Posted in A Moment in My Life

“Music – Friend or Foe?” 

A Moment in My Life – Thursday, September 3, 2020

I had another late night yesterday. I swore I would turn in earlier. As disciplined as I am, I fail nightly. You see, a while ago, I discovered my phone’s music video app. It began as something to listen to while I got ready for bed. Until I noticed a pattern between washing for bed and lights out took about an hour and a half. It’s not a long walk from bathroom to bed, mind you. It’s more my finger swiping the phone screen with the intentions of “just one more song,” which leads to one more song followed by one more song—scrolling into the bottomless pit—my vice. My addictive button, which is usually turned down low, automatically soars to maximum when it comes to music. 

Oh, the many singers and bands I’ve met—performers I knew of but haven’t listened to—Bon Jovi, Adele, Tim McGraw. Artists like Keane, Coldplay, Eugent Bushpepa, and Alan Walker I haven’t heard of until my finger went scrolling. What a wonderful world opened up! I didn’t know what I was missing! Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Tim’s “Lookin’ For That Girl,” Alan’s “Faded,” and the most recent, Coldplay’s “Yellow” resonant deep into my being. Playing in my head throughout the day. I can’t get them out of my mind, yet I want more! I search for other videos of the same song to mesmerize me further. If only there were a repeat button. 

Once the music starts, the head bobs, then the shoulders go up and down, and the body follows, and I lost control. I can’t complain, though. I add steps to my Fitbit while I brush my teeth. It’s a win-win. 

I’ve always had a soft spot for songs with a haunting sound that echoes through my being—lingering in my mind, controlling my mood, or raising nostalgic memories from a deep place. Songs have calmed my spirits and filled my soul with peace. Some took me on a journey into the unknown, where I don’t want to leave. I’ve cried with some and danced with others. Songs have inspired my stories.

My vote? I say music is my friend when it entertains me, engages me, and inspires me, but it’s my foe when it prevents me from turning in on time at night.

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