So much written about interpersonal relations and the importance of being part of a group or "tribe." We've almost forgotten the power and joy of separation, separateness--and individuality.

This wonderful dissertation by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald laments the loss of love. But then each artist passionately conveys the feeling of being ON MY OWN. Seems as joyful as being in love.

Listen and learn from this wonderful song. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsH63qJlIMM
 

Lyrics

By myself...
Oh... oh... oh... oh...
On... my own...
I've got to find where I belong again
(On my own...)
I've got to learn to be strong again
(On my own...)
I never dreamed I'd spend one night alone
(By myself)
By myself by myself
I... woo...
I've got to find out what was mine again
(On my own...)
My heart is saying that it's time again
(On my own...)
And I... have faith that I will shine...
By myself... again
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
I... (on my own...) have faith... (on my own...) in me...
(By myself)
By myself by myself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsH63qJlIMM

Mary Helen Guider-Shaw
Director of Publicity
Library of Social Science
Phone: (718)-393-1081
Email: libraryofsocialscience