The Singing Nun

Tonight's Blab *WATCH BLAB HERE* was all about The Police and Soeur Sourire. But for me, I chose to blog solely on The Singing Nun (AKA Soeur Sourire), since I know pretty much nothing about The Police. (I'm late but I AM catching up-THE POLICE ARE AMAZING and...I get it now.)

My first experience with the music of The Singing Nun was by a really cool radio station that played mostly 40's and 50's pop (the kind the the adults liked to listen to).  The song was Dominique. Honestly, NEVER did I like that song but was intrigued that she was an actual nun, according to my Mom!

Not long after, I decided that being a nun actually sounded freeing. Freeing and peaceful. I saw myself not having to talk with anyone. I'd just pray and meditate all day! Hopefully I'd get to have a cat, though.

How odd was it that not long after, I'd be visiting my local thrift store to sift through the tons of albums that I'd actually come across a full intact Singing Nun album-photo additions and all! It was Jeannine Deckers' own drawings...well, copies of them. It was in imaclate condition and right in front of all the records...like it was waiting for me! Of course, I heard the calling and bought it!
I'd already heard Domenique plenty, and was now very curious as to what else she had to offer. The one that called was the song, J'ai Trouvé. RIGHT ON THE MONEY! Called to my own sinking dark heart looking for the release of pain. The dark, haunting minor chords just said it all, especially since I know not a word of French!

The story within the album, as I remember, told the story of Soeur Sourire (AKA The Singing Nun) and how she even named her guitar! I absolutely  loved this album and it's folky loneliness. I'd also come to learn years later that Jeannine Decker truly was indeed troubled. Not by the taxes of the orphanage, but from within a tortured place of inner programming-not to ever be called "Tortured Soul", as I do not believe Spirit could ever be anything other than light and all things love.

If you choose to read the story written about her, be prepared that it's not anything like the Debbie Reynolds movie!  I appreciated Jeannine's dark journey, and the beautiful gift she left. It was comfort that someone else was in the darkness with me.  Of course,  I finally found my way out-as I'm sure she finally found hers.

Thank you, sweet Soeur Sourire and Sister Adele.



The Singing Nun Story by D A Chadwick