“Without music, life would be a mistake.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols
What is it about music that changes us? How can it take us to another dimension of love and depth of emotion?
Music is that thing that doesn’t necessarily take away our weariness or solve the day’s problems. But when that song comes on, the one that resonates with us, who we are deep down meets who we think we should be and for a few moments, those two entities are the same. Equal. This resonance is essential for our health.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
― Bob Marley
What is that one song that will take you away? The one that draws you back into beautiful memories and makes you hopeful for such experiences in the future?
“If I can’t dance to it, it’s not my revolution.”
― Emma Goldman
Which song makes you remember the reason you get out of bed each morning? Which one makes you want to change the world?
For me, folk music stirs. Oh it stirs me. Nicknamed “The People’s Music,” folk is full of activism and stories passed down through the generations. Stories of advocacy and culture, stories of social cohesion and historical events, stories full of poetry and metaphor. Many folk songs have no copyright; they are meant to be shared collectively, sung together around tables and fires, creating a dimension between humans which could not be otherwise achieved without the rhythmic notes. It is not commercial music. It is the music of the people. The people protesting. The people hoping. The people praying. The people fighting the government and large corporations. The people unified with decency and love. Folk is Woody Gutherie. Folk is Pete Seeger. Folk is Ani Difranco.
“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances. ”
― Maya Angelou
What is that song that you can let loose to? The one that makes you dance like a fool?
Each of us has a song deep down. We sometimes forget the words and what it sounds like, but it is there. Loving someone deeply means sharing your song with them so they can sing it back to you when you’ve forgotten the words.
What’s your song? And why is it yours? Was it played at your wedding, your graduation, during a difficult or joyful time? Share it with me in the comments section. I’d be totally honored to know.
I will sing with you tonight.
Tales of a Sojourner 
To say my musical tastes are eclectic is an understatement. The music of Strauss evokes Austria. The organ concertos of J. S. Bach evoke the great cathedrals of Europe and the natural cathedrals within the earth: caverns. The classic rock n’ roll of Kansas takes me back to high school and the music of Dan Fogelberg resonates in a special place within me that resounds of truth. Irish and Scottish music is what I mostly listen to. I feel myself breathing when I hear it. It fills me up, even makes me want to get these old bones up to dance.
Wow– wonderfully written. You took me into some neat spaces of thought. Thank you for sharing with me the music that stirs you. What a powerful force.
The music that moves me most is usually music that addresses those dim, dark places that I try to ignore. Pink Floyd does that, mostly. However, the song that makes me feel most bittersweet is “Blackbird” by the Beatles, simply because it makes me think of my daughter. “All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to be free.” Ok, must dash, I have something in my eye….
Love your perspective here, Andrea! Music is so therapeutic… I often find myself listening to songs that say things I feel but can’t necessarily verbalize clearly. And that “Blackbird” reference was so sweet… thanks for your voice here.