"People haven't always been there for me, but music always has." Taylor Swift spoke these words around the time of recording her Fearless album, back in the mysterious world of 2012. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the "Blank Space" singer we know today or a total Swiftie hater, I am sure her words still ring true in your own life. We all have those go-to songs that can perfectly capture what we are feeling, or that help us turn our entire attitude around. Music can be the best psychologist when we are feeling like no one understands, the best motivational speaker when we need to get pumped up, the best friend we need when we feel happy and just want to sing along or dance embarrassingly, and the best shoulder to cry on when we need to get over a broken heart. So with all this Thanksgiving talk of "What I'm Thankful For," here are 12 reasons you should thank your good ol' and reliable pal, music.
1. Music Never Judges You (Even If Other People Do)
The great thing about music is that it appeals to a wide variety of tastes. There are endless genres and styles. There truly is something for everyone to love. And the best part is that anyone can like any type of music (i.e. big, tough men can still jam to Vanessa Carlton or tiny, goody-two shoes still can rock out to A$AP Rocky, because music doesn't discriminate).
2. Music Makes Long Road Trips Bearable
Imagine if those day-long road trips to your family vacation destination had no soundtrack? Imagine having to listen to your siblings complain about not having enough room, your mom pestering your dad about stopping and asking for directions, and your dad's unlimited supply of corny car jokes without the relief of some family-friendly jams, or if it came down to it, the *nearly* sound proof method of putting in some headphones.
3. Music Helps You Celebrate Your Favorite Holidays
4. Music Provides Perfect White Girl Dancing Opportunities
We know you love to bustamove. We know you love to twerk, nae-nae, superman, dougie and just move your body in a myriad of awkward and typically unflattering ways. Music grants you the chance to get your white girl groove on. And yes, gentleman, I'm talking to you as well.
5. Music Is The Best Way To Get Pumped Up At A Sporting Event
Would any sport really be the same without their hype-up music? I cannot imagine attending a game, match, or whatever, without clapping and stomping along to Queen's "We Will Rock You." Music has a way of pumping up the crowd and the players better than anything else. If you need further proof that this statement is true, just bring yourself to Pittsburgh and see how Heinz Field goes crazy when "Renegade" by Styx is played at a Steelers' game.
6. Music Is Something You Can Enjoy With Your Friends
Music is at the heart of some of the sweetest (and funniest) moments of friendships. You and your BFFs probably choreographed a billion dance routines to your favorite tunes over the years. Not to mention you probably have created entire playlists for when you're in the car together, getting ready together, and partying the night away.
7. Music Is Present During Some of the Most Important Moments of Your Life
Ever notice how movies always seem to have music playing in the background during their most pivotal moments? Music will be playing when you walk down the aisle or when you watch your soon-to-be-wife walk down the aisle. Music will be playing when you have your first dance as a married couple. Music will be there throughout your life, either in the background or blasting, at moments that will mean the most to you.
8. Music Understands When You Just Need To Cry
So you got dumped and you already cried to everyone you feel comfortable crying to, you are on carton number three of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and you don't know what can make you feel better. You turn on Adele (or whoever) and you sing along at the top of your lungs, and you just let it all out. Music will help you hang in there.
9. Music Makes Life More Romantic
Aren't some of the cutest moments of your relationship when you and your significant other just randomly start slow-dancing or you sing that special song of yours to each other? Thank music for providing the perfect ambiance for those romantic moments.
10. Music Is Why We Have Concerts & Festivals
Whether you are the Kenny Chesney, One Direction, Mac Miller, Rolling Stones, or Skrillex type, you cannot deny that nothing beats going to a crazy concert with your friends.
11. Music Has The Power To Bring You Back To A Specific Vivid Memory
One awesome thing about music is that sometimes it takes on a deeper meaning when we can connect it with a memory. Remember that Vitamin C Song that was present throughout senior year? When you hear it today, it probably hits you right in the high school nostalgic feels, in a bittersweet, but good, way.
12. Music Can Turn That Frown Upside Down
Everything has been going wrong all day. Work, school and/or life have you down. You're utterly miserable. Then, your jam comes on. You know what song I'm talking about. You start singing along, and your mood improves drastically. Music brings happiness, and if that isn't a reason to be thankful, than I don't know what is.
