There are few things in life that lift the spirits like a great song. They make you feel happy, sad, angry, or inspired – sometimes all at once! Music really, truly does what no other artistic medium can – it’s a dose of serotonin for your soul!
Music is a powerful form of communication that can inspire, uplift and even motivate us to change. Whether it’s a beautiful love song, a rock anthem, or a classic ballad – the right tune can change your mood and help you to get through any rough patch in your life.
Writing a great song requires skill and dedication. A good writer will spend time getting the words right – ensuring that the rhyme scheme is solid with close or perfect rhymes. They will also ensure that the song is easy to follow and communicates clearly. Great production values are important, too – especially if you’re trying to make a song that will stand the test of time. If you hear a song from the last few years and it still sounds fresh, that’s usually a sign that the production is top quality.
Making music is a lot of fun and can be incredibly creative, too. It can be done on a variety of different devices, from a simple laptop or recorder to a professional studio. You can make a song about anything – from personal experiences to world events – and it can be as abstract or as concrete as you want. It’s important to understand yourself and your perceptions well enough to write something that is authentic – people recognise falseness in songs very quickly!
Not only does music have a positive impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing, it makes other activities more exciting and enjoyable. Listening to music while working, cleaning or cooking is a great way to pass the time and can make everyday tasks more enjoyable. It’s also a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day at work.
Music can also be used for more practical purposes – it has been shown to increase the intensity and duration of exercise, improve motor skills, and enhance retail behaviors such as satisfaction with restaurant service (North and Hargreaves, 1996). Music can even be used as psychological warfare during standoffs and to torture terrorists (Foucault, 1965).
Music is an amazing thing that can connect with us on a deep level and make our lives a little bit happier. The next time you listen to your favourite song, think about how it makes you feel and remember why it’s so special to you. Maybe it’s the lyrics, the melody or the chord progression – but whatever it is, make sure you keep listening!