Music - Just a theory

Our moods and personality are affected by the music we listen to. I'm convinced about that. I don't mean a sad song makes us sad or songs make us go out and shoot people. I'm not talking kids killing themselves after listening to "Don't Fearthe Reaper."

This is just my personal observation. I notice that I feel down about my relationships when I listen to BNL's album,Maybe You Should Drive. Of course, the entire album is about the bitter end of once-loving relationships. But am I feeling down because previous relationships have actually soured or because the music is influencing me to believe so? Am I identifying with a theme and that's why I really like a song or do I like the song because it's got a good beat and I can dance to it? Maybe I'm just reminded of bad times and bad feelings...

I notice that I feel sexy when listening to Liz Phair. There's a gleam in my eye and a smirk on my face. I know that I am not sexy, but the music makes me feel that way.

Music is like the best addictive drug that way. It gives me that high I so desperately crave. When I'm at a concert, I can feel the music flowing through me, much like the Force I suppose. I'm not making my body dance, the music controls that. Sometimes when I close my eyes and take I deep breath, I can smell the music. Yeah, that makes NO sense, but maybe you just don't get it... Not that there's a scent, but more of an energy in the air that I desperately want to experience through all of my senses. I haven't tasted a live show, but I have smelled it.

So, does the music - the mood, the energy and the lyrics - have an impact on us? Does it morph our beliefs and our thoughts? It takes more than one listening, but I suspect that after a person understands a song, then it can.

Am I depressed because of the music I am listening to or because of other reasons? If I start listening to more upbeat songs will my personality follow? If Garth Brooks sings about his dog dying, will my dog die? (Ok, that's impossible seeing how I don't own a dog, but the analogy...)

I guess music kinda helps define me. I guess that's why I love and identify with the songs I do. It's good to know that someone else feels the way I do and is so inclined to share their feelings with the world.

Sad songs really do say so much.