The Power of Music
Recently, a friend and fellow music enthusiast emailed me and asked if I would write a blog post about music that has helped me throughout my journey. I really liked the idea, so I want to take the time to do that now. Art is art, no matter the medium or sense with which it is perceived. As such, here are five songs that have had an incredible impact on me:
- “And I said mama, mama, mama, why am I so alone? I can’t go outside, I’m scared I might not make it home. I’m alive, I’m alive. But I’m sinking in.” Listen here.
Rain King by the Counting Crows is a big song for me. In addition to being a song of things yearned for but unfulfilled (a situation felt acutely by those with mental health problems), I bonded with my dad over the song in a way that has only grown deeper in the twenty years that we have known the song. When I’m having a good day, it reminds me of happy memories with my father. When my symptoms are flaring up, it reminds me that other people are going through similar things. Duritz has been open about struggling with a dissociative disorder, and I think that makes his lyrics very relatable. Counting Crows are my favorite band to this day, and they hardly have a song that I don’t love. Give them a listen, deep tracks and all.
- “Somebody ought to take you in, try to make you love again, try to make you like the way they feel when they’re under your skin.” Listen to the studio version here. Listen to an awesome live version here.
Hand Me Down by Matchbox 20 is a favorite of mine as well. Rob Thomas is one of the most talented lyricists in the past quarter century, and this song is one of his best. It speaks defiantly to the mistreatment, neglect, and isolation so rampant in society today. Most importantly, it speaks to a basic human necessity: someone on whom to rely. Nobody is to blame, but for many with mental health problems, support networks are slow in developing or nonexistent. This song is a great reminder that there are people worthy of trust. Sometimes, that’s a major step.
- “Where did all the fireflies go? I heard someone say they ain’t never coming back.” Listen here.
I don’t care who you are, if you listen to the Lochloosa album by JJ. Grey and Mofro and don’t fall in love immediately, your music taste is suspect. This line comes from my favorite song from that album: Fireflies. The song functions as a nostalgic remembrance of childhood and a lamentation of the loss of innocence. This message is especially poignant for those struggling with mental health issues. I tend to save this song for days when my symptoms are flaring up. Something about it just helps stabilize everything a bit.
- “And the part of me unspoken, and the part that’s self-assured are belligerents divergent in a psychic civil war.” Listen to the studio version here. Listen to the MTV Unplugged version here. Do it now. Fall in love with David Le’aupepe. Thank me later.
Gang of Youths’ recent album Go Farther In Lightness has absolutely changed my life. Front man David Le’aupepe has been extremely open of his anxiety, depression, and suicide attempt. It doesn’t take much to relate to his lyrics, and this entire album is a true musical revelation. Though it’s hard to pick a favorite song, the song I’ve chosen is the first track, Fear and Trembling, a title alluding to the writings of Kierkegaard. Give it a listen, and see what you think. This album always helps me tremendously. When my symptoms are flaring up, I tend to work out to this album as well. By the end of the workout, I am usually much better off than I felt at the start. It’s powerful.
- “The night’s so dark and grey, but you’ve helped me find my way through the wild and wonders of this world. So take me with you now. I need to show you how I can love you better than before.” Listen here.
Build Me Up From Bones by Sarah Jarosz stayed on my writing playlist through the entire drafting and editing process of my novel. I have no doubt it will stay on through the shopping of said novel as well. Jarosz’s voice is haunting, as is the song itself. It’s peaceful in tone, but frank in meaning. If you don’t know Sarah Jarosz, check out this song plus her entertaining rendition of Annabel Lee. Though I take some issue with some word changes, the song is unique and fun.
That was fun. I really enjoyed diving into the songs that make my journey more bearable. I’m convinced that it doesn’t matter which art form you choose, they all have mental health benefits. Theater, studio art, music, it all helps. I’m not sure if any cross-disciplinary studies have been done, but it would be fun to investigate. For now, listen and be happy.