An Open Letter To Music
Start writing a post

Thank You, Music, I'm Forever Grateful For You

Without the presence of music, it's difficult to imagine what our world would look like.

42
Thank You, Music, I'm Forever Grateful For You
William E. Jones

It's 5:30 pm on a clear summer day. I've just arrived in the parking lot of the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. Disturbed, my favorite band, is set to go on at 7 pm. Hot dog and t-shirt vendors are posted up along the streets. Anxious crowds of teenagers to adults covered in tattoos and piercings are fast-walking, almost sprinting, to the entrance gates of the venue. The faint smell of marijuana lingers from a few blocks away. Loud chatter, cheers, and speaker systems from nearby vehicles deafen the air. My palms are sweating, blood is rushing to my head--I have to take a second to get myself in order. I check my pockets just to make sure I didn't forget my ticket at home. It's there ... thank god. I walk into the venue, eagerly show my ticket to general admission, collect my wristband, and enter the pit. Instantly, I'm embraced with people. People with interests, t-shirts, and overall excitement that mirror mine. I hear a few sound checks on the microphone, witness the gargantuan backdrop to the stage fall from the rafters, and hear the roaring noise originating from the amps. This is going to be a great night. I'm finally home again.

Music has gotten me through some of the hardest moments of my life, and there have been many. I consistently think about how to describe the effect that music has on my soul, and it's this: music is there for you in a distinct manner in which friends and family cannot be. Music fills a void that seems impossible to fill. Music has the ability to motivate, destroy, ignite nostalgia, force self-reflection--it serves any purpose out there. Lock yourself in a room full of music, and it will evoke just as many, if not more, emotions than having a conversation with your closest companions.

It's hard for me to admit that the popularity of my genre is long gone. The heyday for rock and roll was about thirty to forty years in the past. That's fine. In today's world, rap is undoubtedly the most influential style of music pertaining to the younger generations. That's fine. Older generations still gravitate towards classic rock, jazz, and blues. Whether you absolutely cannot stand certain genres or not, like I can't with country, modern rap, modern pop, EDM, etc., we're past the point of arguing which is "better". There is no "better" form of music than another. Why? Because music speaks to and relates to us in a multitude of ways. Much like colors, it's nearly impossible to describe.

That being said, let's never forget to acknowledge the impact that music has on our lives. Through my 21 years of living, I'm not sure if I could have survived without shutting my door, throwing in earbuds, and escaping from the world sometimes. I'm not sure if I would have been able to leave the comfort of my bed. I'm not sure if I would have been able to pass that test. I'm not sure if I would have been able to amass the motivation to get into the gym and grind. Let's also appreciate the fact that others enjoy music that you may not prefer, simply because they have the same feelings you do about it. Let's, for once and for all, extinguish tedious arguments about genres of music--and just enjoy it.

Take a lesson from Ferris Bueller--"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." So, stop, look around, and appreciate music while you still can.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50073
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31955
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955401
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180555
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments