America in the summer I turned seven. I’m nostalgic when I watch history documentaries and learn about what was happening in the world in those years before I paid attention.
I’m older now. And I’m paying attention. And what I see has me thinking. The ongoing process of striving for greater unity and cohesion, as established in the Preamble, is not the same as requiring everyone to think, believe, or act in the same way. Some days, it doesn’t feel as if we’re striving for that collectively at all.
Some have proposed that the male head of household should cast the vote for everyone under his roof. Others have implemented tactics to suppress the votes of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Still others want everyone in the US to conform to dominant societal norms, downplaying or abandoning their religious and cultural practices. Specifically, there’s a push to implement practices from one version of Protestant Christianity in public spaces.
But I ask the question:
When only the basses sing, does the song still belong to all? Or is it a melody claimed by just one voice, while the rest wait in silence?
If men vote for the household, does that vote truly represent the other voices? If the marginalized, unhoused, poor, or uneducated struggle, who speaks for them? And what becomes of a choir when half its voices are silenced? Is it still a choir?
Even among those who take the label of Christian, there are vast differences, and disagreements, about what is right and true. Do we truly need to annihilate everything that differs from our own beliefs?
Why Silence Persists
I’m not enough of a Pollyanna to believe simple positive thinking is the solution. But I do believe that it’s possible to cultivate a mindset that values the contribution of each voice.
What is the purpose silencing others? Control. Not for benevolence but for coercive control. Intimidating and threatening. Humiliating and exploiting. Depriving and isolating.
The Choir We Could Be
Checks and balances. Peaceful transfers of power. Working together for the benefit of humanity. Living next door to people who believe and live differently, without it threatening our own expression of faith and family.
A more perfect union is like a choir in full harmony: sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses each lifting their part, blending differences into a richer song. When every voice is heard, the melody belongs to all, and the music becomes more than any one could make alone.
We thrive when we can have respectful disagreements. Learn from each other. Experience enriched interactions. Ultimately, it’s about understanding the difference between unity and uniformity.
To Those Who’ve Been Silent
Midlife friend, do any of these speak to you? I see you. Raise your voice.
To the midlife woman who hasn’t had a voice in years of raising children. You are more than a household helper—you are seen.
To the caregiver whose own needs have been put last for too long. Your dreams matter.
To the employee whose ideas are ignored in meetings. Your perspective deserves to be heard.
To the neighbor who always listens but rarely speaks. Your words have power.
To the artist whose work has stayed in sketchbooks or journals. Your creativity can change the world.
To the one oppressed by a dominating spouse. Your life, your choices, your voice belong to you.
To the one trapped by poverty, unable to break free. Your strength, your dreams, your dignity matter.
To the person whose culture and skin have too often been dismissed. Your story is essential.
To the person silenced because of your age, race, or background. Your truth belongs.
To every marginalized voice that has been overlooked, ignored, or silenced. Step forward—your voice matters.
Let all voices sing.
No notes. Just a melodious aaaa-aa-men!