Music can have an intense effect on human emotion. These days, you can't go a whole 24 hours without hearing music somewhere. When you hear a song as a kid, it can inspire a feeling based on the melody. As you get older, you realize what the lyrics mean; time gives you an experience that really allows you to connect on a deeper level. Here are songs that you really begin to understand as time goes on.
1. "Reflection" from Disney's "Mulan"
This song from an animated Disney classic doesn't really strike you until you aren't a kid anymore. At some point, we dig deep within ourselves and try to figure out who we really are as individuals. It can be confusing when what's on the outside doesn't match what's on the inside.
2. "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera
We start to fight our insecurities and see ourselves as the beautiful people we genuinely are.
3. "Follow Your Arrow" by Kacey Musgraves
We come to the conclusion that life isn't about trying to make other people like us. You can't please everyone in a world where double standards abound; the only person you have to live with is yourself.
4. "For Good" from the musical "Wicked
Everyone has that friend in life who has helped shape him/her into the person we see today. Unfortunately, there are points in life where they have to go their separate ways. Whether it's from grade school, high school, or college - we all know someone who has changed us for good that we had to say goodbye to.
5. "Turning Tables" by Adele
People hurt us, betray us, and leave us. We learn how to cope and slowly pick ourselves up.
6. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
When someone walks out of your life, it stings. Eventually we realize how toxic this person was.
7. "Don't Forget to Remember Me" by Carrie Underwood
When we pack up and leave home for any reason, we hope that the people who mean the most to us continue to hold us in their hearts.
8. "Home" by Gabrielle Aplin
We leave and realize that "house" and "home" aren't really synonymous. A home isn't a building; it's a feeling of comfort and love you can't find anywhere else.
9. "Stop This Train" by John Mayer
Growing up can be scary. We want to slow down time and long for the days when life was more carefree.
10. "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
While we were getting over the Hannah Montana obsession, the true power of this song eluded us. Life throws us so many challenges. It's not the destination, it's the journey.
11. "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins
When you're a kid, all you want to do is grow up. Once you grow up, you want to be a kid again.
12. "The House That Built Me" by Miranda Lambert
We revisit the places that made us who we are, and it fills us with a deep sense of nostalgia.
13. "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts
As we conquer the climb, we find a special someone that helps support our journey to the finish line.
14. "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney
Time flies by too fast.
15. "It Won't Be Like This For Long" by Darius Rucker
You realize how far you've come since childhood. Perhaps you reflect on the lives of your younger siblings or even your own children.
16. "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman
See #15.
17. "The Good Stuff" by Kenny Chesney
The most leveling epiphany: what actually matters.
18. "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw
The truest life lesson is revealed. Simple traits like humility and kindness become the brightest jewels in a person's personality.
19. "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw is 2 for 2 with this explanation of how precious the gifts of life and time are.
Music is one of the most beautiful gifts mankind has to offer. It's a gift that becomes more appreciated with age as our knowledge and understanding of the incidents that inspire songs expand.