Friday, January 30, 1998
Music strikes a major chord
MUSIC: Listening to song can raise spirits, bring sanity to our
otherwise hectic lives
By Thanh Dang
Music. This word means something different to everybody. To
some, it is that thing that they overplay in the school cafeteria.
To others, it is that obnoxious racket coming from their roommate’s
stereo. To a few of us, it brings sanity to our otherwise stressful
and chaotic lives.
We all have different views on how music affects us and what its
meaning is. I, for one, am not an expert on music nor do I claim to
be one. I would like to share with you my views on music and how it
affects us. I would like to start with an assumption that most of
us like music in some form or another. Whether it be rap, rock,
pop, alternative, R&B, country or classical, most of us enjoy
music.
Music is central to our spirituality and mental health. Most of
us listen to a song that lifts our spirit up when we are down.
Likewise, some of us cry when we listen to a really sad tune. Our
emotions are directly attached to the music that we are listening
to. If the music had no meaning to us, why would we listen to it?
Music allows us to express ourselves. Music has the ability to
strike a chord within us. Scientists are at a loss to explain this.
Their theory is that it is somehow related to our pulse and brain
waves.
We choose the music that best fits our ideas and feelings. We
want it to stand for what we believe in. This explains why music is
such a popular medium for the expression of new ideas. It reflects
the views and values of its audience. It is how certain artists and
groups appeal to us. Some of them use it as a way to speak out
against the system or to change our present views. They try to
start new trends and different ways of seeing things through their
music.
Music plays a key role in our society and culture. You can see
evidence of this in the Super Bowl halftime show and in Jewel’s
singing of the national anthem. A whole decade can be defined by
their music. You can look at all the ’70s music that is still
popular today. Other than the fashion, it was one of the most
characteristic things about that decade. I think that the same
thing will be said about the ’90s when it is all over with. Our
very ideas and thoughts are embedded in it. It is a part of us. It
defines what we are all about and our beliefs. For some, it is more
than that. For them, it is part of their heritage. Thus, music is
important to many Native American and African tribes. Music is also
a very vital part of many religions.
Our essence can be defined by music. It is one of the things
that separates us from the lower forms of life. For example, the
Pioneer satellite contained a disc which contained information
about the human race. And what do you think was included on it?
Some of the works by Beethoven and Mozart of course. In case any
extraterrestrial beings existed out there, they would be able to
figure out that we are intelligent beings. Even the most primitive
individuals of our species could recognize and appreciate music.
The fact that we can create and comprehend music sets us apart.
Therefore, music is a key to unlocking ourselves.
I have always loved music. As a little kid, I was very much into
music. I tried to listen to any kind of music that I could get my
hands on. Even though I didn’t know what the song was about, I
still listened to it until it was over. It didn’t matter to me
because I just enjoyed listening to it. As I grew older and my
taste in music became more refined, my love of music flourished
more. I appreciated music more because I learned that there was
such a tremendous variety out there that I was never aware of. I
noticed that each type had its own appeal. Even though my views on
music have changed, I still get a great joy out of listening to a
great song every now and then.
Music serves many purposes to me. It is an excellent motivator
and stress reliever for me. Whenever I want to relax or get away
from it, music provides a good way of calming me down. Music
soothes even the most savage of souls. This is so true for me
because I can count on it to lift me up when I am having a bad day
or not feeling good. It brings peace and a sense of tranquility to
me. It is a huge stabilizing force in my chaotic life. I use it to
balance the highs and lows that I encounter everyday. Thus, music
can bring harmony to a person’s life. Many believe that classical
music can help a person study or even think better. I would have to
agree because it has been rather helpful to me.
Music can be fun too. Hey, it sure beats staring at a painting
or watching mind-numbing television. Whether it be playing music,
writing a song or just listening to the radio, music is a great
hobby to take up. It doesn’t take much effort and is a great way to
spend your leisure time. Dang is a second-year chemical engineering
student.