“Take me back. Back to a time when things were simpler. When I could just throw my ear pods in and walk away from all the troubles the world had. Being able to just sit at the river and not want to cry every minute.” I say this as I have 12 assignments due and a very rigorous final schedule. I put my ear pods in and go for a walk. Music has always been a coping mechanism for me. For most people, to be honest. Putting on “that song” that sends those chills down your spine. The one song that can always put a smile where a frown once sat.
Music is used for many different things now. Most people enjoy iPods, concerts, or something music related. People set up tents at some places to get a good spot to a concert that is sold out or even outside a place that is putting the newest electronic on the shelf the next morning. People go to extreme stakes just to get the opportunity or possibility to have what they want. The only reason why people do this is because of bragging rights and they are addicted. It may not be right but it’s a social construct.
There is at least once a day when people hear a song. Whether it be passing by someone singing or walking into your favorite fast food restaurant, where music is used to fill the void between the orders and the clanging of dishes in the back. Even when driving to work, most people fill the void of conversation by putting on the radio, the newest pop song blasting through the speakers. Music is incorporated into everything, requiring the world to listen before projecting the thoughts plaguing their minds.
Throwing another rock into the water, I realize that the music playing in my ears isn’t something that I am familiar with. Looking at my screen, I see that it is something that Skyla had me put on my phone when she wanted to listen to it. The song’s name is “It Does Get Better” by The L Project, and it just talks about how when you are feeling down, thinking that it definitely can’t get any better, it will. It’s very uplifting, spiritual, and very consistent.
I allow the song to play and find myself looking at myself, the mirror image sitting in front of my face caused by the water in the river. I see little swirls in the water indicating the undercurrent, breaking the mirror-like image for only a couple seconds and then returning to the previous picture. Picture perfect is what is said, but I see no perfect in this. I see fault, broken, and missing. I change the song.
The next song to come on just so happens to be one of my favorites. “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back” by Shawn Mendes and I feel as though there really is nothing holding me back. I start to sing and dance, closing my eyes as the music flows through me. There is nothing that can stop me. I continue to dance, but I open my eyes and see some geese on their way to wherever they are going. The normal V makes me feel safe and sound. That’s when I realize something. All this music changes how you feel about certain things. If I had been listening to The L Project still I would have missed seeing one of nature’s most beautiful things.
Mood is the majority of what is influenced through music. Changing with every song even if it is just slightly. Letting the music change and remedy the situation in which you find yourself in. Music is just a header for a plethora of other somethings which make you think and react. Just putting on a song could change everything, from your perspective to your mood all the way to your life. Music is so influential. Letting it do what it wants will allow you to finally feel free.
Bring Me Back
By Wyatt Safford