The Paramore Effect: How Music Heals

I used to find it really difficult to express my thoughts and feelings, and still do at times, but music has helped me out so much. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard lyrics and said “that is exactly how I feel right now.” Lyrics can be a big reminder that you’re not alone. For me, hearing lyrics I relate to has made me realize how powerful it is to have someone out there understand how you feel so much that they put your feelings into words for you–without even knowing you. Music has instilled so much hope in me and helped keep me going during the darkest moments in my life.

Music has the ability to bring people together, creating a great sense of community, which I really learned this past year thanks to being able to attend many concerts. There’s a feeling of excitement as the lights dim and you know the band you’re there to see is about to take the stage. It’s nice to escape life for a little while and get lost in the live music. One of my favorite things about concerts is singing along with other fans in the crowd. You may not know a single person in the crowd, but you all share a connection, and you’re all together in that moment. There is usually so much positive energy in the room which is refreshing in a world where a lot of negative energy exists.

It’s important to be in touch with your thoughts and feelings, which I’ve learned the hard way. For so many years I bottled them inside myself and felt alone because I didn’t know how to get them out. Listening to music was one of the first things that helped me change direction and let things out. Music is something I can always rely on regardless of where I am or what time it is. When I listen to music, I never have to worry about being judged. Life is always changing and is unpredictable, but music is something if one of the rare constants. Bands may change or break up, but the music they created lives on forever.

If you’re struggling with identifying your thoughts and feelings, know that you’re not alone. It may take a lot of trial and error before you find something that works for you. There are many creative things you can do other than listen to music that may help you identify your thoughts and feelings. You can read or write poetry, take photographs, write in a journal, play sports, knit, paint, draw, etc. Feeling wheels, which can be found by a quick Google search, can be very helpful when it comes to recognizing feelings as well.

I thought I’d share a few lyrics that have had a big impact on my life. Are there any lyrics that are important to you? I’d love to read them and listen to the songs, feel free to leave them in a comment!

“You’ve gotta swim, swim for your life. Swim for the music that saves you when you’re not so sure you’ll survive.” –Swim by Jack’s Mannequin

“Say the words, say the words out loud. Let them out of your soul.” –Say the Words by Satellite