Over the past few years, I have become increasingly interested in the topic of music and the impact it has on a person’s life. I feel as if everyone has their own ever-changing soundtrack that uniquely defines who they are and what they stand for as a person, whether that be in the terms of emotions, passions, dreams or anything else that is held on a pedestal of significance. While there are two types of people in this world: ones that listen to the music and ones that listen to the lyrics, we all come together in the end to enjoy something that truly makes this world a brighter place.
For me, I have always enjoyed paying attention to the lyrics of songs and analyzing them for the surface meanings as well as the hidden ones. Because of this, artists that write the lyrics themselves have my utmost respect. You can usually tell when an artist does this because the lyrics are extremely detailed since they typically explain a story, and you can hear the rawness of emotion in the singer’s voice. This combination truly makes a difference and creates what I believe to be a great song and sometimes even a masterpiece.
I also think it is interesting to consider how our choice in the music we listen to alters with the events occurring in life. The changing of seasons is a good example of this; Summer tends to be defined by country and upbeat hip-hop or EDM type music, in my opinion, whereas in autumn, I tend to lean more towards acoustic or heartwarming tunes. Our days may be filled with slow ballads, but our nights are occupied by the sounds of a pounding bass and an electric guitar. Either way, these melodies are what really enhance moments and allow them to become unforgettable in our memories.
One of the most satisfying feelings in the world is discovering a song that relates to exactly what you are going through during that moment in time. Often, the feelings that flow through a person’s mind can leave them feeling like they are the only one that feels that way and like they are in a hopeless position. Time after time, music is there when people are not and provides a warm feeling of comfort. Songwriting is an absolute art, point blank. Intertwining words into rhythmic sequences is a beautiful way of saying everything and anything that you have wanted to say to a person, without having to fear what their reaction or response will be.
As humans, there are so many words that remain unsaid every single day of our lives solely due to not being brave enough or not having enough courage to say them. After a while, these words begin to overwhelm us, and it almost feels like we are drowning because there is this feeling of tension that continues to pile up deep inside our brains day after day. By writing a song, you are releasing what needs to be said out into the universe without having to worry about the outcome, which provides a gratifying relief, something that we all crave.
In the fast-paced world that we live in, it seems as if everything is constantly changing, such as technology, fashion, and most of all, people. While the types of music being created are regularly being altered as well, having music in our lives remains a persistent element that leaves a lasting impact. Music is meant to entertain, but more importantly, it has a purpose of teaching through the use of sound and storytelling. As Bruce Springsteen once said, “We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever did in school."
