Experiencing Music
How do you feel when you hear a song you loved in your teens and twenties? What memories come up?
Depending on your age and culture where you lived, the songs will be different but we share common experiences.
Our hearts are touched by music. Our bodies move to music. The powerful interplay of music and memory is being studied.
What did you dance to?
I won a dance contest with The Twist, Chubby Checker. I think I was twelve. Now I’m 71 and I still enjoy putting that tune on and dancing The Twist.
What were you listening to as you lay on the floor alone or with friends?
Maybe you were looking at the album cover and liner notes as you listened. Do you still listen to music that way or is it usually more in the background now? Willow, Joan Armatrading. Hallelujah, k.d. lang
Music helps us feel
We had Amazing Grace on bagpipe at my father’s funeral and for months after I noticed when it was playing in a grocery store or other public place. It brought me right back to that day.
I played Yesterday, by the Beatles, hundreds of times through my teen years. I remember listening to the record and playing it on my flute for days after I heard the news that my favorite teacher had been killed in a car accident. What we listen to on repeat can be significant in terms of what was going on and how we heal.
What songs do you remember from movies?
The theme from Jaws?
Lara’s Theme from Dr Zhivago?
What Was I Made For? Billie Eilish from the Barbie movie
Who have you seen in concert?
What memories come up? Where were you? Who were you with? I saw Tom Cochrane in a field south of Calgary on an expectedly cold day in late August with 3 friends who I’ve since lost touch with. Life is a Highway.
Music inspires us to social change
9 to 5, Dolly Parton
Glory, from the movie Selma, John Legend and Commons
Imagine, John Lennon
Rise Up! Parachute Club
Music brings us joy
Freedom, Jon Batiste
Happy, Pharrell Williams
Respect, Aretha Franklin
There is music that brings up sad memories and tears. Music that inspires us to jump up and dance. There are so many songs I could link to. You have so many songs you could bring forward. I’ve enjoyed sharing a few of my favorites. Here’s a link to some of my favorite music for justice and social change.
If you’re so inspired, put on some music. Feel it in your body and open your heart.
This week in our Sunday free community class, we’ll be listening to some songs together and sharing our experience. Join us for some fun and reflection. And very likely some dancing!