The Notes Will Set You Free
Passion, a strong and extravagant fondness for absolutely anything on earth, an intense feeling of adoration for a person, place, or thing, the state of being acted upon or affected by an external desire-in one word, love. As a child I remember being passionate towards anything and everything I could think of. At that age, nothing seems impossible, and a sense of invincibility is always in the air. Childhood is possibly the only point in life when one feels they can actually make a difference and leave a positive and helpful imprint on the world. One week I was going to be a famous ballerina and the lead in Giselle, the next a fashion designer, or, a veterinarian. Week after week there was some new occupation I yearned for, or a trendy new cause worth fighting for. Then, my grandfather died. After his death, I knew medicine was my true calling, and this passion stuck with me longest. It lasted up until the middle of high school, when I stopped having as much trust in hospitals and doctors.
Years
later, off I went to college only to run into the same old dilemma, the most
popular and frequently discussed question, Òwho in the world am I,Ó[1]and
what am I passionate about. I felt an enormous amount of pressure from my
family and advisors to choose a major, a minor, and a label for myself. I
decided that the best way to narrow down the endless list of options was to try
out as many different things as my parents (or rather my tuition loan) would
permit. I took advertising classes, photography classes, anthropology classes,
and several others, until at last I found English. While writing and all other
forms of art were very dear to my heart, there was still a void; there was
something I was overlooking. That thing was music. How could I have been so
blind? Music was the one thing that had been there all along, right by my side,
from the time I was a baby. It was the one thing I could not live without. The
one, non-living thing I would die for, my passion. Unfortunately, I was not
very good at singing, or song writing, or playing musical instruments, so all
that was left for me to do was appreciate music for all it is worth (which in
my opinion is a lot).
THE BEATLES WWW.MOOSENET.COM
It
all stared when I was a little girl. My mom (who is also very fond of good tunes)
quit her job when I was born, so she and I were at home together all day long
just hanging out and listening to music. This was my first introduction to the
beauty and harmony within music. We listened to everything from the Supremes,
and other Motown hits, to Elton John and Beatles. In the evenings, when my dad
would come home from work, we would dance around the living room to Dire Strait
and other classic rock hits. As you can see, there have been a plethora of
influences from various genres of music in my life. At night when it was time
for bed, while most kids were being read fairytales and sung sweet lullabies,
my mom would sing me ÒRocky Raccoon,Ó by the Beatles, until I finally dozed
off. Whenever my mom sang to me, and even when I hear ÒRocky RaccoonÓ today, I
feel safe. The lyrics soothe and comfort my mind and soul; they make me feel at
home. These are my first memories of music; this is the beginning of freedom,
and thus, the beginning of happiness.
Music plays many
diverse roles within my life. For instance, music is my own personal escape, it
is my savior. While some people enjoy reading books, in an effort to live
vicariously through the characters in them, I turn to music, rhythm, and
harmony. Music Òfulfill[s] my blissÓ[2]
it delivers a natural high for which there is no substitute. Music occupies
only the ears, leaving the rest to the imagination of the listeners. I can be
anywhere in the world when I am listening to music; it is an out of body
experience that enables me to fly away. It sweeps me away from the war, from
poverty and hunger, and other basic elements in my life. Music is necessary for
the nourishment of human nature and soul. When the notes flood my ears I become
overwhelmed, punch-drunk, and weak at the knees. No matter how chaotic or
terrible my day has been music dissolves the negativity. Music is my
Òtranquility in the midst of trauma.Ó[3]
RADIOHEAD WWW.RAP.UCAR.EDU KINGS OF LEON WWW.RHAPSODY.COM
Music
has the ability to take you back to memories of people, places, and things long
since forgotten. For example, when
I here the song ÒMiss You,Ó by the Rolling Stones, (one of the most influential
rock and roll bands of all time) it gives me chills. It is such a sexy,
feel-good tune, and every time I hear it, it carries me away, to a long night
last summer when my friends and I danced until the sun came up. It reminds me
of sweaty, salty skin and smiles. Another moment that stands out in my mind is
the very first time I heard a Radiohead song. The tune was ÒHigh and Dry,Ó and
each time it plays it brings back the smell of Nag Champa, the scent of my
friend IanÕs bedroom where the song played. It was on record, 
and
for some unknown reason, vinyl always sounds better, and more honest.
Furthermore, anytime I hear Kings of Leon, (in particular the song, ÒMilkÓ) I
tremble
with joy and am instantly reminded of a beach party I once
attended. I can feel the sand between my toes, the sticky, dried water on my
body, and the crispness of my ocean hair. Music has the capability of taking us
back in time, enabling us to relive moments from our past. Thus, it takes us to
the places we have been before.
SUBLIME WWW.XANGA.COM
Much like the mirror
in Alice in Wonderland, music stimulates
a Òdesire to really find oneself.Ó[4]
Sometimes, it has the ability to uncover feelings you may have never known were
there, feelings that for one reason or another have been repressed. For
example, when I listen to Sublime I feel that I can relate on so many levels. I
feel understood and loneliness is
suddenly lifted. It feels so good to know that someone else feels the same as
you; has the same thoughts and emotions inside of them. Music speaks to me and encourages me to
Òknow thyself.Ó[5] It is my
therapy.
Music is universal, it brings people together. White, black, tall, short, young, old, man, or woman, we all enjoy good tunes, and we all find pleasure in different music. Music touches the lives of people in every part of the world. It is unavoidable; whether we are at the mall, or at school, or in the car we cannot escape music. It is on television, in movies, and is in the background of many of the places we visit each day. Many people can also enjoy music of other cultures and in other languages. One of the stations I have programmed to my car radio is the Spanish channel, the music is great and there is a lot less talk. Furthermore, many CDÕs these days are being made in other languages and sold all over the world. In fact, many of the bands I listen to are more popular in other countries than in the United States. The universality of music enables it to reach out to the masses and reminds us that we are not so different after all.
Music is inspiration, Òinfusion into the mind and soul,Ó[6] and thus evokes creativity and hope within listeners. It encourages free-thinking and daydreaming by eliminating any worries or problems for a certain period of time (the length of the song or album). It allows the listener to step out onto a new wavelength of creativity, by giving them insight into another form of art. Music arouses the senses and Òallows the mind to wanderÉwithout restriction.Ó[7] It gives listeners the opportunity to explore their fantasies and use their imaginations. Moreover, music gives people hope and can rouse excitement within the listener. For example, during a basketball game in order to Òpump upÓ the crowd, and the players, they play loud, fast, music, that everyone can sing along to. Music is a Òpeculiar world of its own rules, logic, and language.Ó[8] It can function as a personal escape, a tool to trigger memories, a source of inspiration, or an instrument to aid you on your journey towards self discovery. Music enhances our lives and gives us a sense of place in the world. Without it life would be a dull mistake. So satisfy the craving, and let the music Òsave your mortal soul.Ó[9]
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