Another fight. Another failed test. Another thing in my life that didn’t work out the way I wanted it to. Now, I’m alone in front of my computer, seething with anger. Life has bested me again and now my face is turning red and metaphorical smoke is coming out of my ears. I open Spotify. The lists of music compiles in front of my vision. My mind immediately dances to one specific song. A song that I know will relieve me of anger.

It starts, the lyrics pouring from the speakers. “Some legends are told, some turn to dust or to gold.” I lean my head back, just letting the music cover me. “But you will remember me, remember me for centuries.” The chorus breaks way to the verses and I softly sing along, feeling the anger dissipate off of me. As the song comes to an end, I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. The problem may not be gone, but now I have a clear head to deal with it. Because of my music.

Another day, another strife. I have tears pouring down my face. I don’t know how to deal with this. It all seems to much. The stress. The pain. The sadness is overwhelming. I once again open my computer and go on a search for that one specific song. “Call it a curse, or just call me blessed. If you can’t handle my worst, you ain’t getting my best.” The tears slow, the burden on my heart slowly lifts. “Take me or leave me. I’ll never be perfect, believe me, I’m worth it.” I wipe the tearstains from my cheeks and rise, once again ready to face the world. Because of my music.

I am outraged. I feel hurt by the world. I see horrific displays of violence throughout the world and it turns my stomach. My disgust is almost too much to bear, and I feel hopeless to do anything. Once again, I look to music to see what could possibly make me feel better. “Who controls the past now controls the future. Who controls the present now controls the past. Who controls the past now controls the future. Who controls the present now?” I feel some of the outrage come out in the words of the song. “Now testify. It’s right outside your door.” The issues in the world are still there, still happening. But now I feel like I can be rational and help spread information to put a stop to global injustice. Because of my music.

Finally, relief. I walk into my house, a smile adorning my face. I can feel the beginnings of happiness fluttering around me. Once again, I turn to music. “My persuasion can build a nation. Endless power, our love, we can devour. You’ll do anything for me.” The music builds, taking my mood with it. “Who run the world? Girls.” Lifting my spirits even higher, I smile and take on what the day has for me. Because of my music.

Music has always been an escape from the real world for me. Good music creates universal meaning that anybody can understand and relate to. The messages in these songs have helped me through the swirling moods that any hormonal teenagers faces, sometimes all in the same day. The point is, music has been my rock when I found myself lost. It’s brought me down to earth in my happiest of times. It’s proven to me that even though I’m small and insignificant, I can make a change in the world. I know all of this because of my music.

Songs referenced:

“Centuries” by Fall Out Boy

“Marilyn Monroe” by Nicki Minaj

“Testify” by Rage Against the Machine

“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce