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I guess you can call this the ‘Triumphant Return of Oy to the Vey’, but I just don’t know how triumphant it really it. There are times when things can force the need to express yourself, regardless of whether someone will read it or not. Usually, for me, music is that force. However, this time it was a combination of music and a film.

Music can invoke some of the most powerful emotions within me, and most people. When a song can tear me apart, make me look deep within myself, as well as express emotion outwardly, that is a MUST HAVE song. I also say the same thing about films as well. I found all of the above in Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself last night.

I usually enjoy all of Tyler Perry’s films, but his most recent outing struck me at a time in my life when I am questioning everything. There has only been one time in my life when I could relate so closely with characters in a film and the main character (April) is someone I see within myself. Just like April, I have walked around angry and unwilling to truly care about anyone because caring always leads to pain.

Until the death of my brother back in December, I never let anyone too close. His dying made me realise that I have a great family and friends that surround me and are willing to be there for me. Yes, we’ve had our trials and tribulations, but they are not out to hurt me. They just want to love me… if I would only let them.

By the end of I Can Do Bad All By Myself April learns the same thing. This film has a cadre of some of the most amazing singers this planet has ever seen. However, it is the title song that took my heart out of my chest and showed me how black it has become, then shoved it back in and watched as I struggled to regain control of it. The song is I Can Do Bad All By Myself written and sung by Mary J. Blige.

Mary J has always been a great singer to listen to for me, but she took things to a whole new level with that song. With lyrics like, “Somebody once told me that pain is a game we all gotta play. Then why am I in overtime and sudden death every other day,” you get struck from the first note. This song is powerful and its message is one that we can all relate to no matter where you are in life.

But to my dismay, there is no soundtrack for the film. Tyler Perry says that there was no way it could be done with differing music companies and such hindering the process. I think this is a disservice to the many fans that are dying to get this and other great songs from the film. For me, it would be a guiding hand to light in such dismal and dark times.

Overall, just go find the film and watch the whole thing so you can see (and hear) what I mean. The beginning may drag a bit, but by the end, if you don’t shed at least one tear then your heart may be as black as mine was before seeing this. And Mr. Perry, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE figure out a way to release the soundtrack for this film. You never know how many lives could be changed or even saved by this music.

My apologies for the almost rambling state of this. I just needed to share and express. Thanks for reading.

Oy. To. The. Vey.

-Lex

Tags: films, Glady Knight, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Mary J. Blige, music, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry