Recently, Chris Martin's "Carpool Karaoke" interview with James Corden peaked my interest. I had never known much about Coldplay before, besides knowing a few of their major songs such as "Clocks," "Viva La Vida," "Sky Full of Stars," and "Adventure of a Lifetime." Once I watched Chris and James' 15-minute video a few hundred times, I realized I needed to learn more about Coldplay, specifically Chris. Although I am a very new fan, I already know that Chris is going to leave a beautiful, positive impact on the rest of my life.
In countless interviews I have watched of Chris, he says the same line from the heart: "I'm just grateful to be here; I'm grateful to be alive." In one interview, Chris expanded, saying that sometimes we question what our place is in this world. "Well, first of all, your place is just as important as anybody else's. No one else is more important than you. We're all equally important."
The world is full of many people, events, and emotions. Some days things go right, other days things go wrong. What's important is that we are here. We are alive. We have been granted the ability to thrive on this Earth, to interact with each other, to share laughter and joy and pure bliss. Things will be tough. Every person is bound to go through tough times, but during those tough times it is important to stay grounded and realize that you are alive on this planet at this very moment for a reason. A special reason.
Chris is genuinely a funny guy. He'll crack harmless jokes about himself and his music career to lighten the mood and to bring happiness in others (and hopefully to himself as well). Laughter plays a huge role with positivity. When you have a positive mind our outlook on things, you want to laugh and smile and enjoy the current conversation or event.
Chris also has a great sense of imagination. He will say some of the most odd things, laughing as he goes along, and you can't help yourself from laughing as the story progresses. For instance, when asked how Coldplay asked Beyonce to sing back-up vocals for a few tracks, Chris tells James Corden that the process involves getting summoned to Beyonce's castle, beating Jay Z in a tennis match twice, and meeting Destiny's Child. I dare you right now to watch a video or two of Chris cracking jokes or goofing off, and then I want you to report back to me and tell me if you laughed or not. I bet you laughed.
Speaking of positivity and smiles, have you seen Chris' smile? Take a look.
When Chris smiles, it's with his entire face. I'm serious. Look at those eyes and those lips. Without a doubt, his smile could brighten up a room full of people. Save a picture of his smile and when you're sad, look at it. It will work wonders for you. That's a promise.
Not only does Chris promote positivity through his interviews and music, but he also promotes love. If you were to look up recent pictures of Chris and look at what he's wearing, you'll catch yourself finding a pattern. He is almost always wearing a button on his shirt that says "Love." If you watch interviews, you'll often see Chris handing one of those buttons to the person interviewing him. In an interview with Elvis Duran, Elvis explained that on the back of those buttons there is a website that is about spreading love all over the globe. The mission behind the love buttons is:
"...to remind people that their love is powerful. In a world where so many are struggling, the problems can seem unsolvable. When we reach out to others in a loving way, it dissolves the fears that keep us from seeing what we have in common. When we see ourselves in others, we naturally work together for the common good. Each time you reach out to someone in love, the Love Button you give them is a reminder of how easy it is to heal a little piece of the world right where you are."
All I want to know right now is will I ever get the chance to meet Chris? Could I get a love button from him? Please?
Music-wise, Coldplay has tons of beautiful, relatable songs for audiences to listen and sing along to. Their latest album entitled, "A Head Full of Dreams," is my latest obsession. The album is filled with catchy rhythms and beautiful lyrics. Some of my favorites include, "You can see the change you wanted, be what you want to be;" "Yes I want to grow, yes I want to feel, yes I want to know show me how to heal it up;" and "There isn’t a fire, That I wouldn’t walk through. My army of one is gonna fight for you." Their previous six albums are gems as well.
I still have a lot to learn about Coldplay and the four talented guys in the band. For now, though, I know one thing is certain: I am very grateful for Chris. I am grateful that I have someone like him to turn to when challenges arise. I am grateful to have a new band (and seven new albums) to listen to.
Thank you, Chris, for all that you do. Thank you for being a positive influence for your fans. Thank you for giving us all reasons to smile. Thank you for treating everyone like a somebody. Thank you for making us feel special and important.
To anyone out there looking for some positivity, or looking for some great music to listen to, I highly recommend Coldplay.
