Often we talk with callers about how they are coping with what is going on in their lives, and we hear them say "music". Having one of those weeks? Where you just want to stick your headphones in your ears and drown out the world? Understandable. We all have those days. We've talked about it before on our blog. How lyrics capture someone's emotions. How one song can bring back good or bad memories. How the sound of an acoustic guitar can have you closing your eyes and imagining you're the one the artist is singing about or too.
Take for example The Beatles song "Let It Be". "And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me, shine until tomorrow, let it be." Does that lyric to you inspire you? Does it help you think that tomorrow is a brand new day, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel? What about Leona Lewis "I Got You"? "And when you a need place to run to, for better for worse, I got you" Does that make you think of someone in your life that needs your support? Does it make you feel inspired to turn to the person who needs it the most and tell them, that you're there for them, no matter what? How about Defying Gravity from the Broadway music "Wicked"? "It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap, it's time to try defying gravity" Is there a big decision in your life that you've been putting off, or something that is scaring you? Maybe it's making a commitment to something you've been shying away from, maybe it's a something someone has told you that you can't do. Or Jason Mraz's song "I Won't Give Up" "And even the stars they burn, some even fall to the earth, we got a lot to learn, but God knows we're worth it, no I won't give up" Perhaps you are experiencing difficulties in a relationship in your life, be it family or love. Maybe it makes you think of a friend you've been helping to care for in their time of crisis. And there's "Roar" by Katy Perry "I guess I forgot I had a choice, you pushed me past my breaking point" Do you have the guts & glory to do what you need to do, like what you hear in that song? Maybe you're ready to leave a relationship that's been holding you down, and breaking your spirit. Regardless of what type of music, song or lyrics speak to you, music is an effective way to really get in touch with your feelings. Remember, it's okay to cry, be angry, laugh, and sing at the top of your lungs to whatever song is helping you cope. Feeling through the notes & the melody are a great way to start healing, whether it be in your heart or your mind. What's on your music list?
Quite often, we'll hear callers tell us that listening to, playing or composing music helps them through difficult times, stress, grief, loss, anxiety, depression. Music moves them to a happier, safer place, that it has its own healing powers.
Emotions can run rapid with a song, making us feel things by the melody, the lyrics, the harmony of the voices. Songs can remind us of past events, present situations, and inspire us. It's so remarkable how even the first 5 seconds of a song can take us somewhere. It's a natural coping strategy - there is music all around us on the radio, the tv, iTunes, YouTube, and more.
We find ourselves saying "This song was written for me", or "These lyrics are exactly how I feel". It's a great way to show we're not alone in what our lives have brought us - that someone else has been dealing with something similiar and has put it into song. It becomes relatable and we are able to understand.
Last night, I (Leslie, Community Relations Coordinator) was at the Xavier Rudd concert here in Ottawa. Xavier Rudd is an Australian artist, who sings, and plays the didgeridoo, while playing the drums at the same time. He truly is a one man band.
Now, I've been a fan of Xavier Rudd's music for a couple of years, and while I've listened to his songs many times, I wasn't prepared for the emotions I felt last night, when I heard him sing "Follow The Sun" live. The atmosphere of the people at the show changed, and you could feel a certain energy with the lyrics that made me want to share this post with you.
The song is about being inspired, that tomorrow is a new day. That following your heart, mind & soul is okay to do, that your energy can be refreshed in your own way. While we don't give advice to our callers, we provide support, and through this song, I hope you'll find support to get through your day today, and know that every day is a new chance for change.
Lyrics: Follow The Sun - Xavier Rudd
Follow, follow the sun and which way the wind blows when this day is done.
Breath, breath in the air. Set your intentions. Dream with care.
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone, rand new moon, brand new sun.
So follow, follow the sun, the direction of the bird, the direction of love.
Breath, breath in the air, cheerish this moment, cheerish this breath.
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone, brand new moon, brand new sun.
When you feel love coming down on you, like a heavy wave. When you feel this crazy society, headin' to the strand. Take a straw to the nearest waters and remember your place. Many moons have risen and fallen long, long before youve came. So which way is the wind blowin', and what does your heart say?
So follow, follow the sun, and which way the wind blows when this day is done.
We're always here for you to talk to. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, call us at 613-238-3311 in Ottawa, or 1-866-676-1080 in the Outaouais.
