Music

So many thoughts, ideas, emotions, dreams, and just plain life contain music. The majority of the time, I have music in my life, whether it be playing out loud, in the car (always in the car), in my earbuds, or I'm just singing in my head. Music is a part of who we are as humans. We come together over music. Music can heal, bring laughter, induce tears, and be quite cathartic. 

I have memories of my Dad working in our garage in our first house in Indianapolis. We had a one-story, three-bedroom, one and a half bath house with a detached garage. My dad had a record player in the garage and I'd watch him work, on, what I can't remember; while playing music and singing along. There was one record with the words "son of a gun" on the album cover. I remember thinking that was a bad phrase, and I would chuckle to myself when I'd read those words in my head. Such a rebel! 

My first concert was Neil Diamond, Indianapolis' Market Square Arena in 1984 (ish). The concert was almost three hours long and I practically fell asleep until I heard "Coming to America". As I got a bit older, I was made fun of for seeing and listening to Neil Diamond. Apparently, he wasn't cool enough. In high school, I was made fun of for liking George Michael - not alternative enough. In college, a few people rolled their eyes because I listened to Dave Matthews Band, "they sold out". Why do we make fun of others for the music they listen to? Why do we define ourselves by the music we enjoy? There is music I like and don't like. Doesn't mean I have the right to make fun of someone for their preferences.

I find myself drawn to the songs of melancholy. The more broken hearted, the better. Why? I really don't know. Perhaps because for so long, I was invariably broken hearted over someone or something. I still struggle with that today, just not as strongly. Perhaps this music means I'm really okay. I'm not all that different from other people. We all experience pain from time to time. For me, music can release a bit of that sadness.

So today, I'm inspired to listen to a bit of my childhood music as I work on weekend chores.

Rock on!