music therapy

Music is something that I guarantee we all enjoy. I mean, how can you not? But there is more to music than just a cool sound and something to dance to during a party. Music is an entire world and there is a reason why the artist wrote those lyrics, well most of the time.

There will always be those random lyrics in a random song that sometimes is just for the beat or just for fun, like 42 Dugg and Roddy Ricch’s “4 Da Gang”. But I learned about music therapy a few years ago and I never realized how much I can be impacted by a song. However, music therapy isn’t just about songs, playing music is part of it too.

I think almost every middle schooler was forced to take a band class or play the recorder at some point. Personally, this was my nightmare. When I walked into band class as a little 6th grader with either a recorder or a clarinet, I just wanted to get through the class and do as little work as possible. Ever since then I never thought I would play an instrument. I always thought it would be cool to play electric guitar or the drums, but I am not going to spend thousands of dollars on a drum set or years of my life trying to be as good as Van Halen, no thank you.

Playing an instrument doesn’t have to be that serious though. A few years ago, during treatment, we had music therapy with different instruments, and I was way too anxious to play. My mindset was if I want to do something I want to be good at it, and I wasn’t exactly in a state of mind to learn how to play very well. When I, unfortunately, went back a year later I decided that who cares if I’m good or a slow learner? So, I picked up the ukulele and tried the chords the therapist was teaching us. Little did I know this would impact my life a lot. Any free time I had I would be playing the ukulele because I realized that it helps my mind focus on something I enjoy, and it’s fun when I know how to play a song, even if it is only the three most basic chords.

Although I love my little ukulele and I have actually gotten better the more I have been playing it, sometimes I just want to hit play on my phone. This is most likely because I don’t have the energy or desire to play music, which is totally okay. So, I will either find new songs, artists, or playlists and listen to them. Listening to music and dancing around the kitchen is one thing but absorbing and understanding the lyrics is a completely different level.

When I started really paying attention to lyrics, I realized that no matter what genre, I was naturally drawn to songs that have lyrics I can relate to. One of my favorite artists of all time is J. Cole and his song with 21 Savage, “m y . l i f e”, has become a regular listen. “But I done made it through the pain and strife/It’s my time now, my world, my life, my life” is my favorite line and I’ll let you listen to the rest.

Playlists have also never been a big thing for me, but I started doing it so I can have specific songs to listen to when I’m upset, happy, sad, or just wanting a chill vibe. So, now that I like to make playlists, here is one with my favorite songs overall, not just for a specific mood (they aren't all super deep I promise). :)

k...now rage

i love these songs with my entire heart - spotify