I have always loved music. I love to sing (even though I’m terrible), interpret the lyrics, wonder what the artist was feeling when he or she wrote and/or performed the song, wonder who the song was written for, feel the rhythm, and also dance to it. Music seems to feed by soul in a way that nothing else does or can.
What I think is so cool about music is how it transcends the intellect and causes a feeling – so much so that a person can recall where they were when a particular song was popular, who they were with, and what they were doing.
I have some key songs from my life that are special to me….
“Amazing Grace” makes me think of my grandmother. When she sang this song, I thought it was the sweetest sound I had ever heard.
“Open Arms” by Journey puts me back in ninth grade when I had my first “real” boyfriend.
“Never Surrender” by Corey Hart reminds me of winning the Dixie Youth Softball World Series. It seemed to always be on the radio at the time, and one of the girls on the team whose parents were deaf taught all of us on the team how to sign the lyrics. We would do the signs for “Never Surrender” on the field to each other.
“Unchained Melody” was my parents’ song at their wedding, and my husband and I had it played at our wedding.
I could go on and on… there are so many that have been a part of special times in my life.
Right now, the song that means a lot to me is a song by Miley Cyrus called “The Climb.” The lyrics in the chorus really resonate with me and motivate me - whether I am on the treadmill, at work, dealing with children, or making life-changing decisions.
The chorus goes like this:
There’s always gonna be another mountain.
I’m always gonna want to make it move.
Always gonna be an uphill battle.
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose.
Ain’t about how fast I get there.
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side.
It’s the climb.
I’d love to hear about how music affects you, special songs from your life, and how it lifts you up.
Love,
Nif
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
“Unchained Melody”… are you serious? It was the song Steve and I danced to at our wedding! Should have known!!!I I heard “Amanda” by Boston the other day on the way to the school and I pictured myself back in Auburn at the Kappa Sig house talking to my boyfriend at the time, Keith.
Wow…Jennifer I really love this blog. Well first of all, Amazing Grace is just a powerful prose sans music. The backstory of John Newton is just , pardon the pun, amazing. The tune was a bar song that he used to set his lyrics and it is such a great marriage of song and text. I totally agree that music can really cause a powerful emotions in ways that speaking can’t.
It is why I became a choral conductor. I hope all is well with you and this is a great thing…I love reading bloglines:) Brava!!!
Color My World…….Prom 1974 (I don’t know why that one stands out in my mind so) Love all the oldie goldies….makes me reflect on those days and brings a smile to my face……there were some classics. My Cup Runneth Over With Love by Ed Ames was my grandfather’s favorite song. He played that little 45 over and over and over. I believe it was the only record he owned. He loved to play it for me whenever I was there to visit. Music does, indeed, soothe the soul and lift the spirits. I am especially inspired and moved when I hear a pipe organ being played in church…..nothing like it!
LOVE this post. I have always marveled at the way a particular song can INSTANTLY transport me back in time to a particular moment. Sometimes it’s even a moment I had completely forgotten about. Awesome.
Music is so incredibly powerful, and can have such a positive impact on people’s lives. We’ve collected some music-related “aha moment” videos that are wonderful illustrations of this.
Have a look and vote for your favorites. There’s some really great stories in there.
Thanks again for posting. Have a great night.
http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/voting?moment=dbssj
Thanks for the comment, Mike. It IS incredible how music can transport us to another place and time and evoke such strong feelings! Thanks for the link – can’t wait to check out the “aha” videos!