Today I was blog-hopping and came across this gem. It’s from my friend Piramol, you can see her full blog through the link at the side of this page. I was truly moved because what she says is something that I’ve tried to put into words for so long and failed to do. So, Molly, if you’re reading this, I hope you don’t mind me reposting it here.
Sometimes people question my taste in music. I listen to U2, Coldplay, the Killers, John Mayer, the Fray, Snow Patrol, so on and so forth. Yes, it’s hardly mainstream pop. Yes, it’s excruciatingly hard to find people who share my taste in music. Yes, the songs all have meaning to them… The thing is when I listen to U2… I feel a connection. Primarily to fellow U2 fans, one of them being my sister. I didn’t know her that well but I do know U2 was her favourite band as is mine. So when I hear Bono’s impassioned voice, I feel like I do know her. I feel like I know what she likes, dislikes, loves, hates because when I listen to their songs I feel a connection. It’s inexplicable and cannot be phrased in words. When I listen to what I listen to I feel a connection to those who listen to it as well. A rather peculiar sense of belonging but a sense of belonging all the same. Because, people who listen to this sort of stuff… On some level, are the same. After all isn’t it everyone’s dream to look across the gulf and see somebody waving back? I see people waving back.
All the melancholy, sentimental souls, I wave to you.
Hello.
I know I’ve talked about music before, about what it means to me. There have been some pretty difficult times in my life when music has played a part in helping me through. Sometimes, I see fans of a particular band or artiste saying online that so-and-so’s music saved their lives. And usually, people just think they’re exaggerating or idolising to the point of obsession. Granted, sometimes they are. But that connection that pulls you in, that plays the soundtrack to your life, that reminds you of people and places: it’s on a spiritual plane. It goes right to the centre of your soul. It’s too powerful to be ignored and I agree, you can’t find it in the mainstream stuff at all. Because it’s more than just a catchy tune or a danceable rhythm; it changes you and the way you live.
Right now, the song that’s on repeat on my ipod is ‘Hurricane’ by 30 Seconds To Mars. Again, it’s not the kind of thing that would appeal to everyone. But for me personally, when Jared Leto’s vocals go over do you really want/do you really want me managing somehow to still sing with the effect of being on the edge of a scream, something inside me is in the words and the picture of a man shouting at the world with utter abandon. It is heart-rending and I am amazed at how he packs so much pain and emotion into just two lines. And everytime that part of the song passes through my earphones, I feel a deep sense of relief after it as if I was the one who was singing instead, hurling all my anger and sadness into the wind. The feeling that I was within the song and I asked and was answered that yes, someone wants you. You are not alone.
Sometimes, a song can understand you better than any person. It can tell you what to do when you’re lost. Sometimes, it can show you the face of someone you wish you could see again. It can give you hope, or comfort, or joy, or a place where you can cry in peace.
This is the reason why people are always eager to share their music with each other. They want you to feel what they felt and understand something that is close to their hearts. I don’t claim to know more about any of this. It’s just that sometimes one gets tired of listening to drivel on the radio and in shops that’s like a really shiny, colorful present, but empty inside. I’m not saying that you can’t though, everyone has their own taste and maybe they’re not looking for the same thing. I would just like to be able to say I like a song without being asked why. Being a chart-topper isn’t a definition or a gauge.
So, to music: for saving my soul. For bringing me closer to the divine in some cases.
I thank the people who make it.
(the part I mentioned begins at 2.33)
