Although the music in the book was not familiar to me, it was the whole idea that captured me. What if we used music to improve how we felt, to lift us out of the sh*t and back into the beauty of the day. And it was today, that I realised I really needed something to get me feeling …. better… closer to normal!
The whole idea behind the book is that you choose songs to shift you from one mood to another.
I find I start with the songs that make me feel loved and match wherever I am. It could be soulful, or emotive, able to lash out or even wistful.
Whatever helps you feel like you are relating to how you feel. And then move onto the next song, whether it is from a memory, or it may just jump into your mind. Something that reminds you to be kind to you and let yourself express you.
So I grabbed my mobile and found myself singing along to all the deep soulful songs in the shower (ok pouring my heart out!), while washing the crud away. And I found it was the songs that reminded me of moments in my world that impacted the most while letting me feel all the emotions I had hidden away inside.
To give you an idea – My playlist began with Billie Jean sung by Chris Cornell, which is a beautiful emotive rendition that leaves you feeling haunted and in awe all at once.
And be careful of what you do ’cause the lie becomes the truth
– Michael Jackson
I then added songs with some depth, ie meant something in my world like swaying in the audience of a Wes Carr show, listening to the tales of how these songs were written (Crazy Heart by Buffalo Tales)
And I just kept adding songs that made me feel good. Memories of being a teenager and jumping on the bed singing at the top of my voice (Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos). Some of my faves – Since You’ve been Gone by Powderfinger, Ramble on by Led Zeppelin and Paint it Black by Rolling Stones.
Finally Cosby Sweater by Hilltop Hoods to bounce around and get jiggy with it.
I felt sooooo much better not even at the end, but as I went through, reliving memories and reminiscing on moments that had meaning.
It not only got me out of a funk, the music helped me heal.
PS, I would love to hear what tunes, helped you with this!!
