The Power of Music
There are some songs that me make feel like a stronger person just by listening to them. Others take me right back to very specific exeriences and feelings. Still others have the power to make me want to abandon all deep thoughts and just dance.
I really wish I was a better musician. I have a guitar that I've been "learning to play" for the past couple years. I'm a slow learner because I play in phases - I'll be obsessed with playing it until my fingers are raw for a couple weeks, but then a month with go by without me even touching it. But even though I can only play a few songs, and most often I can only play them at half the tempo they're supposed to be played at, it's incredibly rewarding to create my own music. I create slow, awkward, plunky music that starts over after a mid-song mess-up more often than not. Yet I feel like I'm doing something amazing every time I play.
Whether you're a musician or a singer or just a listener, once you learn the effects that certain songs have on you, you can use a collection of music to help nudge your feelings in just the right direction you want them to go.
Embedded below is a favorite song of mine for getting fresh perspective and feeling renewed and relaxed and capable. It's "Claire De Lune" (the title is French for "moonlight") by Claude Debussy, and it's in the public domain. I make myself a cup of hot tea, play this song, and am reminded of the feeling that everything is exactly as it should be and there are wonderful things waiting to be discovered.
What are some of your favorite mood-boosting songs?
-Brigitte
Do you have a comment? We'd love to hear what you think!
Do you have a question that we haven’t answered yet in About SAM-e? If so, please Ask Us a Question.
Comment Policy
We value your comment. Please see our comment policy for more details on our guidelines for commenting.
Comments
romeo Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Edvard Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King"
Blargal Thursday, May 06, 2010
Hello,Brigitte.
My taste in music varies widely.Different styles of music,orchestral to a cappella, all affect my mood depending on what I want to feel for a task at hand. I will listen to a woman vocalist,when I want to concentrate. And, i listen to hard rock, when I need energy to get a tough or boring job accomplished.
Mark Thursday, May 06, 2010
Just like the end of Ocean's Eleven, I now see fountains when I hear this track. Not such a bad visual image I suppose : )
David Thursday, May 06, 2010
Wow, thanks Brigitte. I especially liked the recording of "Claire de Lune" -- I'll have to put that on my iPod. You might also like "Melody in F, Op. 3, No. 1" by Rubinstein (performed by Cherkassky). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHlZjc37qGs
Joe436 Thursday, May 06, 2010
I bought a guitar last month so I could serenade my girlfriend on her birthday. I've never played a guitar or any other instrument before. I could only practice when I was alone so I didn't get a lot of time to learn. I needed something easy so I picked the happy birthday song. It was an awful performance, but she loved it. I guess love is blind and tone deaf.
Joe436 Thursday, May 06, 2010
I just realized I didn't answer your question. There is this one song that I listen to everytime I'm stressed and need to close my eyes an relax. It's just a piano playing. My Waltz With Matilda, artist is Skully. Not sure if that is a band or person.
David Thursday, May 06, 2010
I can think of many examples of what you're saying. Listening to "Olympic Fanfare" before running a marathon. Hearing the Star Spangled Banner right after the 9/11 attacks. Listening to John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" when I haven't been back home to West Virginia for a while. The comfort of singing familiar hymns in church--the same ones I grew up with. Music really does have a strong connection with our emotions.
Mike M. Friday, May 07, 2010
Claire de lune is such an amazing piece. I especially love how Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr. played it...a bit slower than most versions, but for some reason it feels more passionate. YouTube: "Van cliburn plays Debussy Claire de lune"
This piece has inspired me to catch a moonset...which is kinda difficult living in L.A.
helen Monday, May 10, 2010
I like Rachmaninoff Theme from Paganini from Somewhere in Time. Beautiful.