The Power Of Music

I had another post written for yesterday yet something told me to wait before publishing. It will be up next week and to an extent goes along with this one. Last night I was able to see one of my favorite musicians for the first time, John Paul White. He is a singer of folk and rock from Alabama. I originally learned of him when he was apart of the duo The Civil Wars years ago. There was something about his presence that made me follow his career when they went separate ways.

His music is crafted in a way of storytelling that talks of love, heartbreak and life that can transmit the feeling of each. I witnessed that at the concert. He has the ability of taking those parts and lessons of life to present them in a form that draws you in. Mr. White had talked of how his songs appear and what inspired them. A lot of them did come from his family and past experiences. I would say they were vulnerable moments that many performers use to tell a good story that lasts with you.

For me there is a power behind music. It can bring people of all kinds together. No matter what genre, there is a story being told. Lyrics are the words of book or poem put to music that we only have to listen to. We can close our eyes and not have to pay attention to focusing on pages. If you feel moved to cry, dance, smile or laugh you can. I find anyone in the performing arts to be storytellers who want to show the depths of human emotion by putting it into the world in many forms. Storytelling by mouth I find to be one of the oldest ways of communication. Because before humans knew how to write or draw we told stories of life to each other. That then can be interpreted and passed down to other generations. I was raised on plenty of songs from old Ireland by my family as well as the American song You Are My Sunshine. Each hold meaning to me, as I am sure the words can for others, of feelings of love or a sense of home. That’s why I believe there is a power in music. It can transport you to other happy even times and memories. Music can heal you.

The concert hit me in the feels and I did cry. Mainly good tears. For there were parts of me that had held back pain from heartbreak, past trauma and family moments good or bad. I hid them away and believed that I was okay if I did not think or feel them. Yet they arose to the surface and I faced them while he was performing. So I was thankful to be in an out door setting sitting in my own space so I could cry. It was very therapeutic and I did not know I needed that. I guess I did. Since after the concert I have processed each thought and feel lighter for letting go. Maybe that was why I felt I had to wait till today to share something with you. I could have seen him a few months back but I had the instinct to wait. There is a part of me that thinks it was not the right time before and last night was. I even believe that I was not ready to see him perform because I was not prepared for the transformation I needed that has taken place. It was an amazing concert to have attended and if you can see him I suggest you to. Even give him a listen and possibly his music may touch something in you.

Let me know if you agree if there is a power to music. Or what reasons you enjoy listening to a certain artist.