Music, Memories & Motivation…

Recently, I was jotting down “25 Random Things About Me” for Facebook and, one of the random things I listed about myself was that I am addicted to music. I am unsure how I ever survived without my iPhone – and will never buy another car that does not have the capability to sync with my iPhone. I crave music. I can listen to just about anything, if it has a good underlying beat. So how did that turn into something worthy of being posted on According 2 Robin? Well, here’s the thing. I recently re-read Stephenie Meyer’s book New Moon and actually read the acknowledgments. Among other things, Stephenie lists the music that inspired her while she was writing. I was already thinking about music and when I added this new tidbit of information to the mix I just couldn’t shake it loose.

There are certain songs that when they are played instantly trigger a memory for me. Boyz to Men – Motown Philly, is the song that was playing when I walked into Winter Ball my sophomore year in high school. Steppenwolf – Magic Carpet Ride, will always take me to any Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity party of my college days. Savage Garden – Truly, Madly, Deeply, is the song that my husband and I danced to at our wedding. Mountain – Nantucket Sleighride, is a song I am actually named after (the first line of the song is “Don’t cry little Robin Marie” <– that’s me!). More recently, 3oh 3 – Don’t Trust Me, puts me walking the Vegas strip with friends after driving all night to get there. All these memories that come flooding back just because a certain song is played. Makes Me Wonder (Maroon 5) if there are other things in my life that trigger memories as powerfully? I can’t think of anything, at least not anything that is as unplanned as the shuffle on my iPod.

I also find it amazing that the right kind of music can get me to do stuff. If I can get the right mix pumping out of my iHome … I can get all kinds of laundry and house cleaning done. A mix of old Rat Pack Crooners, like Frank, Bing, or Dean works miracles for making dinner for my family. Classical music is the perfect compliment to curling up in a chair and reading for hours. While others just make my feet itch to dance!

Why? Why is music so powerful? I think that the underlying drum beat of the song has the ability to work within us – kind of like a heart beat. In doing so the rhythm inspires that which is hanging out in our sub-conscience, and >>poof<< dishes are done! So why the flash backs? I think that Hollywood has done a really good job in teaching us that special moments in our lives should be overshadowed with music. Theme music for our lives? Yep! That is what I think anyway, and since this is According 2 Robin I must be right. ;o)

Whatever the reason, I love music. I love that it makes my life more colorful. I love that it motivates me. I love that it stirs my blood to make me want to dance. Music rocks!