Listening to music is the most complex feeling from the standpoint of neuroscience. There's a song for every feeling and it takes you away to a euphoric place that brings empathy, joy, sadness, and sometimes anger. Cheated on? Carrie Underwood relates in her song by digging her key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4-wheel drive. Feeling guilty about a choice you made? Phil Collins can feel it in the air tonight. Girls night out? Paradiso Girls have the vibe with patron, tequila and her mamacitas. Music and the lyrics provide a mental escape to relate to what you have going on, in unexplainable ways. Here are some of the lyrics that stand out to me:
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
"And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."
When an opportunity comes, take it. Dance like no one is watching, and live with no regrets. There are endless opportunities and it is so important to take all of them that are possible. Not all of them will be successful, but that's the point. You learn from mistakes. Positivity will not come out of missed opportunities, but every one you grab will teach you something.
"Not Afraid" by Eminem
"And I just can't keep living this way, so starting today, I'm breaking out of this cage."
At any point you can choose to make a change. You can start little even just cutting your hair different, or moving to a completely new state. If you are in a situation that is upsetting or unhealthy, start today and break out of the cage.
"Where is the Love?" by Black Eyed Peas
"Take control of your mind and meditate."
You are the only one who can control your mind. Take a deep breath, control your thoughts, and relax. Don't waste time on things that you have no control over, and spend time on the things you can control, your mind.
"It's My Life" by Bon Jovi
"I just want to live while I'm alive, It's my life."
Straight and to the point. Our time on this earth is so short so add meaning to your life. Experience new things, live every single day like it's your last. You're only given one chance at life so live it to the fullest. Try new things, make mistakes, because in the end it is your story and you're the author. Make it interesting.
"Carry On" by FUN
"If you're lost and alone, or you're sinking like a stone, carry on, may your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground, carry on."
If you ever feel defeated, lonely, or depressed, keep moving forward. There is something better around the corner. Move on and grow. Don't look back because you don't want to waste time by clinging to the past. Always keep walking, and carry on.
"Me, Myself & I" by G-Eazy
"It's just me, myself and I, solo ride until I die cause I got me for life. I don't need a hand to hold even when the night is cold, I got that fire in my soul."
You're stuck with yourself for as long as you shall live. You can't escape yourself, and when it all comes down to it, you're stuck in your head with your thoughts. It's both a scary and peaceful thing. It is important to realize though that happiness and satisfaction comes from within. If you are not happy as a person, no one else can make you happy. Self happiness and acceptance is crucial because in the end, you've got you for life.
"I Lived" by OneRepublic
"Hope when you take that jump you don't feel the fall, hope when the water rises, you built a wall."
Take risks, but always have a back up plan. Once again, when you make the "jump" you're not always going to make it. So have a plan B. Falling is not bad as long as you get up again. You will bounce back.
"Stand By You" by Rachel Platten
"Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through, even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you."
Finding someone who you can connect with is important. Whether this is a significant other, a family member, or a friend, it's good to have someone who has your back. Find someone who will stick with you through thick and thin, and do the same for them.
Songs can provide people with so many different things.When ever you're feeling some type of way, hop onto Spotify and I guarantee there is a playlist already created for your mood or activity. Music is wonderful to dance to and get the blood pumping, but it can also be good for advice, or something to connect with. Look for the deeper meaning behind the lyrics. Knowing you're not alone in a situation is comforting, especially knowing that the artists you look up to have gone through similar situations. It's actually incredible to learn what songs are intended to mean, and how different people can interpret it. So next time you're listening to the radio, pay attention to the lyrics and the meaning behind your favorite songs!
