In Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, a boy, Kai, gets an icy shard embedded in his heart, which only allows him to see what is ugly and evil in the world. He develops a cold and bitter disposition, and becomes isolated from his family and his best friend Gerda. Kai is saved when Gerda finds him in the Snow Queen’s palace and cries warm tears that melt the ice in his heart, releasing him from the evil spell that causes his crushing solitude. It’s a parable about finding one’s way out of loneliness, through service, through listening, through resilience and grace.

The Civil Wars, “Dust to Dust,” written by John Paul White and Joy Williams, 2013.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to 4th of July, 2025.

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