Why do we sing?

This is a question all singers and performers should ask themselves from time to time.  It is the essence of what we are.  And I suppose, though I can't say for sure, that it must be different for, say, a plumber, or an electrician.  Because although we do sing for a living, to put bread on the table, that is not WHY we sing.  There are many profitable business ventures that are much more easily duplicated than a successful performing career, so why would you choose to sing over being a doctor or a real estate mogul.  The answer for me is I need to communicate.  I need to share something with the world that isn't already there.  I need to bring happiness and art into being.  Essentially, this is what we all strive to do in one way or the other, but as a performer it is a constant way of living.  Each time we perform we breathe life into a piece of paper with scribbles on it and make it a living spiritual being.  It can touch hearts, and anger them.  I think most people would agree that music has a power over the mind that few other experiences can match. This is why we demand it in our lives. 

The path of a singer is not easily followed.  As in any other profession it takes sincere dedication, perseverance, hard work, and a little bit of luck.  But the few who dare to try, and the even fewer who succeed, do it because they must.  And that has to be the answer here.  You must NEED to sing.  It must be part of your survival, your essentials for a healthy life.  It takes passion.  It takes dedication.  And patience. 

I would hate to pretend that singing is any different from any other high level occupation, because it's not.  You need to be driven to really succeed at anything.  But it helps to pretend.  It helps to make believe that your very life depends on your ability to perform.  To share.  To communicate. 

Ask yourself why you sing.  And be honest.  Then live up to your dreams.