“Without music, life would be a mistake.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Music has always been a huge part of my life. One of the few constants that I know will always be there. Certain songs and artists have become like emotional comfort food for me. They remind me of special times or people while transporting me to a better place for that brief instant of time. Regardless of what kind of day I’m having, there’s nothing better than getting into in my car, cranking the radio and singing along as loud as I can no matter how ridiculous I look to the car next to me. Music also has the capacity to feel like a warm, soothing blanket, nourishing you when you are feeling hopeless and alone or trying to mend a broken heart.
The emotional and physiological effects that music has on the human body are undeniable. Listening to music is incredibly therapeutic as its effects are instantaneous. Much like the endorphins that are released in your body when you exercise, music is similarly able to instill that same feeling of euphoria and bliss.. I find that having music in my life is akin to always having a friend that is there for you. Even though I have never met any of my favourite bands, I still find it uncanny how complete strangers are able to perfectly capture what I’m thinking or feeling at different phases of my life. When I listen to music, I usually need to be able to relate to the lyrics on some level. Well-written song lyrics are just poetry set to music after all. That being said, not every song I listen to has to have some redeeming message or be about anything in particular. A lot of my favourite songs are about having fun and living for the moment.
Listening to my iPod, CDs or the radio are all well and good, but there is nothing more exciting than going to a concert. It is really something special to be part of the communal spirit that fills an arena or theatre on the night of a show. People from all walks of life assemble, bonded by their love of a particular band and the music that means so much to us for all kinds of reasons. The anticipation of waiting for one of your favourite bands to take to the stage is palpable. And then the music starts and thousands of strangers come together for two to three hours singing and cheering in unison. By the end of the night, you’ve lost your voice from singing and screaming and you’re exhausted from standing and clapping. Despite your fatigue, that amazing experience that you have shared with your fellow fans lingers long after the show has ended. For one night, complete strangers become your best friend as they high five or embrace you as if you were a long-lost relative. Music is a powerful thing. It’s the great unifier. It stirs all types of emotions that dwell inside in, just waiting to be released.
“There’s nothing like music to relieve the soul and uplift it.” – Mickey Hart
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