Let the music play

 

 

 

“Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Naata Koi” the heartfelt goodbye of a son on the last phone call to his mother surely pierced through the hearts of the most hardened souls. It was little wonder then that Kishore Kumar number became an anthem of sorts for the souls scarred by the lethal and relentless virus. Music has, for ages, always had this ability -- to heal and unite. It is humankind’s universal language. It’s almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t feel a strong connection to music or someone who isn’t moved by it. Whether one can carry a tune or not, play an instrument or not, everyone has a playlist of songs that evoke memories and emotions. There is a song out there for anyone and everyone for every emotion under the sun. Whether it is the dopamine level stimulation that can make us feel good or a good old beat itself, there is little doubting that listening to music influences the human mind.

 

Scores of studies have shown the brain responding to music almost as if it were medicine. Moreover one doesn’t need a prescription to get the benefit from music’s cathartic and therapeutic powers. The Greeks swore by it as early as 600 BC! It’s a home remedy well within everyone’s reach even today. Babies aren’t fussy about the language of lullabies. Dance enthusiasts don’t bother about the language as they burn the dance floor to any groovy beat. Melancholy mood craves little else than a few poignant strains to be awash in a cascade of sorrow. Tear-jerkers in any language will release the tsunami of waterworks, while a beautiful romantic song will definitely infuse the feeling of love in the air! It is hardly surprising that BTS, the Korean pop band, is arguably the biggest musical act today in the world. The fact that a big chunk of their ARMY (as BTS fans are called) is from India, a land of 22 official languages and several unofficial ones, speaks volumes about music transcending boundaries.

 

Few can disagree with Alicia Keys’ words, ‘Soul music is timeless’; good music definitely doesn’t have a shelflife! Classical compositions like Mozart’s Requiem have moved people for centuries, while Lata Mangeshkar’s Aye mere watan ke logo is a classic jewel that has still the power to bring on the goosebumps - decades after its release. Jimi Hendrix’s powerful strings are a draw even today while Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s flute shall remain mellifluous and timeless for eternity. The purity of Beethoven’s symphonies call to be experienced at least once this lifetime. Not only is music deeply rooted in human nature, but it also influences both the mind and the body on a sublime level, driving our actions and emotions. Whether we listen to music through our mind or ears, there is little denying that it’s a balm for the soul. So dig into your musical memory and let the music play!