What Difference Does Kindness And Music Make?

People often find music to be, in a few ways, very useful, such as helping you concentrate, settling your nerves, or even allowing you to escape from reality, even if only for a few moments. Every song has “hidden meanings” behind the actual lyrics, leading to the true story of the song. An example would be from the song “Royals by Lorde”. The lyrics “And we’ll never be royals. It don’t run in our blood, this kind of luxe just ain’t for us, we crave a different kind of buzz.” means that she was not born into a famous family and does not have the luxuries of a materialistic lifestyle, however, she prefers a lifestyle fit for having a good time without any cares. The stories behind the songs are often inspired by the musician’s own life events, and because the musician has dealt with these things, people find that they can relate to the musician as well as the song. Therefore, they are affected by the song because of the connection they feel towards it. This experience can also affect people’s emotions and outlooks upon the world, changing the way they feel and think about things. An example of this would be if someone were listening to a song with an upbeat tempo and cheerful lyrics that are connected to the world around them. This would cause the person listening to the song to change the way they view their surroundings and such.

Whatever emotion people happen to feel at the moment, the music they listen to at that time tends to reflect those emotions. For example, if someone was feeling upset and it was more towards the extent of being sad, they would drift towards music with slow tempos and sad lyrics. People do this because they need something to help justify their feelings at the current moment instead of trying to make themselves feel better by listening to upbeat and joyous songs. Also, the kind of music that people choose to listen to affects how they view things. For example, if someone was angry and they listened to heavy metal or rap songs during this period, their mind would automatically set itself so that the person would find some reason to be aggravated by their surroundings. The music that they are hearing arouses their emotions, increasing their amount of anger. This is caused because the connection people feel with the lyrics of those loud songs change the way people feel and think about the things around them. However, if, in the beginning, someone was sad and, instead of wallowing in their misery, they decided to listen to upbeat songs in an attempt to cheer themselves up, they would be able to connect and relate to the music, viewing things from the song’s perspective, thus putting themselves into a good mood.

Personally, when I am in a bad mood, particularly when I am angry, I tend to listen to music that matches my mood. I find it to be a way to release some emotions before I finally move on. However, listening to that kind of music does not change the way I view things. The only music that changes the way I see my surroundings are sad, slow songs and upbeat, happy songs. When I just wish to listen to music, no reason necessary, I tend to listen to pop/rock songs as well as songs that give me the feeling of wanting to get up and dance. I find this kind of music very enjoyable; it always makes me smile and lifts my mood. Also, when I am with my youngest brother, we dance to the songs together just for the fun of it.

Because music tends to change people’s outlooks on the world and do, in fact, make a difference, I recommend the following songs because they can change your opinion on things in a positive way.

-        Happy by Pharrell Williams

This song, as it says in the title, is very happy and is also upbeat. The tempo is fairly fast and the beat makes you want to tap your foot, bob your head, or even break out into a dance. In the song, the lyrics include “Here come bad news talking this and that. Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold back. Well, I should probably warn you, I’ll be just fine. No offense to you, don’t waste your time. Here’s why: because I’m happy.” This implies that, although there are people talking improperly about him, he believes that he can handle it, the reasoning behind his brave attitude being that he is happy and refuses to let anything ruin his mood. It is important to not let people’s comments get to you, because in reality, their opinions do not matter. The only opinions that matter are yours and the most important people to you.

-        Born This Way by Lady Gaga

I find that this song is very powerful and uplifting. It has a strong tempo and a good dance beat, and every time I listen to this song, it makes me feel as though it is a good thing to be myself, which it is. I find that the lyrics “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track baby, I was born to survive. No matter black, white or beige, chola or orient made, I’m on the right track baby, I was born to be brave.” are strong, understandable, and relatable because they are very true. If you were to strip human beings of their entire outer appearance and organs, they are all simply bones, and afterwards, you would not be able to distinguish the difference between each of them just by using your eyes.

-        Roar by Katy Perry

I find this song to be very powerful and uplifting as well. The tune is catchy, upbeat and fun, and when I listen to this song, I am able to find bravery and I can believe in myself, and these are important factors for people who aim to overcome their fears. The lyrics “So I sat quietly, agreed politely. I guess that I forgot I had a choice. I let you push me past the break point. I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything.” implies that she was being pushed around and controlled as though she were a puppet. However, the next lyrics “You held me down, but I got up. Already brushing off the dust.” tells me that, once she realized how she was being treated, she decided to take action and is now ready to take back the control of her life. This is important because you are the puppeteer of yourself, and no one else should be allowed to replace you in that job.

-        Count On Me by Bruno Mars

This song is very happy and sweet. The tune makes you want to bob your head from side to side, smile, and sing along; I find that this song gives off that kind of vibe. When I listen to this song, it makes me feel as though there is someone that I am able to rely on, to trust, and it can definitely help to build stronger friendships. The lyrics “You can count on me like 1, 2, 3, I’ll be there. And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4, 3, 2, you’ll be there. ‘Cause that’s what friends are supposed to do.” shows that true friendship is based on trust and knowing that you can rely on your friend to come to your rescue if necessary. This is important because it is always a good thing when you know you have a friend who will always have your back and be there for you.

I find that music is a very powerful thing; it changes people. For better or for worse, that is for the listener to decide, but the main point is that music has a large effect on our generation. It can persuade you into changing or enhancing your emotions, or having different perspectives of your surroundings. Music does make a difference. Each way may be different from another’s, but it is always changing things.