Feelings through Lyrics or Sound



I have always been one who never actually listens to or understands the lyrics to songs. I’ve often been embarrassed by this trait because I may know the song inside and out but not have a grasp on every single word. 


Like many, I enjoy music. I listen to it at the gym, on my way to and from work, and even on walks. But again - I’m not hearing the lyrics, I’m listening to the beats, instruments, etc. 


Sellnow (2001) explains, “Music as communication refers to the individual and unique meanings each of us might attach to a musical work.” I personally connect with music by hearing the sound, and to me, the sound of music has a unique meaning for every situation I’m in. 


Music also plays a significant role in where you are at in life. Whether you are physically or mentally somewhere. Oftentimes, when I am on vacation, I’ll be making good memories while listening to a new song. Or, if I’m going through a hard time in life, I’ll associate a song with whatever trial I’m dealing with. 


Then, when I hear that familiar song, I immediately associate it with good or bad memories. I think this is very common and Hadju does a great job of explaining how music affects the human brain. 


I think Sellnow is absolutely correct when she explains and gives examples of music being considered rhetoric. Music DOES represent feelings. When we are happy, we listen to more upbeat music and do the opposite when we are sad - it seems like it’s human nature. Music’s rhetorical component influences our perspectives or attitudes about something, and I think this can be conveyed through lyrics and sounds. 


I also agree that lyrics can try to change attitudes and perspectives about something. But in this case, I think it depends on the person. If you are like me - cannot understand lyrics to save your life - and find musical enjoyment in the sound, I think it is reasonable to say that sounds represent feelings. 


My question for you all is - do you connect with music more based on lyrics? Or with the sound?

Comments

  1. Lauryn PFebruary 12, 2024 at 3:02 PM

    I tend to vibe with both! Sometimes an instrumental will make me melt. Like, when I listen to "The River Flows in You" I am swept into an immediate calm with the beautiful piano melody. However, when I'm angry I'll go for something like Breaking Benjamin or Evanescence - though I will admit that one is less about the lyrics and more about the hardness of the music itself. However, more often than not, a lot of the things I'd consider an "ear worm" are things with peppy/catchy lyrics so it really is a bit of both for me! Very interesting question to think about.

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  2. McKenzie StaufferFebruary 12, 2024 at 4:01 PM

    I connect more with the sound too, but lyrics are still a part of my equation. It usually takes me a few times of listening to a song before I actually understand what the lyrics are trying to say. The sounds and melody always grab my attention before the lyrics do. When I tell someone to listen to a song, it's because I think the song has a good beat and not because of what the lyrics are saying. I think this is the beautiful thing about the illusion of life theory. Music and lyrics work together to convey messages of both conceptual and emotional content. This way, anyone can understand what the song is trying to say. You don't have to be a lyrical expert!

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