Same Song, Different Emotions

“Edition” by Rex Orange County is my comfort song. I listen to it so often, but almost never for the same reason. I sometimes listen to it to feel more, other times to try to stop feeling so much. Music has the power to make you feel something real, but that emotion can change depending on so many factors: the time of day, the setting you’re in, the place you are in your life, the weather, your mood, the people around you. The words, the music, and the voice never changes, but the emotional reaction does.

The song becomes what you need most in that moment. Or what you feel most.

Our minds choose to focus on the parts of songs that are most relevant and necessary, whether that be one or two lines in the song or just none of the lyrics at all. Here are some of those emotions and scattered thoughts that flowed while listening to “Edition” by Rex Orange County.

EMOTION: ANXIOUS, OVERTHINKING

EMOTION: HAPPY, IN LOVE

EMOTION: SAD, ABOUT MYSELF

EMOTION: SLEEPY, CALM

I highly suggest reflecting on your music. What’s your go-to song? Why are you going to it so often? Is it always for the same reason, or different ones? Discover the “why’s” of your mind through music.