Music to my Ears

I would like to feel as free as a bird... imagine the sky to yourself

I’m humming away to a song when my sister asks, “How do you do that?” Confused, I ask her what she means and she says, “You’re humming to the bass in the background. How is that??”

Oh, I hadn’t realized when that happens. As a result, I’m now more self-aware when listening to music and humming along. I now listen to each and every instrument I can hear and I marvel at how those small bits and pieces create the existence of the song and make it what it is. Without that one beat or instrument it would sound entirely different. Would you notice the difference?

When you listen to a song, do you imagine what it would sound like on a certain instrument? I do. I mostly imagine myself with a violin, lost in the waves of the notes I play. My heart comes to life and I feel enlightened. I must say that it is unfortunate that I fell back on mastering the violin.

When you listen to a song, do you listen for the beats and smooth sound, or do you pay attention to the lyrics? I tend to first notice what a song sounds like and I always end up liking it within the first ten seconds. 99% of the time that I do this, I end up adding one more favourite song to my playlist. I then slowly take in the lyrics and I pretend to be an analyst, looking for the meanings behind the words. I fail at this and instead empathise with the singer. What caused him/her to write these words? Who did them so dirty like that? Who are they singing about?

When you listen to a song, do you feel sad when it has to end? Some songs do make me feel this way. I pout as the last notes fade away and before the next song has a chance to start, I hit the replay button. I do this over and over again hoping I don't drive myself to boredom with the song. I have a long list of songs I had to stop listening to because of this. Sad, right?

However, there are plenty of songs that I have never been tired of listening to. Okay, let me talk of albums just to have my interests as one collective.

Number one of course, is the one and only Marina Diamandis. She's more commonly known as Marina and the Diamonds. I came across her I think in 2015?? Not too sure. I could go on and on about Marina and how much I love her but it might beat the point of this haha

Your mental health can be as fragile as a bubble. Take care💟

*tiny sad alert below*

"Couldn't relax, couldn't sit back and let the sunlight in my laps... and all the sadness inside me melted away like I was free." - Marina Diamandis, Happy

In late 2017 to a part of 2018, I went through a very dark and low point mentally (inexpiable feelings) and I can't say enough times how HAPPY I am that I found her album called Froot. There's a song called Happy and I'll admit that it made me cry a few times (gah, it's a bit embarrassing to say) but really, I think it helped and it has a good message of finally finding happiness. The song resonates with me and I'M SO GRATEFUL. I DON'T KNOW HOW I CAN BEGIN EXPLAINING TO YOU THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT THIS!

It was also during the first few months of 2018 when I stumbled across Beach House. The first song I heard was Space Song in their Depression Cherry album. I remember feeling good while listening to it and this also contributed to rising above the sadness. I still feel good listening to any Beach House song :)

I don't have much to say really. I suggest that you don’t just listen to music but listen and absorb the good vibes it gives. Listen and feel that musical high lifting you off the ground and elevating you above the clouds. Search for the albums I've mentioned and see if you like anything. I hope you do <3

Good bye. Keep humming and as a little bird I know says, "just breathe" 💖