It made me start thinking about how insignificant things can be, how we tend to worry about the little things. Am I going to get to work in time? What am I going to prepare for dinner? It is normal, I guess, that we do this. Having these thoughts, I mean. I think we do this because we are still in shock. We go into survival mode and try to comfort ourselves. But it is so damn difficult.
Although my friend wasn’t known for his great taste in music, he still inspired me to write this article. Every day there are people who lose their loved ones. The strong feelings and emotions (sadness, frustration, helplessness, anger…) that come with this can easily be found in music. Its intimate character is often a reflection of what happens inside our minds and hearts. It is strictly personal and no-one can tell you what to love and what not to like. That is why music is so important to me. It is one of the few places in which we can escape and completely be ourselves.
What I want to do now is talk about songs and bands that describe how I have experienced the past couple of days and that have helped me cope. When I say ‘describe’ I don’t mean that you only should look at the lyrics. You have got to let the music do most of the talking. Also, I am looking forward to your lists. The one that I present to you is certainly not exhaustive. There is obviously a lot more that I like and listen to, but I will only talk about those bands that I have been listening to since death became my unfortunate muse.
The Van Jets – Matador
Steak Number Eight - Ashore
Kapitan Korsakov - In The Shade Of The Sun
Killswitch Engage – The Arms of Sorrow
Black Keys - Little Black Submarines (the longer version)
Metallica – Fade To Black
I realize now that having written this article and talking briefly about these bands has been part of my grieving process. I am convinced that there are people that can relate to some things that I have said. There will also be those who can’t. Therefore, I am interested to know how music helped, has helped or has been helping you.
Michiel