How Does Music Shape Our Memories and Emotions?
France Gall was a French singer who sadly passed away just a few months after my mother. I don’t remember exactly how or why I started listening to her or developing an appreciation for her songs, but I do know that some of her lyrics resonated deeply with me. And when my mother passed away, they did so even more profoundly.
Si Maman Si wasn’t my favorite song of hers, but I listened to it frequently. There is a certain magic in songs, not too different from the magic of books—both allow us to fantasize, crafting our own personal interpretations of the words. What makes music and poetry so powerful is that the meaning we derive from them belongs to us alone. An artist may have a specific intent behind their lyrics, but a song ultimately creates as many stories as there are listeners. Some songs may have explicit messages, but in the end, our brain interprets them through the lens of our own experiences, emotions, and the state of mind we are in when we hear them.
If you listen to this song when you’re happy, you might be reminded of joyful memories with your mother. If you hear it in a more melancholic mood, it may lead to introspection, making you reflect on moments you could have cherished more. The bond we share with our mother is unique, and I was fortunate enough to always feel loved by mine. Our time on this earth is finite. For those reading these lines, if your mother is still with you, why not take a moment today to send her a message of love?
Can the Awareness of Death Inspire a Fuller Life?
Évidemment is another song that I liked, written as a tribute to Daniel Balavoine, a close friend of France Gall who passed away years before its release. Life inevitably presents us with painful moments—losing a loved one is one of the hardest. These experiences sometimes force us to reflect on our own path, on how we use our time, which is undeniably limited. But how often do we truly keep that in mind?
When we fully acknowledge the brevity of life, we may begin to embrace it more completely, daring to try new things and prioritizing what truly matters. Many people on their deathbeds regret not spending more time with their family and friends—rarely do they wish they had worked more. And while we cannot ignore the necessity of money in today’s society, research suggests that once a certain income level is reached, additional wealth adds little to overall happiness.
So, what if we used this threshold as a benchmark for universal basic income? Could rethinking financial security allow us to live more meaningfully?
What do you think?
How have songs shaped your reflections on life, love, and time? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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