I'm going to jump right into this and say that Bloom was definitly making an overgeneralization to say that young people cannot take seriously anything alien to music. I agree that in all stages of life, I've observed that the most passion and "spunk" for music comes from young people; pre-teen, teens and early 20's. I think this stems from all the changes that are taking place in people's lives at this point. Starting from when you hit puberty all the way until you have graduated college and have your own place, you are constantly changing and growing. There is the first few years of puberty, then highschool, driving, college, bills, getting your own place, minimum wage jobs..there is always something going on to stress about and like every adult knows from experience, it becomes overwhelming. Music is powerful and has healing properties. At this age it's easy to find comfort in the songs that make you feel less alone when you are going through these things.
When I was younger one of my favorite songs to play was "Wonderful" by Everclear. It talks about kids who are promised that "Everything is wonderful now" but the kids know whats really going on (divorce, bankruptcy, fighting..etc). The kids tell their parents "How can you smile with all those tears in your eyes? I don't want to hear you tell my everything is wonderful now. I don't want to hear you say that I will understand someday." There was a lot of secrets in my family that emerged when I was still pretty young. I found out my brother was only my half brother. He had a whole other family on the other side of the country and he was leaving us for them. He had another little sister on the other side of the country and he was leaving me for her. That's how it felt to me. My parents used to say some of the things in the song like "One day you'll understand." and "Everything will be better someday" but I didn't believe them anymore. When you feel like you can't trust the people around you, you trust music and musicians because what they say makes more sense to you than what your parents said or the music talks about how you feel when things happen to you.
What I'm still trying to figure out though, is why that passion and that draw fades away as you get older. When you are very young I can understand why the extent of your musical passion is the itsy bitsy spider. But why do adults not have the same longing to listen to music 24\7? Even in the last few years of my life I've noticed I don't have to have music with me everywhere I go. My walkman, cd player, ipod...used to go with me everywhere I went in previous years. I still love music but I'm not as obsessed as I once was. Maybe as you get older you learn to cope with lifes issues in healthier or just different ways so you don't NEED it so much, just enjoy it. Regardless, I agree that young people have an unmatched passion for music that rarely exists in other age ranges but I don't think it is ALL young people and I KNOW it is untrue that they can't take seriously anything alien to music.
I completely agree with you! I love how developed your blog was and wow what a great song. I think most younger generations are more "obsessed" with music because when its found with all its healing powers it is a new thing. Everything is more appealing when it is new and different, especially if it works to make one feel more understood or stable. I can relate with you on the family drama. I have once felt like music was the only thing I could count on to be real and true or make any sense at all.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the passion fading, I can't really relate with that. I myself am only in my 20's and music has been my life for as long as I can remember as you could see if you've read any previous blogs of mine. My mom is still just as enthralled by music and is always singing around the house with her ipod in her ears! lol. My aunt is a singer and every time I see her she has a new song for me to hear that she was touched by. My dad is constantly blasting classic rock and asking me to name all the artists that I most definitely have no intention of knowing lol. Therefore, I think if the passion for music seems to fade it might just be lost and when you need it most it will find you again. :0)
Hello CHEEZ_muffins, when I read your blog it reminded me my early days. You are right music can inform you what your parents won’t tell you. It inspires you in a meaningful way. It serves you as a refuge. Sure everybody has favorites especially if your peers are also intends to it, including the choice of music. You wanted to be part of the group and by the time you get matured you tend to realize what is normalcy. But in those turmoil periods you trust your friends and your music most importantly than anything else. By the way I like the song you posted; it really has a great meaning. After I heard it I say yes, kids can understand anything what is going on in their family, those lyrics have meaningful meaning for someone who is considered as a kid and doesn’t understand what is going on in family affairs. Parents most of the time undermine their kids understanding. And try to pretend as if nothing is happening, your blog has taught me a lot. Thanks a lot. As a mom I have to take due understanding on my kids feeling. For the things I think are beyond their understanding, I have to be transparent in their level of understanding.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think about the pattern of music fading from people's lives! Good point! That is definitely something that I can see happening in many people's lives. I suppose it never crossed my mind because my dad used to be in the band Lucksinger when he was younger, but he is still constantly playing his bass. That is a true passion, I believe. My dad is passionate about two things: the bass and railway history. These two things are a part of his every day life! It is a type of passion I could only admire! When I was thinking about what true passions are all about, I realized that it probably is something that you surround yourself on a regular basis. Bloom incorrectly overgeneralized youth as surrounding themselves with music constantly. I would still consider myself 'youth' and I know that music is not my number one priority!
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