How Music Moves Me
Music has a way of moving me. It fills me and speaks for me when I can’t find the right words. A song can come on the car radio and I’m bopping to the beat, or a tear drops from my eye. Why is music so infectious? What about it stirs my emotions? I wondered if there was any science to support my experiences.
After reading numerous articles and studies that were far over my head, I deciphered some of the findings. Dopamine, known as the natural ‘happy chemical’ in our brain, is released not just when our favorite part of the song is played, but even when we anticipate our favorite part is about to play. When we have the chills, tears, or excitement from a song, this is the effects of dopamine.
As our brain is developing during our formative years, songs are more impactful in our brain which is why songs from our youth continue to move us many years later. Scientific studies show that listening to upbeat music can in fact improve our mood. I know when I’m feeling sad, and I put on that sad song playlist the tears will flow. I can feed into that emotion or choose to crank up a happy playlist to snap out of my funk.
I was surprised to learn that emotions stirred by music rely on the same pleasure center in the brain that responds to things like food, sex and drugs. No wonder I can’t control my emotions driving down the interstate. It has also been found that memories associated with music far outlast other memories. There’s a reason that certain songs make me think of camp in the 80’s, or my college years.
Music is a huge part of my life. I appreciate and utilize all kinds of music for different parts of my day. I listen to classical, instrumental, or jazz while working or writing. Dance or pop at the gym to get motivated. I listen to soft, relaxing, spa-like music in my bedroom. Sing along songs for a road trip, and sad, heartfelt love songs when my heart aches. I analyze the lyrics, try to memorize them to sing along and share them with my friends. “Isn’t this great?” or “This is how I feel about you.” I’ve tried writing my own lyrics but without any musical ability it’s been a bit of a challenge. Music tells a story for me, and I can always find a song that speaks to me containing the perfect lyrics to explain how I’m feeling in that moment.