The Power of Music

Today’s post might seem totally random – and it is. I’m currently sitting on the train, on my way to work listening to my iPhone and it has just occurred to me how powerful music is.

Music has the power to give me flashbacks from times which I had forgotten. Regardless if I’m mid task, mid thought; it interrupts. With these flashbacks come the feelings you were experiencing at the time.
I have songs that remind me of tens if not hundreds of significant moments in my life. And the best bit – these associations of a song to a time are often subconscious. Sometimes Music even leaves me sitting questioning why that song reminds me of that time!

The main times of my life I associate with music are:

My last year in school (which I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friend who was in a band)

Every single freshers week in University. (the first week of each new academic year which is spent partying)

Just about every holiday I’ve been on.

Moving to London

And of course my wedding

I could actually tell you what a lot of these songs are; because I know – I made the associations through listening to certain songs repeatedly! And whenever I want to remember a time and reminisce; I play them.

What’s even more powerful, is to listen to a song that means something to you while looking through photos. It can almost make you think you are back there!

Do not underestimate the power of music. If you can’t relate to what I have talked about above; think about your favourite movie scene / tv show. Was there a track playing in the background? Probably. How did the producers create suspense, sadness, excitement and fear? Everyone remembers the theme tune to at least one TV show!

Next time a thought or memory flashes through your mind when you are listening to music, please don’t just ignore it. It is good to remember.

I think that there is no doubt that music is a great emotional companion and when you introduce words into a persons psyche – with all the emotion that music can bring – you’re affecting the human condition.