What Does It Mean To You?

This is a topic that I could write or speak about in depth for longs periods of time. In fact, I do. However, in this blog today I choose to just skim the surface and leave you with a few questions that you can ask yourself that will hopefully help you analyze the impact that music has on your life, as well as the variety ways you may use it.

What makes us enjoy it so much?

From the time we were little kids music has made us dance. It may have taken a little provocation from our family and friends in many scenarios, but nonetheless, it made us dance and brought a smile to our face. But something was definitely there from the very beginning. What is it in the variety of sounds that makes us enjoy it so much? I wish I could tell you. The vibrations of the music and the meaning behind the lyrics are a place to start, as well as the positive emotions that tend to arise when most music is played. The great memories that resurface when a certain song comes on is also fun. Whatever the reasons, it's another layer in our lives that is a source for passion, entertainment, artistic expression, and is something that potentially billions of people hear everyday.

Music has played a relatively large role in my life and I enjoy finding new or old music from a variety of genres (reggae, rock, jam bands, jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, etc.). The cultural aspect intrigues me; the sounds are refreshing; I enjoy the advice and guidance that musicians offer within their lyrics and the capability to express yourself through making or listening to music is interesting. Not to mention, there is nothing like an amazing show at a music festival or at an incredible venue (the Gorge comes to mind). Sometimes this requires flying across the country, which I have done and will be doing again this summer. Some of the musical festivals around the country are indescribable with the festivities taking place and the positive emotions that surround everyone involved.

Music is a great source for keeping ourselves busy. My brain (being the multitasking machine that it is) is always looking for something to do when the task at hand does not require incredible focus such as driving in the car or sitting at the computer. I am also very thankful for music because I could only imagine how long work would seem to take without it.

What is your purpose for listening to music?

It seems that dependent upon the situation, we use music for a variety of reasons, all of them understandable. We use it as entertainment to keep us busy at work; we use it as artistic expression; we use it as a source of inspiration; we use it for social purposes; we use it to express our culture or as a sense of style; we also like to play it in the background when were trying to make out with someone of the opposite sex. I hope you get my point.

The more I think of it, there are not many situations in which we do not enjoy the sounds of music. The only scenario I can think of is truly serious situations or when we are trying to focus.

How important is it to you?

Due to the lack of time, there is only a relatively small number of hobbies that we can give great focus to everyday, and some things are just more important than others. Where does music rank in regards to importance in your life? It obviously varies between different people. Some people use it as cheap entertainment while they are working, and consequently, never think about it again throughout their day. That is fine. Some people spend their entire lives creating, listening, or working in a musical related profession. There is no harm in that either.

Because of the reasons previously explained, music plays a pretty large role in my life. The more I search for music, the more I enjoy the variety. Life would seem pretty boring to me at times as the dynamic nature of the world would seem to be missing something. Could you imagine life without it? We hear music just about everywhere we go: sporting events, on television, on the radio, on the computer, at work, at home, at our friends, etc. There are just so many places that we listen to it that I would go crazy with all the awkward silences would take place without it.

Try thinking about the music you listen to. Also, maybe look around a little and see if there is some music out there can play a larger role in your day-to-day activities; I would be happy to show you some that has meaning to me. I also ask you to understand the importance that music plays in other lives and respect the others around you that are trying to enjoy it. Finally, I ask you to find some music that you enjoy, turn it up loud, and ENJOY!

Curious what I listen to? Hit the play button on the top of the screen to your right.

Stephen DeMent