“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.