We listen to music while we do a lot of things. We listen to the radio while we drive, while we clean, and just when we are hanging out with friends. Sometimes, music is there to break the silence, and it's just background noise. That same music can also be the most important thing in our lives at times. Music has helped me get through some pretty rough times, and it is one of the amazing things I love about life. Here are a few reasons music is the thing we need to stay sane when life gets a little hectic:
1. Music is always there.
Think about it. You turn on the radio, and there are different kinds of songs on all the stations. One click of a button, and you can listen to anything you want online. You go to the grocery store, and music is playing. It's always physically there, but it is also always there for you. At three in the morning when you are alone and start overthinking everything and can't sleep, music is there. Music never leaves when things get hard. Music is there no matter what. It can be very comforting to know that even though people may not always be there for you, music will be.
2. Music is relatable.
The lyrics in a song are made for singing along. Sometimes we just memorize them so we can jam out with our friends; other songs are different. There is a line in a song that stands out to us. Either we can relate to it or it touches us in some way. It seems like when things end with a guy, all I hear in the music are the words about broken hearts and sadness. When I'm having a good day and the sun is shining, I hear the happy lines in the music. This is because music is relatable. It can't tell how you are feeling like a friend could, but it doesn't need to do that. The connection with a song happens emotionally. Sometimes just letting the words of a song say how you feel is just what you need.
3. Music takes you away.
Sometimes what we need in life is an escape. Life is stressful, and people have many ways of coping with that stress. Sometimes these outlets can be harmful, like alcohol or drugs. I believe music is a safer outlet. Whether it is writing, playing, or just listening to music, a stress release is involved. Just hearing your favorite song can change your mood. I like to be alone when I am all caught up in my emotions. I listen to music, and instantly I am somewhere else. I am away from my stress and pain. For the few minutes of the song, I get a break from everything. This doesn't happen all the time, but it happens more than not, and I am very thankful for that. Sometimes you just need to get away, and music can be the thing that takes you away.
4. Music is beautiful and comforting.
My favorite thing to do when I hear beautiful music is to close my eyes and listen, and I mean really listen. I listen for the key changes and crescendos. Music in its purest form is just notes. When those notes are put together, they make a song. That song can tell a story, with or without words. You know something is beautiful when you get chills just from hearing it. Music is beautiful, and we could all use a little more hidden beauty in our lives.
5. Music equals memories.
We all have that song that reminds us of that special person, which can be a good or bad thing. I usually think of it as a good thing, because at one point you had someone that gave that song and the music meaning. You might also hear a song and remember a great night with your friends. Hopefully that brings a smile to your face and gives you a little pick-me-up if needed. Some people choose to never look back to their past and try to forget people and memories. I think remembering the past can be a good thing, and music can take you back to a different time in your life.
Realizing life changes so much can be a good reminder that whatever is happening in your life now will also change. It is amazing to think that hearing one song can bring you back and make you realize so many different things. That is what music is all about. It is a comfort like no other, and it is one of life's greatest gifts.
