To say that there’s a lot going on right now would be an immense understatement. However, there is certainly a lot going on right now. This division, though necessary and valuable, can have us all feeling lonely in more ways than one.
One of the ways that I find consolation has always been through song. Each one of us is in a different position, yet I find that music is able to help me personally feel connected or at least at peace. Music is by no means the cure all, but it certainly helps.
One of my favorite “one-liners” comes from The Grateful Dead’s “Scarlet Begonias”: “Once in a while you get shown the light / In the strangest of places if you look at it right.” With this line, I find that I’m still able to find light in circumstances I’m not necessarily pleased or familiar with. Light may be found within bizarreness or chaos. It may be found within displeasure or unease. I try to find the light and share it, no matter how dull or bright it feels.
Music is also able to help me feel emotions that would otherwise be difficult to feel. Through words by others, I’m able to grasp ideas in different ways or find relation to my own life. This is by no means a revolutionary concept. We all relate and perceive as we choose. Pink Floyd’s “Time” reads, “You are young, and life is long, and there is time to kill today / And then one day you find 10 years have got behind you / No one told you when to run; you missed the starting gun.” I reflect on this line often and relate it to slowing down while recognizing speed. Though it may be difficult to slow down sometimes, especially in this situation, it’s important to while time is still moving. There may be time to kill today, but this time needs to be cherished.
These times are very strange, horrific and upsetting. It’s completely ignorant to act like music is the one and only answer in the midst of a pandemic. It is only one small method of comfort and peace. Be mindful, stay safe, take care of yourself and others and play on.
Lauren Patterson is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views and ideas of columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Lauren? Tweet her @lpaatt.
