Song and Songwriters: The Journey inside to Find Your Music - Research Paper Example

? Song and Song The Journey inside to find your Music al affiliation Song and Song The Journey inside to find your Music Human beings are distinctive creatures that are unique and totally different from animals worldwide. Among the factors that describe human beings as unique is the ability to come up with tunes that may be described, in simple terms as music (Reynolds, 2011). Analysts argue that, this is not only music but also, sensible rhythms that make sense unlike what animals consider fine noise. In this context, therefore, it is justified to argue that sounds matter a great mile in the lives of human beings (Jones, 2008). Human beings tend to respond differently to sounds around them, as compared to animals. Levitin (2008) indicates that, at times, animals hardly respond to the sound of good music. This paper will endeavor to reflect this journey from the songwriter’s point of view of composing songs that individuals find themselves. The explanations will be based on a psychological perspective whereby, music has over the years been indicated to have a healing power. According to Levitin (2008), music by human beings is created and organized well before it comes up. Animals, on the other hand, are known for their attributes of producing sounds that re unplanned. In his work, he indicates that frogs croak, birds chip but all, an indication of the adaptations that various beings ascribe to music (Said, 2009). From the lyrics of Paul Simon and Neil Young, it is apparent that it is only in human beings that, the possibility of determining what comes next on a group of lyrics is possible (Williamson, 2002). In this context, therefore, it is evident that, music works together with the functioning of the brain, thus creation of sensible lyrics by individuals. On another view point, Levitin (2008) continues to elaborate the fact that, music is vital for development and evolvement of man from one stage to another. Analysts endeavor to emphasize on this point by arguing that, it is almost impossible to alienate music from the development of human kind. Alternatively, Montello (2002) contributes to the journey of music through his contribution to music. From his work, it is evident that, music plays a major role in treatment of stress. In this context, therefore, it is evident that music has a major impact in alleviating stressful circumstances. It is through music that Montello (2002) feels the need to establish therapies based programs by virtue of music being an antidote to musicians who may be going through stressful instances. This is the basis of the Musicians’ Wellness Corporation, which aimed at bringing forth the contributions of music towards healing process of various individuals. In response, most musicians were recorded to heed to the call for assistance by attending the program by Louise. Through this program, most performers, educators and students gained from the teaching. Music connects all humankind in the world. Analysts argue that there is a likelihood that this form of attachment between music and human beings may be lost. This may be attributed to traumatizing events by individuals who end up being detached from spiritual nourishment. In line to this argument, Montello (2002) argues that music is the only tool that can reconnect human beings to reality. Alternatively Williamson (2002) indicates that music allows individuals reflect on themselves, cultivate creativity and healing of harsh circumstances that they may have undergone. The journey of music focuses on all senses of human beings (Bell, 2010). The concealed feelings of individuals can be understood through music; in that one’s mind and hidden feelings can be understood through the journey of music. Song writers also alter the way people think, and no form of training is required to influence the feelings of individuals (Waterman, 2007). The journey through music unveils the hidden conscious minds of many individuals and directs them towards self identification. Norris, Lebell, and Rast, (2001) argue that music allows for innate form of healing, wholeness and makes individuals fulsome- a lasting change that allows for augmentation and development in individuals. Songs of writers like Carole King and Taylor James is an indicator of the journey of music towards success, an experience that they have borrowed from psychiatric organizations. According to Flanagan (1987), music is a journey that goes through the mind of various artists and song writers. He takes a journey to assess the works of various artists in an effort to have a clear perception of the expedition of music, from commencement to the production of sounds that win the hearts of many, as well as, act as therapy to the lives of many individuals. From this work, Flanagan (1987) argues that working on music is a complex process. Various artists have a way in which they relay their ideas to the populace. The different types of songs display varying ideas and stylistic means of writing by each artist. In his work, Flanagan (1987) gives an example of Paul Simon, an artist who takes a couple of months in an attempt to compose a single song. From Simon’s example, it is justified to argue that music is a journey that may take a while to mature. On the other hand, he gives an example of Tom Petty who merely gets a guitar and composes a couple of songs. Petty seems not to strain much and has an extremely easy time composing songs. In his work, interviews done a number of artists contribute greatly to an explanation of the journey from the songwriter’s perspective. Flanagan (1987) explains that his interview with a focus on artists whose songs can be performed on stage- with a guitar- and the songs still retain their original sagacity. From the interview on the music gurus, some of the songs that have undergone a great journey have an element of rock in them. Among these interviewees include the likes of Joni Mitchell, who at the end of the interview lead to Flanagan (1987) categorizing music into categories based on the efforts and voices displayed in the music under study. As a consequence of the question and answer sessions, as well, the roots of rock and roll misc can be understood. Such kinds of music are evidenced by well researched, organized and though of music. Cathartic expression of this music is apparent from the organization of the lyrics in these songs (Hibben, 2008). Arguably songwriters are motivated from what is around them, as well as motivate or even affect negatively the lives of the people who listen to the kinds of music they compose. Musicians, however, have a lot to borrow from the motivations behind their compositions. Credit is given to Flanagan (1987) who attempts to take a journey through the makers of rock and roll music. Zollo (2003) is yet another analyst that has contributed to the theme of music being a long journey by artists. In his work, he puts together, the responses of various artists to come up with a talk on music. An analysis of the artists’ journey in music is evident in this work. Artists are seen to be motivated by past occurrences, beliefs and motivations. All songwriters have a particular story that; they aim at bringing forth to the listeners of their music. These stories vary from one artist to another. It is through Zollo’s (2003) work in the interview that we understand what goes on in the mind of song writers. Artists take on the journey of composing lyrics, fashion them into sensible tunes, and finally works on the mechanics behind successful presentation of their songs. In line to this argument, it is warranted to argue that song writers go through a journey towards song composition and presentation (Reck et al, 2009). Music can be described as unseen force that comes within the songwriter. Levitin (2007) argues that music in one way or another investigates the heart and spirit of songwriters. Through unseen channels, music comes forth to the listeners from deep within the songwriters. Interviews on writers like Paul Simon, music can be indicated to come from within the writer’s spirit. Songs that have had success stories, Cook (2000) argues that songwriters underwent a series of inspirations that directed them towards composing good music. Among such musicians include Bruce Springsteen, who borrowed a lot from the famous Presley. The journey towards successful music career is not only a long process but also, a process that requires songwriters to remain consistent in the quest to attain their goals (Levitin, 2006). A notable example is that of Graham Nash, who indicates that it took him a long time to establish himself in the music industry. Carol King is yet another artist who indicated that it would be extremely difficult establishing themselves, without the assistance of the pace setters. Graham Nash indicates that prior to his induction to the hall of fame; it has been a very long journey that led to his establishment. Conclusively, it is valid to argue that, songs composed by various artists have an impact on individuals (Shahriari and Miller 2008).This impact would not have been felt if the writers did not have an aspect to borrow and apply occurrences. Just like the songs instill various feelings in individuals, the same way did these songwriters borrow from other individuals (Marvich, 2001). Other analyst argue that a majority of the song writers borrow a great mile from therapies in music industries that have helped be persistent in their journeys towards successful music compositions and persistence in the field (Mathieu, 2010). From the interviews, it is factual, that the journey through music has not been easy; motivations have been the major driving force of a majority of the song writers. Music, therefore, does not just erupt, but goes through a series of revolutions that lead to the creation of sensible lyrics that touch the hearts of many. References Ball, P. (2010). The music instinct: how music works and why we can't do without it. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Bell, M. (2010). Broadway stories: a backstage journey through musical theatre. London: Broadway Cares. Cook, N. (2000). Music: a very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press Flanagan, B. (1987).Written in My Soul: Conversations with Rock's Great Songwriters. New York: Contemporary Books. Hibben, J. (2008). Inside music therapy: client experiences. London: Barcelona Publishers. Jones, T. (2008). Curriculum and music: An autobiographic journey through the music of my life. New York: ProQuest Levitin, D. (2006). This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession. New York: Dutton Adult Publishers. Levitin, D. (2007). This is your brain on music: the science of a human obsession. London: Plume. Levitin, D. (2008). The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature. New York: Dutton Adult Publishers. Marvich, D. (2001). Why not? A journey through music land! London: Dorrance Publishers. Mathieu, W. (2010). Bridge of Waves: What Music Is and How Listening to It Changes the world. New York: Shambhala Publications. Montello, L. (2002). Essential Musical Intelligence: Using Music as Your Path to Healing, Creativity, and Radiant Wholeness. New York: Quest Books. Norris, K., Lebell, S., and Rast, D. (2001). Music of Silence: A Sacred Journey Through the Hours of the Day. New York: Ulysses Press. Reck,D. et al, (2009). Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World's Peoples. London: Cengage learning. Reynolds, S. (2011). Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture. New York: Soft Skull Press. Said, E. (2009). Music at the limits: three decades of essays and articles on music. London: Bloomsbury Publishing. Shahriari, A. and Miller, T. (2008).World music: a global journey. New York: Taylor & Francis. Williamson, N. (2002). Journey Through the Past: The Stories Behind the Classic Songs of Neil Young. New York: Backbeat Books. Zollo, P. (2003). Songwriters On Songwriting: Revised And Expanded. California: Da Capo Press. Read More