Living Outside the Lines: Music’s Unique Power
Music is a remarkable tool; it can soothe a crying baby, calm a frazzled adult, unite a diverse group of people, bring division, transform a dull event into an electrifying one, and transport the psyche to another time and place.
According to Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_music, music is found in every known culture, past and present. Even the most isolated tribal groups have a form of music, so it is believed that music has existed since practically the beginning of time. While music varies across the globe, its powerful impact on humankind remains the same.
Toy makers understand the role music plays in a child’s life. How many screaming babies have ceased their crying the moment, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little” star began playing on their crib mobile? What about the adorable toddlers who start shaking their little booties when the musical turtle begins a melody? Let’s not forget about the spinning ballerina living in the musical jewelry box, many little girls are mesmerized by that magic combination.
Music is often soothing. Mel Gibson’s character in, “What Women Want” puts on Frank Sinatra to aid in the creative process. In “Pitch Perfect” Becca uses music to escape the unpleasant collegiate world. During particularly stressful workdays, I put in my headphones, turn on Pandora and bring on the calm.
Any bandleader knows how impactful carefully selected songs can be. Ever notice how a crowd at a football game unites when the band starts to play? Or what about what happens at any event where the national anthem is played? Suddenly, for those moments from the first to the last stanza everyone is a patriot, undivided by race, color, creed, sex, or religion.
Music can also divide, even close knit families. The music of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones were notorious for bringing division between traditional parents and their slightly more liberal offspring. What teenager hasn’t argued with their parent over the appropriateness of listening to a certain genre, specific song, or the decibel at which they choose to indulge?
In the movie, “Footloose”, the long awaited prom is a spectator sport until Ren McCormack hits the dance floor to the Kenny Loggins tune of the same name. The dull room becomes an instant party! The Kellerman’s resort season finale in“Dirty Dancing” starts out as a snooze fest but turns sensational when Baby and Johnny take the stage. In both examples, it only takes one song to get everyone’s feet movin’!
Personally, I cherish music’s ability to transport me to another time and place, to bring back fun memories. Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” was playing in the San Marcos High School auditorium the day our youngest son signed his letter of intent to play football at Hardin Simmons University. Whenever I hear that song, I am right back in that auditorium, smiling and celebrating all over again. Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” was popular during my high school days in South Carolina. Whenever I hear it I am reminded of my friends from Protestant Youth of the Chapel (PYOC) group; the hysterical times we had every week plus all the crazy trips and retreats. Priceless.
Without music, there is no way I could successfully complete a long training run, the 13.1 miles of a half marathon or the grueling 26.2 miles of a marathon. Music lets me zone out, separate myself from the daily grind and just be. Plus, since all of my favorite tunes are loaded on my IPod, the music let’s me travel further than my feet ever could; it is a magic time machine.
Feeling out of sorts? Turn on your favorite song, let yourself get lost in its rhythm and if that doesn’t help, keep playing it until you are transported to that safe and happy place.
Until Next Time,
Becky J Miller
“Warrior Princess”
