Shit got real this morning, in the best way.
As I prepared for my morning walk through my hood, I threw my headphones on, so automatically the world was off. Most times during these walks, I listen to an audiobook or a podcast, but honestly this morning felt different. Aside from personal stuff that I’m dealing with and just the overall current state of the world, listening to some good ole gospel music felt like the right choice. I decided on my favorite gospel album of all time, Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin.
I hit shuffle and started on my way. Wholy Holy kicked things off, speaking to me instantly. “Wholy Holy” was originally recorded by Marvin Gaye for his landmark album What’s Going On. But this version, with Aretha’s voice as the anchor, hit me totally different. It literally stopped me in my tracks.
Just sitting with the title and overall meaning behind the song felt both clever and needed. “Wholy” isn’t just “Holy” like sacred, it also sounds like “whole-y,” meaning complete. The lyrics speak of spiritual unity, human unity. The idea that folks become whole when they come together in love and understanding.
Between Marvin’s original and Aretha’s rendition, I’ve heard this song over one hundred times. But I’ve never heard it like that. This time around, I listened different. My ears, heart and mind were finally ready to digest the lyrics beyond surface level.
It really put things into perspective on how I choose to go through dark times. My first move is usually to self isolate, pushing everyone away and opting to get through it alone. But reflecting on those moments, I realized that method never really helps. Eventually I always find myself reaching out to someone, confiding in them and realizing the darkness isn’t so dark after all.
Letting all of that marinate, I continued on with my walk. “Wholy Holy” faded out and You’ll Never Walk Alone started playing. That was the moment tears began to well up and I blurted out, “Ok, God… I’m listening.”
It’s one thing when music speaks. It’s a whole other thing when God speaks through the music.
Then add on the fact that Aretha Franklin was the vessel carrying the message. You’re really left with no other option but to listen and receive it. The lyrics and raw conviction of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” felt like it was written and recorded specifically for me and the storm I am currently praying, meditating and slowly walking out of.
Those lyrics, recorded on January 1, 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, dried my tears on May 7, 2026 in Philadelphia.
“When you walk through a storm,
Hold your head up high,
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm,
Is the golden sky,
And the sweet silver song of the lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown,
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never walk alone.”