In an MPSIMS thread, I noted that my son Liam had recently gone through surgery. While we were trying to get the mask on and put him under, he began whining and singing “Old MacDonald had a Farm.” I noted him doing this at times before when he was under stress and came to the idea that this is like a musical safety net for him. I think for some reason it helps center him and gets him through his difficult times.
It also hit me that I have one too. Whenever I used to get stressed, it always seemed like I’d hear the song “Take It Easy” by the Eagles. Eventually, I found myself starting to sing it under my breath on my own whenever I started having problems. Sometimes without even knowing I was doing it.
Well, if I’m stressin’ and alone in my car I sing parts of Verdi’s Requiem. Particularly the Ingemisco. I’m not a terrific singer so I have to be alone and invulnerable to do this, but I think I hear the real thing in my head and that helps me to see the real world.
Nine Inch Nails “The Downward Spiral”
Any type of emotional crisis can be expressed, faced, and dealt with, an amazing piece of audio catharis for me…
Classical & opera (specifically Beethoven and Wagner), can also bring me to that level of emotional nakedness, but I feel a sense of detatchment from them (tho their tonal purity brings tears to my eyes and a resurgence of love for humanity)
“The Games People Play” helped me out a lot the other day. “Miss American Pie” is my favorite song and helps relax me. plus I know exactly how long it is so I can use it to tell time without a watch.
When I was in China and experiencing the curse of the Chinese jet pilots*, I sang anything and everything I could remember to keep my mind off the airsickness. I even translated ‘Imagine’ into pisspoor Chinese to keep myself distracted.
–John
*On all domestic Chinese flights I took, the pilots used the same method. UP at the steepest angle possible, straight ahead, DOWN at the steepest angle possible. This route is longer than the usual parabola so they make up for it by going really fast.
Gregorian chants. If I’ve got a really horribly awfully terribly bad day going and I’m near the computer, I’ll hit NetRadio’s Chant channel. If not, I’ll dig up the two battered CD’s I have and dive into Tranquility Bay.
It’s almost as good as a Starbuck’s venti chai latte with lots of raw sugar and a sprinkling of nutmeg (but not quite.) But then, I’m not sure Xanax beats a good chai latte.
My best to you and your son, Euty. Hope all goes well.
During labor with my first two children, when I was having to concentrate very hard on keeping my mind and body relaxed, I found myself “listening” to music in my head. Each time it was a single song (from a cd I had been listening to a lot at the time) that repeated over and over. The first time it was Secure Yourself, by the Indigo Girls. The second time it was k.d.lang’s Constant Craving.
I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that my choices are Enya, Sting, and the Pet Shop Boys. I get a LOT of heat for that, but I can assure you that I’m all man!
It depends on my mood. When I’m bummed about a personal relationship, I’ll go with Midnight Oil, especially their CDs Diesel and Dust and Blue Sky Mining. It keeps me from thinking about personal things.
When I’m happy late at night, I’ll listen to just about any Van Morrison CD, especially Beautiful Vision.
