“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
― Bob Marley
In the shower, on the walk to class, driving in the car, playing my viola or running on a treadmill, music always surrounds me. Growing up, The Indigo Girls, REM, Natalie Merchant, Jewel, or Broadway show tunes filled my house. My mom, a lover of music, started my passion for music at an early age and to be honest, without my love of music, my life would be incomplete. Music can cheer me up or pump me up. Music has even helped me get through one of the worst break ups ever. What I listen to defines who I am. My favorite bands are Death Cab for Cutie and the Avett Brothers and my favorite female vocalist is Regina Spektor. I attend at least one concert a year. Basically, I can't go a day without listening to music.
The music that I listen to are all methods of communicating to me life lessons:
"Flowers never bend with the rainfall"- Simon and Garfunkel- This quote/song inspires me to keep my head up and be strong. If fragile flowers can withstand the power of the rain then I can withstand life's obstacles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAvCfCBZaF4
"There are places I remember, all my life though some have changed...with lovers and friends I still can recall...in my life I've loved them all"- In My Life- The Beatles. When I listen to this song I think of all the life memories that I have created a long the way. The friendships and the hardships and the connections. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKQpRgxyyqo
"Somedays aren't yours at all. They come and go as if they are someone else's days....don't doubt." Somedays- Regina Spektor- Last year I hit a really hard time in my life and really struggled almost everyday, when I would listen to songs such as this one or Simon and Garfunkel, for the 3 min that the song played I could feel a connection that the singer also was going through a hard time when he/she wrote the song. It is nice to know that you are not alone in feeling a certain way, you can always find a song that feels it too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrGRSKjAvNM
Music and conflict: I believe that music soothes all the pain, at least for the time that someone is listening to it. Even though music might not solve all the problems politically, it can offer a place of hope or a glimmer or inspiration, as corny as the sounds. Music often times represents an outlet. Whenever I was upset in high school, I would always grab my viola and just play away. Lyrics can also be a way to let out pain, anger and emotion. Therefore, music is a more peaceful way of approaching a conflict. Think about the hippie movement in the 60s. Peace Train
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”
In my last blog I talked about One Day by Matisyahu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRmBChQjZPs
Music also offers me a way to connect to my religion and my culture:
You should check out my post. I love Simon & Garfunkel and the Beatles. I play their music regularly with my ukulele. =)
ReplyDeleteI also have learned many "life lessons" through music. I feel like often it reminds me to slow down and relax and helps me thinks things through. It can also serve as kind of a security blanket, because I know it is always there to cheer me up.
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