Without entirely knowing why, I've been in kind of an emotional place this morning.

While at my work desk, I've been listening to my CD of Elton John Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, an amazing concert from 1986, and one weighted with songs that have emotional significance to me. I won't weigh down the entry with what songs are like that for me -- that's worth a few entries, entries I don't feel like writing right now -- but for me the big reaction this time was to "The Greatest Discovery." I got a little choked up, a little teary-eyed, hearing it.

Peering out of tiny eyes
The grubby hands that gripped the rail
Wiped the window clean of frost
As the morning air laid on the latch

A whistle awakened someone there
Next door to the nursery just down the hall
A strange new sound you never heard before
A strange new sound that makes boys explore

Tread neat so small those little feet
Amid the morning his small heart beats
So much excitement yesterday
That must be rewarded must be displayed

Large hands lift him through the air
Excited eyes contain him there
The eyes of those he loves and knows
But whats this extra bed just here

His puzzled head tipped to one side
Amazement swims in those bright green eyes
Glancing down upon this thing
That make strange sounds, strange sounds that sing

In those silent happy seconds
That surround the sound of this event
A parent smile is made in moments
They have made for you a friend

And all you ever learned from them
Until you grew much older
Did not compare with when they said
This is your brand new brother
This is your brand new brother
This is your brand new brother

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Music by Elton John
From the album Elton John (1970)

Simple, and describing a situation I've never experienced personally -- being the second of two kids, and not having caused any kids of my own so no one else has had this experience because of me -- but I know it's a lovely song.

And it makes me want to hug my family and friends.