Move To The Music

I have found myself living the life of a bachelor for the last few days/nights since my wife and sister-in-law have been visiting their parents. When someone like me has the house to himself, do I go crazy? Do I rage with some buddies and get blind-ass drunk? No. I sequester myself in my basement, listening to music at a volume I can’t usually do when my wife is here.

Last night, I was hanging out trying to figure out what to listen to, so I went to an old faithful friend—the Grateful Dead. I put on their Closing of Winterland DVD, and being in the right mindset thanks to a great snack called “Doperope,” I felt moved to stand up and allow myself to move to the music and let my body do its own thing without a care in the world.

For those that aren’t Deadheads or possess any hippie-like counter-cultural presence, you have at least seen the dances of the Deadheads. People in long flowing sundresses, tattered overalls, bellbottoms, cargo shorts, and more tie-dyed shirts than you can shake a lit joint at. They sway back and forth to the music, hair flying everywhere, eyes closed, and smiling. Some twirl in circles, and some energetically bounce up and down with their arms flailing. It’s like that old saying, “Dance like no one is watching.”

This act is not uncommon in many other genres of music. At hip-hop shows, people bounce and throw their hands in the air like they don’t care. At punk shows, they mosh, pogo, pick up change, and windmill all over the goddamn place like nobody else is in attendance, and at metal shows, fans pump their fists, mosh, run in circle pits, and stage dive. Even at pop shows, people dance, sway, and move around. While these genres may differ, they have one thing in common: the music moves the people.

We have all felt it and succumbed to the power of the music we love. If you haven’t done so, you are missing out and must try it. This is not right or wrong, but I will give you a few pointers.

1. Put on some music you feel best suits you at a particular moment. Maybe it’s an album or just one specific song. Pick something that will take you away, even for just a moment.
2. Close your eyes and listen. Stand up and let your body take in the music. Don’t try and control your motions or move in a contrived fashion. Move to the rhythm, keep your eyes closed, and feel it.
3. Once you get into the vibe, enjoy it. Immerse yourself in it.
4. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Music is made to move us. It’s made to make us think, to process thoughts, and to take us away from all of the insanity and stresses of life. Sometimes, I feel like I take music for granted. I allow music to be a background soundtrack to whatever I am doing. Sometimes, we need to take a step away from everything and remind myself of the power of music.

I don’t do it nearly enough, but when I do, I let it take over. I move, sway, dance, sweat, I feel good. Dance as if no one is watching. Testament, Slayer, Bjork, The Grateful Dead, whatever it is that moves you, let it in and do its job the way it was intended. Move, sway, dance, and thrash around like a fucking maniac until you get whiplash. There is no wrong way.

Whatever you choose, let the music take over, even just for a bit. Trust me. It’s one of the best therapy sessions you could have.

About The Author

Don

I have been running this blog since 2009. AKA as the Great Southern Brainfart, Southeast of Heaven is my baby now and forever. I’ve had my ups and downs with bands over the years but they are all great experiences and memories. My Swedish friend Charlie said once, “Don is known for being one of the meanest bastards in American rock journalism.” It’s nice to be loved.

I also once took a shit in Anthrax’s dressing room toilet and didn’t flush.

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