Just like any other day in my life, I am walking from one place to another, headphones on, music playing in my ears. Some days I have very specific tastes, and others I yearn for anything new. With such a wide variety of music available at the tip of our fingers, people like myself who get lost in music can fall into utter bliss through nothing more than our headphones. Finding that song that's been at the back of your mind all day, or that fits your mood perfectly is one of the most wonderful feelings.
Occasionally, when I'm just listening to a new playlist or station with music that I haven't heard before, I stumble across this magnificent, rare type of moment. A song starts up, one that I've never heard before, that perfectly captures my attention. Now, usually, when I'm listening to new music, I am really only half listening, satisfied by a decent beat with a good melody and any lyrics that are slightly better than garbage. But one of these songs is very different from the rest, making you stop what you're doing to actually, really listen to what the music is saying. This beat isn't just sub-par, and this melody doesn't just float on past you like the rest. One line of lyrics hooks you, and you're in, more captivated by this song than all the rest so far combined. This song speaks to you, in an awe-inspiring moment that makes you wonder how one person you've never met can feel the exact thing you're feeling and translate that into a beautiful piece of music. You are no longer just listening to music, you are hearing the most beautiful form of poetry that lights your heart on fire and reminds you of a common human connection.
Why am I so excited about music? Well, there really isn't one simple answer to that. I have been fascinated by musical instruments since I was a child, and even tried to learn a few in my childhood before sports completely monopolized all of my free time. I also loved just singing along to the songs on the radio every time I'd ride in the car anywhere. I was put in choir fairly young and had a decent enough voice that singing was always very fun. Then, as I got older and began to explore the world of writing and poetry, music just became that much more of a wonder to me. Talented young people like myself across the globe were able to put a pen to paper and think of poetry so beautiful and flowing that it could be easily turned into song. As a poetry writer myself, I know that it can be very difficult to write a piece that is both utterly true to the way you feel, and effective in its form in getting across the emotions to the listeners or readers. To be able to reach your audience so powerfully, in such a beautiful, melodious way is something I have admired more than many other things.
So here's to hoping that each of you finds one of those songs soon, that lifts up your heart and says exactly what's been on your mind.
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo.
