We have all had a certain song hit us at just the right time, and we swear that the songwriter wrote it for our specific brand of heartache or day of joy. Lyrics can speak to our soul, providing the support needed to take the deep breath we need and go on with our lives. Music sooths, heals, encourages us to peace and keeps us company, even when we re not actively listening. It has the power to transport us back into the past, show us healing in the future, and reassure us in the present that pain will ease and joy will return. Or more simply, when we re tired it can give us energy for a task, or help us focus and so empower us with its lyrics.
Music can affect our mood, sometimes without our knowledge.
The use and power of sound is an ancient practice. For example, when Julius Caesar marched into battle with his soldiers, he had a corps of drummers pounding a cadence for them. Not to keep them in step, but to energize them and to keep burning the embers of their rage, so when they met the enemy, the battle was swift and savage. Today we have elevator music in offices and stores to soothe us, to energize us, and to keep us producing or buying. We have music for meditation from such artists as J. Donald Walters and Stephen Halpern.