Driving down the road the other day, I heard a radio announcer giving the details of a new study. A scientist – probably one paid by the radio industry, mind you – had discovered there was a correlation between people’s moods and the music they listened to.
Conversely, you could use music to change your mood, calm you down and relieve anxiety.
“Some hospitals are even using music to help nervous patients or aid in pain relief,” the announcer said.
First of all, I don’t know about you, but if I’m about to have some major organ removed, there’s no amount of “I Will Survive,” that’s going to make me feel better.
Secondly, you mean we had to pay someone to conduct such a study?
Ask anyone who’s ever driven down the road listening to Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55,” only to find themselves speeding minutes later and they will tell you music impacts our moods.
For me, there’s nothing like Jimmy Buffet’s “One Particular Habor,” to make me long for the beach. Or Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again Naturally,” to make me sad. Or anything by Barry Manilow to make me want to strangle Barry Manilow.
Whatever the song, the scientist said the old adage of music taming the savage beast holds true.
“If you’re anxious, try listening to soothing music. If you’re sad, listen to happy songs,” he advised.
Not sure why it took a scientist to figure this out, but that’s a whole different column.
Everyone has their own song that evokes a strong reaction or unleashes a wave of memories. Maybe it’s the song they played at your prom (“Take My Breath Away” for me) or one played at your wedding (“The Hallelujah Chorus” at mine. Oh wait, that was just my mother  saying “Hallelujah!” Never-mind.)
I once heard of a young college student who listened to Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All,” before going to class each day. Apparently the line “I believe the children are our future,” was enough to inspire them to complete that day’s studies. The person’s roommate felt differently and can’t listen to Whitney Houston to this day.
“I hate that song,” he’s been heard to say.
No word on how he feels about Mariah Carey.