The Power of Music
“Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore,” said by Paul McCartney of the Beatles. This quote has been replaying in my head since the age of nine. When I was nine years old my Grandpa LaDeoux died.
That time was immensely difficult and painful not to have around anymore. He was the man who taught us to hook worms on our fishing poles. He was the guy who taught us to play Hold ‘em. He was the guy all the kids gathered around to hear his insane stories. My mom told me about the times when he took her fishing at alligator ponds. He would pick her up by an arm and a leg and swing her over the alligators. She always laughs about that now. He was a man who was truly loved by everyone.
All of us missed him and we cried just about every day for two weeks. I knew he was in a better place, but I was greedy and I wanted him back. One day I got tired of it all. I got tired of feeling sorry for myself, and I got tired of not being able to go into a room without someone patting me on the back and saying, “I’m sorry for your loss.” Yes, he is gone; I know that, I do not need to be reminded of it. I grabbed my iPod; I put it on shuffle, and clicked play. The song “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin appeared on the screen, and I started going ballistic. I thought it was the strangest thing and I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. It was like he was talking to me through the music. That was when I discovered the power of music. It changed my feelings for the better and it was sensational.
Today I listen to music to cope with the petty challenges I face as a teenager in high school. Some days I don’t have anyone to talk to and the lyrics fill that void. On these days I usually bring out the early Beatles CD’s (before they got into all their antics), and I sing along and dance with my air guitar. There are other days when there is too much going on, and music helps me get away from it all. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley usually lets me escape from the chaos. The worst days are when I doubt myself. “Fearless” by Taylor Swift and just about every Shirley Bassey song gives me confidence. Then there are the days when I am reminded that he is not here anymore. I listen to his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra.
Music really is the only thing that makes sense anymore. It can help anyone get through any obstacle they face and I believe that. Music cannot physically stop the wars or bring back my Papa. But, it can take away the empty feeling. Music is my escape, it is my serenity, it is the cause of my satisfaction, and it is my belief.