Sometimes it can feel like the only new music coming out is the sound of a paycheck in someone's hand. All that is needed anymore is a good beat and words that hopefully sound like they rhyme if you say them fast enough. Music is so much more than how many singles it has sold. It is the lyrics that resonate through the mind of anyone listening. It is the way the artist's passion is translated into a beacon for those listening. It is bringing people together in a way only ever seen through music.
I recently attended a concert for Twenty One Pilots, a band composed of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. I would be more than happy to write a "fangirl" piece about the band, but that is not what their music is about. Their music is different, and when I say different, I mean different. Not only in sound, as in I have a hard time even putting them in a certain genre, but in what their songs actually mean. Their music is poetry and it reaches so much further than a good beat and rhyming words.
Their music speaks on topics such as growing up, finding purpose and the wars that rage on in the minds of those struggling with mental illness. While I do not know the band personally, their music makes you feel as though you do. Music that makes the chaos in your mind make sense for the first time aloud is more important than I could ever say.
The lyrics of their songs have given hope to not just me, but to every single person that was in that stadium with me. It is easy to be full of anguish and feel you fight the battles of your ind alone, but when you stand in a stadium full of people all chanting the lyrics to a song that you found hope in, you realize how beautiful music truly is.
While I suggest all of their music, here are some of the particular songs I found pieces of myself in.
Migraine
In this song, he sings about battling depressing thoughts that cloud your mind.
Sometimes to stay alive you gotta kill your mind.
Fighting your own mind can leave you feeling alone in this world, but the game is not played alone...life has a hopeful undertone.
Screen
I find myself picking out specific lyrics and the one in this song that I couldn't get out of my head was: While you're doing fine, there's some people and I who have a really tough time getting through this life so excuse us while we sing to the sky.
Hearing the thoughts you've tried to formulate over and over finally said aloud is something I hope everyone gets to experience at some point.
Taxi Cab
I didn't realize the real meaning to this song until a friend had me listen to it closer than usual, and I found just how much I loved it. One particular part of the song that really sticks out to me is And then one turned around to say, "We're driving toward the morning sun where all your blood is washed away and all you did will be undone."
Twenty One Pilots has honestly changed my life. Their music has helped me through more situations than I could ever explain in words. Even if this band isn't for you, your beacon is out there.
As for me, I'm glad to be a part of the few, the proud and the emotional. |-/
