Let’s Hear it For Music!

I like to think that there is a song for every moment in our lives. In times of joy, rings and claps that sound together; in times of sadness, heavy drums and bass guitars that drag their beats.

One may argue that a swish and a swoosh can be heard in times of shyness and sneakiness.

Indeed, music speaks the language of our hearts. As blood flows through our veins and arteries, each precious note gives a life-saving touch, and our souls cannot resist it.

The walls in my bathroom have grown accustomed to my hummings and various covers of songs by Nat King Cole, Adele — and any cheesy pop song that’s dancing on the airwaves at the moment.

I enjoy music as much as I enjoy chocolate. Much like chocolate, coffee and other things in which people indulge, music is present in many varieties, and our choices are unlimited. The popularity of TV shows like Idols, The Voice and the X Factor testify to the insatiable appetite that we have for big microphones, big speakers and a powerful voice.

But I would hate to picture my favourite chocolatier skimping on the milk and sugar when creating my most-loved truffles. That would not just upset me but would give me a good reason to rally the chocolate-loving troops for mass social media-trolling.

As it is with chocolate, so it shall be with music. Each song must be an expertly crafted blend of all that is sweet to the soul. Each note is like an ingredient in a recipe. At first glance one is unsure of its necessity but in the first spoonful each note sings and gives its unforgettable flavour. In that bowlful of goodness, you will rejoice in the decadence and in now knowing that each note makes perfect sense.

All About the (Authentic) Beat

Music forms an integral part of the history of all civilisations. From drums in Africa to sitars in Asia and the beloved pianoforte in Western Europe, music has always been a well-respected and highly celebrated art.

I lament that there are those who have betrayed the art of making music. In the pursuit of remaining relevant, some musicians have polluted radio stations and online streaming services with cheap imitations of that which I adore. They have left out important ingredients, all in the name of being current.

Music, if well-brewed, should be timeless. It should not be left to those impatient, money-hungry craftsmen. I will then applaud those craftsmen and women who sit in their studios, basements and garages singing, writing and producing music. It is they who give weddings their endless dances, activists an anthem for their cause, and the faithful a means by which to praise God.

I like to believe that there is a song for every moment in my life. When I am joyful, the fast-paced rhythms of Jennifer Lopez; when I am sad, the soothing whispers of Sade.

Indeed, there is a song for the language of my heart, may it play in my soul  and never depart.