Real emotions are compared to ersatz ones. Acknowledging her role in adding orchestration to popular music, Ms. Collins champions natural sounds. The conversation turns to Amazing Grace. She recounts it s history, wondering if the melody was influenced by melodies from the holds of slave ships the author commanded before converting to the abolitionist cause. She tells why she often ends evenings with this powerful song.
Redemption is discussed, along with the creation of other profoundly simple songs.
She offers examples of connectedness from her album Whales and Nightingales, whose significance she describes. The role of the arts is explored. Ms. Collins considers how we all must come to terms with life s losses and pain. She describes her prose and suggests how her books connect with her songs. She compares the depth of words and music.