The Language We All Understand

By Elizabeth Comas

A melody strung together with instruments of all kinds—from pianos and guitars to drums and horns. Music is a beautiful piece of art that can make us feel different emotions. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Combining performing arts and literary arts to create something inspiring! And not only that—every song is unique, with different rhythms, lyrics, instruments, voices, and moods.
 
Music can make us feel bigger than something that is. You ever dance to a song or nod your head to the beat? Or imagine a made-up scenario to the lyrics of the song? These small things are not appreciated that often, in fact, underground musicians don’t get too much recognition. The reality is music is all that. The people that do enjoy music or regularly listen to it outweigh the ones that don’t.
Arguably, many frown upon the idea of a career in music. They don’t see it as a “real” job. However, music brings joy to millions of people and makes us feel distracted. Sometimes, a distraction can be just what we need. I know from experience that music can save lives, especially those songs with a theme or message behind it. When I was in a rough place after my pet died, I listened to music to help me cope, specifically emotional songs. It made me feel understood and I didn’t feel as alone. It may seem contradictory to listen to sad songs when you’re sad enough as it is but for me, it gave me an outlet to feel better. I didn’t feel alone in the world. I felt connected. Music is more important than one thinks, and the amount of time spent making a melody woven with instruments is powerful.
 
Music also can serve as motivation to get work done, believe it or not. For instance, in a 2013 study called, “The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response,” by Myriam V. Thoma, Roberto La Marca, and Urs M. Nater, it’s stated that “Listening to music prior to a standardized stressor predominantly affected the autonomic nervous system (in terms of a faster recovery), and to a lesser degree the endocrine and psychological stress response.” Clearly, with a reduction in stress, it can encourage people instead of just being bored in silence and make the time go by faster, stimulating the brain to work harder. There are so many benefits of music to the listeners, yet music is not appreciated enough.
 
Music is more than just songs. It’s words, it’s writing, it’s inspirational. It combines math, fine arts, reading, and writing. Not just one thing or two things, but multiple things. It’s beautiful.
Putting on a pair of earbuds and closing my eyes, I hear a melody. Simple, yet complex. Basic, yet elaborate. Calm yet chaotic. And for once, I can relax.