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SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - MUSIC THAT MOVES US TO TEARS
Music has transformational power. It can inspire us to dream, it can create a feeling of elation, and it can bring us to tears. That's just what happened to me one day in the radio station I used to work at. I was a DJ for a couple of years on Ram Nation Radio at Farmingdale State College. Each week, I would meticulously curate my playlist. I always had a theme. Sometimes it would be jazz, while other times it would be, well, songs that move us to tears. These are songs that create an uprising of a dormant emotions. They can be joyful emotions, sad emotions, or emotions we can't quite define. In any case, music moves us in many ways.
On one particular show, my theme was Jazz Instrumentals. I played a song by Miles Davis called Blue in Green. It's a haunting song that features some of the greatest jazz artists including Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, James Cobb, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Wynton Kelly. As I was listening through my headphones, the song took me on a journey. The mic was muted. I put my head in my hands and began to cry. I was unaware of its beauty. When you have headphones on in a sound-proof room, you hear things in a song that you never heard before. My mind wandered in and out of emotions from different parts of my life, entwining in and out of different experiences throughout the years. A yearning came over me, and I felt melancholy. Miles Davis's pacing is unforgiving. His music is emotional.
In the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Holly Golightly says to Paul Varjak, "You know those days when you get the mean reds? The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?" The song, Moon River, captures her wonderment even though she may be fearful of her mysterious future.
As the song ended, I cleared my throat and hit the unmute button.
Pictured here are Holly Golightly played, by Audrey Hepburn, and Paul Varjak, played by George Peppard.
So, what is it about a song that can undo us? When a song taps into deeply personal emotions, often by triggering memories associated with the lyrics, melody, or rhythm, which can evoke feelings of nostalgia, sadness, joy, or other intense emotions, effectively "speaking" to a part of our brain that processes these experiences directly; this connection between music and memory is a key reason why certain songs can be particularly tear-jerking. Key factors that can make a song emotionally impactful:
- Personal connection: If a song is linked to a significant life event, like a first love, a loss, or a special moment, it can trigger strong emotional responses.
- Lyrics: Powerful lyrics that resonate with personal experiences can easily evoke tears, especially when they deal with themes of heartbreak, loss, or longing.
- Melody and harmony: The musical structure, including the melody and chord progressions, can create a sense of emotional tension or release, leading to a strong emotional response.
- Tempo and rhythm: The pace and rhythm of a song can also influence emotions, with slower tempos often associated with sadness and faster tempos with excitement.
Music is universal. It's like a soundtrack to our lives. I can't imagine a world without music. Rhythm is in everything. When I would ride the subway over the Manhattan Bridge to go to work, I'd look down along the FDR and then over the city. Everything seemed to work in sync. There is a natural pulse to our lives, and music adds a bit of resonance to our otherwise contemplative existence. When you find yourself thinking about things too much, put on a favorite song. It might just take you away to emotions that you were unaware of. That's a journey worth taking.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and beyond, we can listen to a song that takes us right back to a particular time in our lives, happy or sad.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF WEEK
The Long Island Spring Home Show is this weekend, February 22 & 23, 2025. Saturday's hours are from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Sunday's hours are from 10:00am to 5:00pm. It's located at Suffolk County Community College at 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood, NY 11717.
Everything you need is here for home improvements, whether it's a minor renovation or a major remodel. This event features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. The possibilities are endless, so come out and see what you can do to make your house a home.
Visit www.lihomeshows-sc.com for more information.
SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight of the week was the full Moon. I was wondering why I couldn't sleep. The constant Moon. And Venus. The sky is still so beautiful this month after January's spectacular sky show. When you get down, look up. The sky has magic in it.
SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Dear God,
Please inspire us to thrive in this life. A little music helps, too. Amen.
SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What's one of your favorite songs?
Please put your answer in the comment section below. I'd love to hear from you.
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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK
I chose two songs this week, Moon River from the film, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Blue in Green from Miles Davis's album, Kind of Blue. Enjoy.
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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK
My brand was born out of my turning 60 and noticeing a profound shift - mind, body, and soul. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with other women to help them navigate this age as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I will also consider in-person one-hour chats called The Skylark Sessions in your home or at a local library or senior center. Email me at christineskylark@aol.com
or call me at 917-903-5713 if you are interested. This can be one-on-one or with a small group of women.
Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, happiness, dreams, inspiration, motivation, music, and ideas I want to explore. The topics are endless. I represent Bay Shore and the greater Town of Islip community. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up, but you can also subscribe for free. And you can advertise your business or event in my newsletter as well. Just click this link below to subscribe:
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Monthly Vlog - My vlog goes live on my YouTube channel on the first Monday of each month. It's a recap of the previous month’s newsletter articles and then a conversation on a new topic. It is then uploaded to my Patreon account as well as my social media platforms. Just click the link below to subscribe and click the bell to get notified when a new video is uploaded: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark
WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME
Patreon - This is my general brand page where you can support everything I do under my brand in one place. I appreciate any level of support that enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and continue to expand my brand. Just click the link here: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive
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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!
