But I also make sure I take the time out at least once a day to really listen to music. It is easy to drift along and do things with music in the background, but I also like to fully focus on music when I can. To just sit back, do nothing else and listen to the melody, beat, rhythm, lyrics and emotion behind a song.
I don’t need to spend prolonged periods of time doing this, but I do need to connect with music on this deeper level at least once a day.
I did this today with one of my favourite tracks from a band called Death Cab for Cutie. The song is ‘Transatlanticism’ from the album of the same name. This song starts off gently and gradually builds in power. The guitars and drums gradually get louder and more emotive and the repeating riff worms its way into my psyche. There is a phrase at the end where the lead singer sings over and over ‘I need you so much closer’ which leads into the line ‘So come on’, which gives me goose bumps and makes me feel the song deeply. Especially with that riff underneath and the building drums. It is powerful, sublime stuff and I can heartily recommend you sitting back and giving yourself over to this song if you get the chance.
Music is great for getting us through certain tasks or through a long day at work, but I also like to pick those particular songs that have a deeper connection with me and giving them the attention they deserve. This way I allow them deeper into my life and let them affect me on a more fundamental level. It doesn’t take long to do, but taking the time to play and fully engage with music is a key part of my day and who I am.
For some people music is just fluff to enjoy at an odd moment or to always play in the background, but I love it that I can make it a more profound part of my life and let it affect and shape the person I am and who I want to be. This may sound a touch too deep and even a little melodramatic, but music has this effect on me and I am grateful for it. Why not find a song that moves you deeply and sit back and listen to it as closely as you possibly can, hear the nuances you may have previously missed and let it touch you on a deeper level. There is nothing like it.
Great entry! and here I was just telling you how much I love "My Baby Grand", the song Billy Joel wrote for Ray Charles, in which they take turns singing. When I hear Ray Charles' voice, as he sings, I get frissons up and down my spine. There is a certain point, where he sings toward the end which absolutely knocks me over. He sings up very high, voice almost cracking, but it doesn't, and it is so beautiful to me I must listen to that song over and over. Once I listened to it every day for a year. Going to check out your song now, as I have never heard this band and forward your post to my son. Thanks as always for expressing things most people are not consciously in touch with their feelings enough to be able to express.
ReplyDeleteOf course that is why we have writers like you, to explain what we know in our hearts but cannot articulate.
best wishes, jean
That song is so remarkable and in tune with its intent in the ways you pointed out, it is almost holy, for lack of a better word. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful comments, as always. I'm glad you enjoyed my post and the song itself.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant post Spidermonkey, I don't think your sentiments sound a touch too deep and even a little melodramatic at all, they are perfect. We all need to experience music on both levels. I sometimes listen to a song I have always listened to and feel something I have not felt before when I really listen to it. There are a few songs that always reduce me to tears. There is a line in an Alison Moyet song when she is singing about losing (sanity, a relationship, hope) and it breaks my heart. I adore the way musis makes me feel. Even if it is sad, it is better to be made to feel something than nothing at all. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I mostly listen to music on an emotive, superficial level, and this may be because I favour the rockier side of life! On the occasion that I sit down quietly, and usually read the lyrics at the same time, I enjoy the experience on a much deeper level.
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