Bleed Passion
I would propose that one of the biggest reasons why the younger generation (generally speaking) cannot cope, may partially be due to the lack of modern music that makes you FEEL. Just like the tv shows of yesteryear, music helped you learn, helped you feel, and helped you understand that that’s life. Whether it’s music that pumps you up, makes you cry, or gives you that outlet to sing along with and be angry. It allows you to FEEL. “Hell, if the million-dollar hot musician went through it, it’s only reasonable to think I might go through it too.” And how great does that feel? When you hear that song that you feel was written just for YOU. About YOU and YOUR situation. That moment when it resonates with you is priceless. Why? Because you understand exactly how that person FEELS and you find comfort in knowing you're not the only one.
Now let’s go beyond that. Music of the past gave you an outlet. A reason to scream! Sing out loud! Blast so even the quietest person could make the whole world hear. All for the same reason. Whether it’s with a smile on your face, anger in your eyes, or tears on your cheeks, music gave you the ability to understand that what you are feeling right now is REAL and ok. If fact, the excitement of hearing a song come on the radio, was such an exciting moment because it gave you the opportunity to go back to that place and relive the moment all over again. (Music that is on demand is wonderful, yet it’s for you, and you alone. Not for everyone out there to come together with excitement at the same moment like when it is played on the radio.) Hearing a song on the radio gave you the ability to sing along with every other person out there who feels that same way. If you were beaten, it helped heal you. If you lacked courage, it inspired you. It helped tell a portion of YOUR story along with the story of so many. A story that brought people together to realize you really are a lot more LIKE people than UNLIKE them. A feeling of belonging. Like there are so many people on the same page as you. And what a great feeling that is! In times of happiness, excitement, sorrow and pain, you are not alone.
Not to be forgotten was the music behind the lyrics. Music that told a STORY just as beautiful as the lyrics themselves. Music that made your heart race and built you up, and helped you release and crash you down. Music that started with hesitation and ended in triumph. Musical instruments that you could close your eyes and listen to and feel a whole myriad of emotions and bodily reactions occur as a result of how those instruments when played together, made you FEEL.
A lot of today’s youth feel what they feel and then don’t know what to do with those feelings. In return, there’s this misconception that people don’t understand them, or value them or accept them. The truth is, they are lacking that place where everyone can go to feel the same. That place that makes you reach down deep in the pit of your stomach or the center of your heart. That place where there are no boundaries. Where human natures takes over the wheel inside and says “I’m about to take you for a ride.” And yes, that ride might be glorious, yes it might just be a moment down memory lane, or yes it might be a ride down the road from your darkest hour. The reasons may be different, but the result is the same. You come out of it exhausted and refreshed and validated, knowing that someone out there FEELS the same way you do. And the truth is…even if the singer had different reasons or situations that motivated them to write a particular song…the FEELINGS are the same. Let me say that again. Even if the situations are different, the FEELINGS are the same. And THAT is what today’s youth is lacking. A vehicle to escape with. A vehicle that is ready for them at any moment. A vehicle that is SO familiar and safe. A vehicle in which to express their feelings and have them validated. Instead, more and more of today’s youth feel so alone.
Of course there are some wonderful artists and musicians who do provide this in their songs and they are true gems of this time. They are the hope in keeping the music world alive. In my humble opinion, there isn’t a plethora of music out there that makes young people FEEL exactly how they feel. And more importantly, the lyrics aren’t backed with the musical force that taps into your veins and makes you bleed passion. In a world that is so individualized and personalized, we are alienating ourselves from that feeling of belonging. And what bigger group to be a part of than a fanbase. A group of millions of people coming together to listen to, sing, and FEEL the same way. A way that can be EXACTLY how YOU feel…and yet, the way millions of others feel too.
Written by Michele DeMuro 9/20/23 ©