Why Music Matters

Music seems to always have been a part of my life.  Some of my fondest and not so fond memories have had some type of music attached to them.  Now I don't know if it was the music that made those moments so memorable or the fact the music greatly enhances recall, but what I do know, is that music has made a profound impact on my life and I have often looked back on it to discover why.

If I carefully review my life, I can see that the pattern and direction of it was influenced for good or bad by the music I was listening to.  In the days of my rebellious youth, I would fill my head with such nonsense as Tool, Sublime, Metallica, AC-DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jimi Hendrix.  I'm not saying that these artists are bad in any way but the nature of their messages is of a more rebellious attitude and that allowed me to relate and fuel my desire for riotous living.  On the other hand, as my life goals and attitude towards myself and others have changed, so has the music.  My interests now have taken on a much softer form and they include more harmonious and peaceful messages. Most of the time, I enjoy music that has no words or message at all now.  Just the feeling and inspiration of a well written piece is enough to stir my thoughts and feelings toward whatever I have in mind for myself.

Taking this into account, the outlook of my life has been greatly enhanced by the realization of this great truth.  It isn't so much that music controls your life, but it is a fact that the music we chose to subject ourselves to has a way of influencing our decisions.  This is why music matters.  It matters a great deal because of the power it holds.  The power of influence and suggestion is ultimately at the basis of any choice and when we form our decisions, we undoubtedly look to what we are familiar with.

As I look even deeper, I find that music not only has power to influence our actions, but it also reveals the inward desires of our hearts.  Like minds are attracted to each other and they will always be comforted by their company.  For example, one who is found worshiping their god at a certain church, mosque, or synagogue will not be found gathering at another place of worship unless he or she has changed their ideas and beliefs so as to conform to those who attend such places.  Everyone enjoys the company of someone with whom they can relate to and this includes music.  It isn't any wonder then why events such as concerts attract such a large crowd of like-minded individuals.  You can even discover that such events will always have people who are dressed alike and are even disposed to dance or express their reaction to the music in the same way.

These ideas to some may be laughable but I have never been able to find a more reasonable explanation as to why music matters.  Many times in my life this outlook has been shared with me, but for one reason or another, I didn't want to recognize the truth of it.  Now that I have awakened to truths of which I have presented, I have been much more careful with my listening choices.  I have been able to make an informed decision as to what artists will help me achieve the realization of my dreams, goals, and aspirations.  It may seem like a simple and unimportant thing, but this alone has helped and continues to help me shape the outcome of my life’s journey.  If there was any advice I would give to someone asking about their choice of music.  I would tell them to be careful concerning the messages found within them and to not follow after them because of a catchy tune or beat.