-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest of times, and to the latest.”

The quote has been on my mind lately for a couple reasons. First, I like music. It powers me through the day, well, music and a strong glass of brewed iced tea.

Our graphic designer, Jenna, has a beautiful voice and she sings almost every day. It never fails ... it will be Tuesday afternoon, deadline looming near, and she’ll break out in song that provides inspiration. I think I can speak for the rest of the newsroom. Never stop singing. We enjoy being serenaded.

The second reason the quote has been rattling in my head lately is because of reader/friend comments via Facebook.

Since March 25, we’ve been taking the 30 day song challenge on the Advocate-Messenger Page. Nightly, between 8:30 and 9, we post a musical-related song request.

It started with this: name a song you like with a color in the title.

Readers shared their favorites: Black Magic, Red Solo Cup, Yellow, Devil with the Blue Dress On, White Christmas, Crystal Blue Persuasion. Each title prompted a connection for me.

Since then, readers have shared songs about summertime, ditties that spark happiness, melodies about memories, lyrics of love and more.

The challenge has introduced new songs, like “God Only Knows” by King and Country or a hymn titled “Ten Thousand Angels” or “Ghost” by Badflower.

The challenge brought back memories, thanks to songs like “Love is Blue” or “Green-eyed Lady” or “Red Necks, White Socks and Blue-Ribbon Beer.”

It’s been a great conversation starter, courtesy of a universal language we all share.

Mostly, the challenge has reminded me of the importance music plays in my life and I imagine, in yours, too. It has not been a matter of sharing the first song that pops to mind.

No, there’s a bigger process at play and I believe it has to do with the effect of music on learning and musical intelligence, a cognitive approach to processing information, making different meaning out of sound.

Most memories are connected to a song. Lyrics transport me to another time or place - a fall afternoon spent in the shade of a cottonwood tree, Dad singing Christmas songs, a first kiss that turned into a first date that turned into a lifetime of memories.

Plus, participating every night has made me think about music and lyrics and why some songs click and leave a lasting impression, while others are easily forgotten or recognizable only when played and not by title.

I’ve already been contemplating the song for the final challenge: a song that reminds you of yourself. That’s a tough one. What tune translates what my soul feels and expresses? What song is the sum of my life’s experiences?

I’ve been on this earth 21,449 days (if my math is correct). If, like most people, I’ve listened to music for five hours a day every day, I’ve heard nearly 103,000 songs.

The choices, like music, are unending. Hopefully, I’ll find the perfect song by Thursday.