When the young members of Vancouver Youth Choir gathered to sing at St. John’s Shaughnessy Anglican Church, their faces gave the impression of youthful innocence. However, the performance they were about to give would tell a very different story. The group was about to cover ‘Secret For The Mad’ by Dodie, a song that talks about struggles with mental health, and the way the young singers showed their personal connection to the song moved listeners to tears.
Music Man readers will be moved when they hear the singers’ young voices joining together in an atmospheric rendition of the song, the sincerity in their voices highlighting the emotions behind the lyrics. The performance became even more emotional when the singers began to hold up signs addressing common issues young people face, such as “pressure to succeed” and “rumors.” One viewer was so moved by the moment they shared, “when they flipped the signs over I just started full on sobbing.”
Like everyone else who watched the performance video online, I felt deeply moved when I began reading the signs the young singers held up. I knew hearing young people sing such a powerful song would be an emotional experience as it was, but seeing how fully they committed to telling the story behind the song was something I absolutely didn’t expect. It is a simple way to give a powerful reminder of the struggles young people face when no one else is looking.
The performance was so emotional that word got back to Dodie herself, who then decided that more light needed to be shone on the Vancouver Youth Choir’s incredible talent. The songwriter was so impressed that she invited the choir to join her onstage at her concert at The Vogue Theatre so that they could sing ‘Secret for the Mad’ together. When Music Man readers watch the recording of the performance, they will be amazed by how breathtakingly beautiful the performance was.
One of the most striking parts of Dodie’s collaboration with the choir is the fact that, when the choir started filing onto the stage, audience members let out audible gasps and emotional exclamations at their appearance. It is one thing to see Dodie herself vulnerably expressing her struggles with mental health onstage, but it is quite another to see an entire group of youngsters doing exactly the same. It serves as a truly powerful reminder that you never know what’s going on with people behind the scenes, no matter how young they may be.
Vancouver Youth Choir’s rendition of “Secret For The Mad” is a moving reminder of the pressures young people face and the healing power of song. Their honesty on stage left many viewers in tears, and it’s impossible not to be affected by their message. If you’d like to watch the performance, learn more about the choir, or find ways to support their work, discover the useful links below.