Music and Friendship

[sbfluter]

I guess I'm not a musician because I think words tend to move me more than music.

[Cork]

I guess I'm not a musician because I think words tend to move me more than music.

When you get out there, on the trail, keep an eye out for these signs.

1) In the morning, just before dawn, feel the beginning of a new day. It's an energy, big and powerful. Feel it, know it, and never mind the words.

2) Midday, sweating, you've walked for miles, and the sun, or the rain, have come to you. What do they say to you, and how do you feel about them?

3) End of the day, you're tired and you have a long way to go, good night! How does that feel, and what are your feelings just as you fall asleep?

Get the idea? It's about feelings, yours, and of your world.

It could take a while, maybe a long time, but eventually those feelings will come out in your music. Yes, they will.

I'll be listening.

[feadogin]

I think there is something to be said for the communal experiencing of music and different groups certainly do use different music to identify themselves. Organizations, sports teams, TV shows, and political movements often have their particular "theme songs." On just a general listening level, it does seem that when listening to music, people may be more open about expressing emotion.

At hte same time, we shouldn't idealize the way music bonds us/drives us apart. Some of it is just as shallow as the any other issue of following popular trends and belonging to a certain social circle.

I agree, there are people I love playing music with but who I have nothing else in common with and who I really don't consider to be my friends. Then there are other people I love playing music with who I consider to be my friends for life.

So while music is one element that connects us to other people, I wouldn't overestimate it's importance in creating lasting friendships even if it creates temporary connections.

J.

[Congratulations]

I guess I'm not a musician because I think words tend to move me more than music.

When you get out there, on the trail, keep an eye out for these signs.

1) In the morning, just before dawn, feel the beginning of a new day. It's an energy, big and powerful. Feel it, know it, and never mind the words.

2) Midday, sweating, you've walked for miles, and the sun, or the rain, have come to you. What do they say to you, and how do you feel about them?

3) End of the day, you're tired and you have a long way to go, good night! How does that feel, and what are your feelings just as you fall asleep?

Get the idea? It's about feelings, yours, and of your world.

It could take a while, maybe a long time, but eventually those feelings will come out in your music. Yes, they will.

I'll be listening.

One day perhaps those feelings will come out in sbfluter's music, but right now they're coming out in her words. Being that this is a music forum, it's probably safe to assume that most people involved are moved in some way by music, but let's not underestimate the power of language. I've been a musician since forever, and I'm an English major (creative writing, specifically) in college, so I'm straddling that line every day of my life.

Point is, emotion is something that can be expressed in anything. I've seen my mother express an intense anger with a mop and bucket. Music is wonderful. Language is wonderful. Let's not get all condescending when someone says they find one speaks to them more strongly than the other.

And, sbfluter: The fact that words move you more than music has no bearing on what kind of musician you are. The one has nothing to do with the other.

[mutepointe]

I guess I'm not a musician because I think words tend to move me more than music.

With a lot of the vocals with rock and other genres of music, I was never able to understand the words that were songs. A friend and I joke that a song could be about whacking baby seals and as long as it sounded pretty, we'd never notice.

I also see a big difference with some of the famous artists regarding what they sing about and what shape their personal life is in. Often the two aren't related at all.

[Flyingcursor]

Interesting concept. I'd forgotten about Godel Escher and Bach. Good book as I recall.

Maybe I'll read his latest.

I do agree about the "affinity of the soul". Is that affinity with other people who play the same kind of music or with the music itself?
I mean, in the center is the music, like the hub of a wheel, and at the outside are the people. Their enthusiasm for a particular music is the spokes. Our connections are through the music. Are these true friendships?

[HDSarah]

I loved Godel, Escher, Bach. I have a B.A. in philosophy and an M.S. in math, both with an emphasis on logics -- how could I not love that book?:D I have been meaning to read I Am A Strange Loop. Thanks for reminding me -- I'll see if it's available at my local library yet.

I don't know anyone with musical tastes identical to mine, but I've been lucky enough to fall in with fellow band members whose musical tastes are very close. If one of them has a new song or tune he likes, there's a good bet I'll like it too, and the same goes for my new musical finds. I don't know how much of it is related to overlapping musical tastes, but I consider these men dear friends, and we all met because of music. In fact, one of the greatest benefits I've gotten from taking up music in midlife is the friendships I've made because of it. There are several people who are now very important in my life, whom I'd never have met or gotten to know if I hadn't started playing music.

P.S. Fyffer: I haven't listened to James Taylor for years but was a big fan decades ago. I still know most of the words by heart, and enjoy those songs.