I was in my freshman year here and SLUH when my grandfather suffered a heart attack. I remember I was talking to my friends on the computer when my dad came downstairs and simply told me "We've got to go to the hospital." I knew that this wasn't going to be one of our frequent visits, however. During the car ride, I kept telling myself not to cry so that I could be strong for my mom because whatever I was feeling, she would be feeling much worse. I continued to tell myself this even at the funeral, but then the organ began to play the song "On Eagle's Wings" As I sat and listened to the lyrics, I broke down and the tears started to fall. To this day that song still recalls those feelings and reminds me of my grandfather.
What a beautiful thing music is. In just a few minutes, an artist or a band can capture and describe the emotions that we are feeling at that moment. And when I think of something "jaw-dropping", I think of how that artist's ability to capture emotions, emotions that I myself am feeling, makes me feel. Take, for instance, one of my favorite songs by Hall & Oates called "You Make My Dreams." When I listen to this song, I can't help but smile and think about the most important people in my life; people such as my best friends and family that help make my life full of happiness.
Music is not always about happiness or love, however. More often than not it is about pain and suffering. Another of my favorite songs that comes to mind here is "Nemo" by the Finnish band Nightwish. Even though this song is about someone confused and lost desperately searching for hope, its unique sound and very real emotions strike deep in my heart. It is this versatility that never ceases to amaze me and draws me to music even more as a way of expressing myself.
