I JUS' WANNA PLAY MA MUSIC ?

BY DEEKSHA BHARDWAJ

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul."

The old adage just gives the essence and importance of music in our life. Music has come a long way ever since its introduction into the humane world 50,000 years ago. But the success of music cannot be counted in days, perhaps minutes and seconds would be adequate. 

Music is a completely different era of a lifetime that has become a part and parcel of our daily chores. 'Music is becoming more and more a soundtrack of our lives' says Saadgi, a student of class IX. It is becoming a constant background presence in our cars, at our workouts, and on our computer speakers at home. We may not consume music for our own sake but it permeates our lives. 

Even as you read this article digesting the facts that I'm feeding you with there are still people around the globe who are sauntering around with ipods or artist's penning down new songs. Every 7 people out of 10 listen to music on a daily basis for at least 2 hours a day. Music has evolved with man. Man unconcerned has evolved beyond imagination. Music has treaded a long way from the simple and nerve soothing blues to the ballistic but good sounding rock.

Music has progressed more than its competitive acts such as dancing, which reflects in the talent hunts conducted on a yearly basis. Programs such as the American Idol, Indian Idol, and Voice of India etcetera encourage young budding musicians to come forward and showcase their talents. They provide a platform for them to excel in the particular field. Further the popularity of these shows tells the tale of the rising passion for music in today's generation.

From the romantic tunes of Enrique to the rocking music of the Jonas Brothers, Shakira's hip-swiveling songs to Rihanna's acoustics and of course the heart throb of the nation Hillary Duff's hip-hop to Vanessa's blues.................Music has different genre's and styles.

'I love Hillary's latest album, Dignity, it's so awesome, I mean she's fantastic', says Harleen.

'Shakira's songs are worth an ear', says Donna.

'Enrique rocks, he has a terrific voice and the lyrics of his songs are as good as the tune', says Sejal.  

Music is a moral law; it gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to imagination, charm and gaiety to the world and life to everything else. It influences, inculcates and inclines. It changes the state of mind of a person. Music captivates. Rhythmic music always catapults the attention of everyone. Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle us to make us wonder who we are, for what are we here, whence and whereto. When asked, Vanshica exclaims 'Music need not seek attention, it catches it automatically. There is something mystical about music; you can hear it even in the silence of things.'

"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music", says Saachi a student of class VIII.

Music does what nothing else can do. It portrays different feelings from diverse angles and goes beyond itself to calm and compose a person. But is all kind of music aiming for the same. I don't think so. The change in the nature of man has brought about a change in music as well, it has not only become more aggressive but also abusive. What was meant to soothe soul now diverts it. People incline towards what they see and hear and this type of music doesn't have the best of effects on people, especially on the younger naive generation. Driven by an impulse they listen to such music when suggested and due to lack of proper judgmental qualities they lead themselves into unwanted trouble by reciting these kinds of songs in front of elders and even go further ahead by influencing siblings by such things.

Words are a dual edged sword; they can cut and slash, whereas they can also heal and cure the wounds of the past. Music should be used as a medium of spreading happiness and joy instead of propagating hostility and menace. Some unruly people threaten music by using an opprobrious approach, which is highly unjustified.

Take music as a way to cleanse your soul and answer your inner woes not as one to jeopardize your innocence and scorch your conscience.