illustration by steed media service

I like to think that when God created the universe, it was to a sweepingly beautiful aria sung by his favorite angel. I believe that the Almighty would have been partial to listening to Thelonious Monk whilst breathing life into his creations. But, of course, He hadn't created Monk yet. I have often mused about whether God likes his beat down low. Mayhap. I know some of his creatures do.

Some experts have claimed that exposing babies to classical music makes them smarter, and while that claim is disputed in some quarters, the music does appear to affect how their brains develop, perhaps due to its nuanced complexity and textured rhythm. Music has been present since time immemorial, it is in our DNA, and that is why music resonates within our very souls. Music can inspire, uplift, intoxicate and lull, so it's possible that it may make us smarter, too. Why not consider the possibility?

Historically, our ancestors used music, specifically drums, to communicate with each other. We continue to use music as a communication apparatus today, although not all the messages we're sending are loving or informational, let alone inspirational. There is no denying the power of music in both majesty and transformational properties, but some 'musicians' are using the art form as a blunt force object. One thing we should not use music for is to verbally bludgeon one other. That misuse of a divine resource is criminal.

Music upends the mundane background and adds a punch of color to life. A song can evoke memories of a first kiss, a sad parting, or a really bad decision to take a joyride in the family car without permission. Music can make the heart leap within the chest, quicken the pulse, halt the breath. As our forbears used drums and call-and-response to fortify, uplift, spirit away, warn and deliver each other from harm, so too, should music today trumpet and remind of us our greatness. We are a mighty people; let's choose to be intellectual, let's choose to be the best. You control who you are no matter what the music says.

Peace.

Munson Steed, Publisher
publisher@rollingout.com

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