"Did They Say 'Union Station'? Or 'My Aunt's Constipation'?" (Madagascar)

          I’m not sure if this has ever happened to other people (although, it probably has), but there have been times when I was dancing to a great beat and yelled out, “I love this song!” and my friends looked at me like I was crazy.

“Lauren, this song is about how he is proud of his talent in keeping two girls from knowing each other exist.”

My response?

“Oh…um…Is that what they said? OH! Who pays any attention to the words? I just love the beat!” and I would keep on dancing.

That was the past! Granted, there are still plenty of songs that I enjoy dancing to while being completely ignorant of their lyrics or purpose, but it is rare.

            Perfect example: “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem, featuring Rihanna. I realize not everyone is familiar with this song, but feel free to YouTube it to gain a better understanding of where I am coming from. There are plenty of people who claim, “Oh, I love this song!” and they will belt out the chorus:

                        “Just gonna stand there and watch me burn,

                        But that’s alright because I like the way it hurts.

                        Just gonna stand there and hear me cry,

                        But that’s alright because I love the way you lie.

                        I love the way you lie.”

However, when the verses arrive, everyone gets quiet or just mumbles something…

           

                        “I can’t tell you what it really is; I can only tell you what it feels like…

                        Something something something Where you goin’? I’m leaving you!

                        No you ain’t! something something something something

                        Something about Superman and Lois Lane..."

            If you asked half of these people what this song was about, they may not really have a clue. I am definitely not saying that there is anything wrong with just enjoying music for the way it sounds and nothing else. If that is an individual’s escape and his refuge, then by all means, enjoy! However, I, myself, find a song a bit more intriguing if I break it down and really listen to the words. “Love the Way You Lie” is more than just the sarcasm in loving lies or the fact that Megan Fox is in the music video (just one more reason to go look up the song!). There are a handful of different interpretations depending on your point of view. My friends and I were recently discussing this song and we found different opinions to be relevant to the meaning behind the lyrics. Some would say that Fox’s character in the song was being overly attached and dramatic and was always threatening to leave. They took the male’s side. On the other hand, some would say that the male character in this song was taking his woman for granted and just playing her like a puppet. In their opinion, she had every right to always want to leave. He was abusive and did not care about her feelings.

            Analyzing a song does not necessarily mean one interpretation for all. Everyone will have different opinions based on how the song moved them. Dissecting a song can be very “healthy” for a good listener. Understanding the purpose behind the notes and lyrics can provide the listener with a deeper and richer experience. It gives on the chance to possibly connect with the artist/author on an emotional level. If done with enthusiasm, it could never detract from the experience. If you enjoy something so much, how can absorbing all information possible about it be a bad thing?

"I'll Listen to Anything At Least Once!"

If I were to take you along in my car for a little trip, I would most likely offer you my booklet of cd's to choose from. Maybe you would be shy and say, "Oh, it's ok. You can put on whatever you want to listen to;" in which case, I would urge you to go ahead and pick. Obviously if it is in there, I like it! I almost guarantee you can find something you would enjoy. I have contrasting artists from Rihanna to Shania Twain, Eminem to Frank Sinatra, Bullet for My Valentine to Casting Crowns, Aerosmith to Backstreet Boys, Dizmas to Doris Day, Phantom of the Opera to Disney hits, Usher to George Strait, Lady Antebellum to Evanescence, Pussycat Dolls to Dixie Chicks, etc. I imagine you get the picture. If nothing peaked your interest, I still would not mind any suggestions. I am considered a "flexible listener". I enjoy such a variety that I'm difficult to disappoint. I have a few friends and coworkers that put together various collections of their work for me to listen to. I enjoy the contrast!

My musical collection changes each time I experience a personal change. Typically, my tastes will change depending on my current mood. However, certain events in my life have introduced new artist, as well as new genres altogether.

When I was in elementary school, my favorite music to listen to was country. You could always find my radio tuned to 103.1 KTPI (our local country radio station at the time). As I have said in my previous blog, I was a huge fan of Shania Twain. I know she is considered "pop country", but she was still played on the station nonetheless. Next to Twain's albums, I would store artists, such as Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, and so on.

In third grade, when I began to play the violin, I was introduced to classical music. I found this style inspiring as a new musician. I thought Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart were pure geniuses. My elementary years also held my crushes on the Backstreet Boys and 'NSync. These were influences from my friends at the time. This was also about the time that we all wanted to be a Spice Girl.

Up until high school, I maintained the same interests as before with an occasional addition. Any new additions, including Story of the Year, Yellowcard, Relient K, and Avril Lavigne, were usually due to friends sharing their collections with me. With high school came new major experiences. I became actively involved in our school's drama program and I began to pull soundtracks for various musicals off of the shelves. For every play I participated in, I owned the soundtrack. Not only was I rehearsing, but I genuinely enjoyed the music. My Fair Lady and Phantom of the Opera were among my favorites. I could listen to those for hours at a time. Also, I attended more parties where music by Usher, Fergie, Pussycat Dolls, and Beyonce' was popular. I am more than positive that their music was popular way before I became a listener, but I was a bit slow at discovering a feel for this genre. Now it is one of my favorites! My collection made room for R&B, hip hop, and rap and my radio station of choice changed to KIIS FM. All of my friends listened to this, as well. I also became involved in relationships and therefore the mushy romantics often rang from my speakers. With relationships, however, comes breakups. After one breakup in particular, my friend made me a mixed album called "Boys Suck". It included songs like "To The Left" by Beyonce, showing me that I did not need a man to make me happy.

Since graduation, my music interests have continued to expand and consume more artists. I welcome new additions with open arms. I have had two children since graduation and a vast part of my listening is tuned to Disney hits, nursery rhymes, and Baby Einstein lullabies. However, last week, I had Katy Perry or PINK (two of my ultimate favorite artists) playing in my minivan, but this week, I am enjoying a mix of Frank Sinatra and Doris Day. I may just be in the mood for a little Norah Jones tomorrow. Who knows?

My musical life has seen pattern of additions as new events occur and different chapters of my life unfold. I find it exciting to be introduced to new artists and styles and I can hardly wait to see what is in store for my collection in the future!

The Musical Notes of My Life's Measures

I suppose I never really thought of music as an instrument that has shaped my life and made me the person that I am today. Music was always just something that seemed to be there. My dad played the bass for an 80's rock band called "Lucksinger" and still plays recreationally for the "Burnin' Blues Band", most popularly known as entertainment at various local Antelope Valley restaurants, such as Fresco II. Thus, music was always a part of my growing up. As a musician, you can just imagine my father's pride when his elementary aged daughters requested to be enrolled in violin lessons.

Before I began playing, I was a country music girl to the core. I was Shania Twain's biggest fan. I sang to her songs on a daily basis, whether I was in my room or my parents' car. I can still remember the tone of my parents' voices when they reluctantly asked "Again?" to my request of Shania's music. Singing, especially to her music, was a passion of mine.

As an aspiring seven year old violinist, a different form of musical arts was introduced to my life. With it, self-discipline, persistence, and patience played a major role. Constant practice and repetition of various scales, posture, and short songs required discipline. If  had not sincerely wanted to learn, there was no way I would have continued. From third grade until my eighth grade year, I worked hard playing in the school orchestra, as well as being hired to play recreationally at private parties and special events around the Valley. My freshman year in high school, I played the role of the Fiddler in the school's production of Fiddler on the Roof. I have been playing the violin ever since.

In middle school, I tried out for the school worship team and was approved. I loved singing my heart out for the glory of God. In high school, I enrolled in the musical theatre/drama program. I wanted to try my hand at acting and singing together. My first major production, Bye Bye Birdie, occurred my sophomore year and I was cast as the lead, Rosie Alvarez. With voice lessons and much rehearsal, I felt accomplished with my role. In the following years, I played more school roles, as well as participated in community theatre.

Being an active participant in the musical world, I would tend to believe that it is impossible for anyone to live their lives unaltered by music. Hearing loss is not an excuse. In middle school and early high school, I participated in Signs of Worship, a group where American Sign Language was performed to music to bring God glory. Every one can participate in music.

Music brings people together. Whether it be concerts or worship, groups of people will gather for one cause: to celebrate music. Whether one person likes R&B music and the other indulges in more of a country feel, those two people still have something in common. They both appreciate feelings being expressed and being put to music to share. No matter what background, race, or religion, thousands of Americans will unite together to sing The National Anthem at a game. No matter what background, race, or religion, thousands of pre-teens and older will gather together at a Lady GaGa concert or Justin Bieber concert, etc.

I expect music to continue bringing people together, especially when studied and analyzed together. Music is a language that everyone can speak. Share your ideas with the world.