I’ve shared my take on it a few times, over the years, and I’m gonna do that again today. Because I just watched a short video clip of Paul McCartney talking about the magic of music. In case you’re young enough to still have a mind of mush, or you’ve been living under a cactus in a deserted desert, Paul is one of, if not THE most famous pop musicians alive. And, by most accounts, the richest singer/songwriter. So, people pay close attention to what he says and does.
But Mr. McCartney’s explanation of the magic of music is sadly empty.
He said, “When you think about it, when you try to analyze it, it’s just a bunch of frequencies. So, even when they’re organized into a musical composition, there’s no reason, really, why they should affect us. But they do. And you can hear, sometimes, a piece of classical music that hasn’t got any lyrics, so there’s no reason for it to touch your heartstrings. But it does. And it’s like, Oh my God. I’m gonna cry. How? I don’t know. It’s magical. And I think it’s great. Because it seems to be unique to the human race. You know, we’ve become this sort of superior being. And unfortunately we don’t always behave like we are. But we’ve got these amazing skills. And music is one of them. And, so, I don’t know how it works. Sometimes, when you’ve got lyrics, you can touch a nerve with people with words. Um, but it’s more than that. It’s more than that. It somehow touches your soul. And, uh, it’s magic.”
First, I agree, in a metaphorical sense, about the magic of music.
Because what it can do to you can feel like magic. Something invisible that creates visible changes. You could dismiss it as magic, if you had no better explanation for what music can do.
But I find it more than just a little ironic that Paul uses God’s name to emphasize his point. But he can’t acknowledge (probably because he refuses) how the living, loving, God of all creation also created music for our pleasure. And I believe it pleased God to do that.
That’s why I’ve shared some of my thoughts and conclusions about the magic and wonder of music. Here’s what I wrote about it a few years ago:
I don’t mean thinking about the notes or the beat or the even the instrumentation. I mean have you truly pondered the unimaginable, inextricable, undeniable force, the gift, and the wonder of music?
(To ponder: to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully: He pondered his next words thoroughly.)
Think about what music is…
- It’s intangible.
- It’s really indefinable.
- It has no shape, yet it shapes thoughts.
- It has no function of its own, yet somehow helps us function
Music has the power to stir emotions
And of its own accord can’t fulfill any of them. It isn’t necessary to perform our daily duties, but how many places of business do you find with no music. I certainly don’t remember many. Music can’t comb your hair, brush your teeth, or tie your shoes. But it can ease you through those mundane tasks and make you forget about the time.
You don’t need words to enjoy music. Or status. You don’t even need people around. It isn’t poured from a bottle, shaken from a cannister, or even dolloped from a 5 gallon bucket. Still; it can be as refreshing as champagne, spicy as cayenne, and rich and decadent as “gold ring homemade vanilla” ice cream. (the delicious ice cream from Texas that references the color blue and bells)
Music appeals to fewer than our five senses.
But it also appeals to more than your senses. When you study musical structure, it makes perfect logical sense. But when you try to explain why it “moved” you, very often you can’t quite convey it satisfactorily.
It wasn’t because it smelled, tasted, felt, sounded, or looked so good. It was what it did to your cerebral cortex. Or maybe it hit you in the “gut.” But it didn’t actually hit you. And it wasn’t actually your “gut”. See what I mean? You can’t put your finger on it. In fact you can’t touch it at all. You just know. You know?
Why in the world am I going on and on about the wonder of music? Thanks for asking.
Music is an almost perfect way to ingrain an idea into the mind. Because without exception there has always been this common chord. (like my musical metaphor?) People love music! No surprise. It’s extremely versatile, dependable, believable, and yet inexplicable.
As a singer songwriter I take the same octave countless other musicians use and create my little piece of semi-immortality to satisfy, what? Me? An audience? A paycheck? All of the above? None of the above? The answer is yes to all the questions. I’ve written songs for each of those purposes. And each one was satisfying in its own way because each one involved the intangible little friend of mine. I’m not sure why I’m so moved by this unseen companion, but I do know this:
Music is a gift from God.
It, and your thoughts, can never be stolen from you, forced out of you, or driven away from you. And as long as you want it; you’ve got it. How incredible is such a gift. Yeah, we could live without music, but…
It wouldn’t be nearly as joyous an existence.
So, there you have it. My take on the so-called “magic of music.” I say God is the superior being. And I’m not da man. In fact, I’m nothing without Him. Of course, Paul McCartney is the musician they call a genius. I’m just an also ran who the vast majority of world never heard of. Or ever will. Feel free to hang with Paul and his take that music makes us a “superior being.” Most people would.
But, for the few who see it more the way I described it, I believe there’s an endless future in paradise (not tryin’ to sway your vote or anything).
Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The FunderFlash AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.
Stay tuned,
