“Music Is the Lamb That Has Made a Lion of Me”

I’m not sure where  this quote is from, nor who wrote it for that matter, but please accept this “unknown” accreditation; to the marvel that wrote these words: “Music is the lamb that has made a lion of me”.

First, I must describe the positive characteristics of a lion. Lions are loyal; they are known as ‘the king of the jungle’. Lions have a great sense of protection of their pact and family; they are associated with bravery and passion. The meaning of a lion in this quote is to take the strong positive characteristics that you have the power to see in such a royal animal and have the ability to see them in yourself.

There are many different benefits of music: there are health benefits, educational benefits, romantic benefits and the list goes on. The benefit that I want to focus on is that of the soul. Deep…I know – but that is what music is…deep. Many people may not realize the true affects that music has on one person, they just go on listening and reaping the constant good that music can do for ones overall self. Music has a magical way of quieting the soul so that it allows you to still be aware of your surroundings, while at the same time being able to reflect on the brilliance of your life and the life around you. This is really just my personal experience. I am sure there is someone out there that doesn’t appreciate music to the extent that I do. Let me guarantee you though; that there is no one out there that hasn’t or won’t listen to some sort of music. Everyone has some form of music, even those that cannot hear, they can hear music through the power of colours and feelings, and the personal touch as their other senses are more enhanced than others.

Music has the ability to lift a mood or to calm one down, it gets you excited and passionate about whatever it is that you feel like being passionate about. At times in my life, well actually almost my whole life to this date, music has been my driving force. Without it, frankly I would be lost. It’s funny how so many momentous occasions are celebrated with music. Think about it. Lullabies when you were a child, birthdays, graduation, your first dance, maybe your first kiss, your first time, your first breakup, your wedding song, and even right to the end…your funeral. The list could go on and on. Music is always there for you when you are down and out, happy and gleeful. Most of all music gives you courage to meet your goals and helps you push along the path of life.

There are some songs for me that I love to listen to when I am feeling discouraged. These are the best. Currently I am loving Battlefield by Jordan Sparks. Can I just say, “AMAZING!” It really spells it out in regards to love and relationships; relationships not only with your partner but with yourself. Music teaches you or re-teaches you that it’s hard work but, man, is it worth it to fight it out for you and for the one you love.

My music love list goes from Sarah McLachlan – Hold On, to Pearl Jam – Yellow Ledbetter, Jason Mraz – If It Kills Me, Melissa Ethridge – Breath, Foo Fighters – Everlong, to Mozart – Moonlight Sonata. It is Mozart who said “Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music.” How true those words are. Music is a complement and almost a soundtrack to your everyday life. When you watch a movie, what is it that above all else pulls you into the scene? The acting of course – but it is the music that keeps you there. Try watching a horror film without the music, I bet you that it wouldn’t be as scary. Music has an impact on so many aspects of our lives and can bring a community together. There are so many countless ways in my own life that I can use to describe the affects that music has had. When you go to a concert for your favorite band or singer do you not feel a sense of, if not magic, excitement. Everyone at that stadium or park or old dingy bar is there for the same reason, to celebrate the talent of the artists and to join in a celebration of the music that they brought to your life. I was at a Jason Mraz concert a couple of weeks ago and it was so fun to feel the energy everyone had and to know that it was so similar to the way that you were feeling. The excitement just bursted out of the Amphitheater. Another time earlier this week I was walking downtown and there was some Mexican or Spanish 4 man entourage on the street corner playing some amazing tunes. Everyone, strangers just walking down the street, all stood and watched and listened to the same music. People who had probably barely any common interests, but these strangers were gathering for the same purpose, this simple act of listening to music.  One of my favorite memories recently, however, is that of my family. It was a normal dinner at the parents house, and yet not so typical. My brother, who is forever a child at heart which I love, brought down his newly purchased Rock Band video game. My whole family, my mom, my dad, my other half, and my brother all sat down and challenged ourselves to try and play and sing these songs. It was just hilarious. The fact of the matter is that music created this cherished memory of my dad trying to sing Give it Away Now by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and mom singing Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran. We all laughed and sometimes there were tears of pain from the bad singing, but overall music brought my family together and made my soul feel the warmth of the love that existed in our family and for music.

The quote really says it all, in not so many words.
“Music is the lamb that has made a lion of me.”

Photo Credit © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

Tags: benefits, emotions, family, Music