What's in a Song?

Back in October I was listening to one of my favorite Podcasts, The Happiness Project, with Gretchen Rubin. The discussion on this day was picking your “Happiness 911” song. As I sat in the 3 hour commute to work, I listened to Gretchen and her sister, and fans, talk about their go-to song when they need a pick-me-up. A Happiness 911 song is a song that gives a little boost - a jumpstart to a better mood, a swing on the pendulum from negative to positive, a ditty that always brings a smile to your face, no matter the difficulties of the day.

I (illegally) started going through my Spotify saves and creating my Happiness 911 playlist. (It’s a 3 hour commute to go 65 miles – give me a break! I think my speedometer read 3mph!) The discussion resonated with me. Because, while I drive a lot, I usually listen to NPR. Or a podcast. Or I’m on the phone with members. Even when I work from home I often sit in silence all day long. No music, no background noise. I don’t know why. The silence just doesn’t bother me. 

Frankly I’m usually too busy to think about turning some music on. And in the car, which is sometimes the only time in my day I get to enjoy any entertainment, I feel like I should be using my time wisely; I should be listening to something to increases my knowledge base, keeps me up to date with what is going on with the world, etc. But music is inspiring. And can absolutely alter a mood. So I pledged to myself that I would spend the following day listening to the songs I chose to be on my Happiness 911 playlist.

My Happy Songs

And then, the next day, work sucked and I was really upset. Really pissed. Really angry. Really incredulous. And I turned on my Happiness 911 playlist. Except I did NOT want to listen to that. No, I wanted to completely surround myself in that anger – just wallow in it. So I picked a different song. And I rocked the fuck out to it. And then I came across another. And then another.

Finally it occurred to me: while a Happiness 911 playlist is an awesome idea (and I listen to mine often. IT WORKS!) Sometimes, just sometimes, you need angry music. I had an innate NEED to lash out, yell a bit, and get some things off my chest (even if it was just to Siri). Sometimes you’ve got to get the aggression out. And music can do that for you too. So I created a new playlist: “Illegitimi non carborundum.”

This phrase came to me by my mentor, my Mr. Miagi, my Dumbledore. He sent it to me that day (after I was whining at him about my experience). Loosely translated it means, “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” It was prophetic. And perfectly timed. And I love it so much it will be my next tattoo.

Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down

The value of that podcast has been immeasurable for me. It reminds me to enjoy myself every now and then. It’s great to learn new things – and to listen to the news – but it is equally important to just emote sometimes. And music is the perfect vessel for that.