by tracewillow
I reckon each one of us has different reasons for liking different kinds of music. Some like music that makes them boogie and groove all night. Some want music for relaxation or as a lullaby. Some prefer songs with which they can sing along. And I dare say some people go for music that will make them have a good cry.
I like music that emotionally takes me to another place – a place where I am immersed in introspection, reflection, nostalgia and haunting beauty – music that takes my emotions to the various parts of me.
I have selected 3 such songs which are some of my ever-green favourites, each one very different from the others; each one reminding me of the varied emotions I’ve had listening to them at various stages of my life.
The first song is ANAK by Freddie Aguila, a Filipino folk musician – one of his country’s most famous and best musicians and song-writers.
ANAK (Child) is a song of remorse and apology to Aguila’s Mother. The lyrics and his wrenching singing style immediately give me an immeasurably amount of introspection about life, family and love which offers me an emotional reminder of the wonderment of my own Mum and Dad who have passed on.
Another vid of the same song with the lyrics in English which invariably give me goose pimples and tears.
The next song takes me back to the 60’s – a period when music and youth culture began to start taking on another dimension – a period filled with excitement, inventiveness and vibrant energy. There was a new beginning of great enthusiasm, hope and self-belief. There was a great change in the way we donned ourselves with head-scarves and flowers worn in the hair…bell-bottomed trousers…slinky sleeveless tees…when huge music festivals were held and “free love” expressed. It was a time when young people began to make strong statements about who they were – what they believed in – and felt no shame in declaring it. “Make Love Not War” was a common slogan.
This song, adopted by many young people then as an Anthem for Freedom, written by John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas and sung by Scott Mckenzie, was released in 1967 and was an instant hit in the US, UK and many parts of Europe. For me, it was a song of nostalgia – years spent amidst all that newly-found vibrance and energy.
The next song is sung by our own David. I wish it had seen more publicity and included in one of his albums. Definitely not a song for partying or tapping our feet – it is soothing, melodious and takes one to one of the most beautiful sights on earth.
Aurora Borealis, in the northern hemisphere, commonly called the Northern Lights, named after the Roman Goddess of Dawn, Aurora, is an utter phenomenal beauty aptly matched by David’s calm, soothing, melodious rendition. This song is one of transcendence for me to somewhere unworldly… somewhere which is so beautiful that we feel an undescribable sense of gratitude for this earth which we have inherited.
How do you guys view music?
How does your favourite music affect you?