A Simple Song - A Summer Memory: Finding Moments When We Need Them

Music gives us the capacity to connect to the deepest parts of ourselves, even when a dreaded ‘scan’ is looming

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Music—a simple song—gives us a moment when we need it most

I asked the music therapy group that I facilitate for the organization Life With Cancer to think about 'summer songs' that prompt a great summer memory. After a pause, and some thinking, someone spoke up and said, “All Day Music by War.” I asked her, “What is it about that song? What does it make you think about when you hear it?” She smiled and I could see in her face that she was slowly recalling something; “Ahh… it just takes me back… to summer breaks from college, hanging out with my boyfriend at the beach, lying in the sun, and… listening to music. So carefree… so many possibilities… so easy.” She seemed to be lost in the memory.

[But you see, in reflecting on a nice memory that a favorite song prompts, we can also bring some of those feelings into the here and now.]

After a pause, she said, “I have a scan coming up in a few days… and I’m feeling anxious about it.” (Rightfully so.) The weight of those words hung in the air as everyone, I’m sure, could relate. Then, “But I actually started listening to that song again. And it just makes me feel… good. Alive! Carefree. And then I don’t feel so anxious. I just want to dance on the beach and forget about everything else.” Everyone smiled, and I could see them too starting to reflect… finding their memory.

The connection

A song… A memory… A moment… from the past connects us to the here and now, and to who we truly are beneath the diagnosis, the treatments, and the fear. That’s what music can do. Music promotes a sense of self. [That’s why we have this group. That’s why music therapy can be helpful in cancer care.]

Music brings comfort when we need it

A favorite song can bring back great memories to help us cope in the present. And when we feel like we’d rather dance on the beach and forget about everything else, we can put on All Day Music by War. Or Hot Blooded by Foreigner. (Mine.) Or Hot Fun In The Summertime by Sly and the Family Stone. (My friend C.) We all have ‘that song’ that makes us feel good when we need a little… something. A little jolt. Music brings comfort when we need it.

We have music

There are many ways we can use music to cope in our everyday lives. Certainly, listening to music that prompts great memories. But also: Singing. Playing the piano. Jamming on a guitar. Practicing the cello. Improvising jazz. Writing and creating music. Attending a concert. Listening to a favorite record or playlist. Sharing music with someone.

When we are stressed or feeling out of sorts - We have music. When we can’t find the words to express ourselves fully - We can sing. When we need energy - We can listen to upbeat music. (Earth, Wind & Fire?) When we are sad - Melancholic music can provide validation and empathy. When we need something… We have music.

Music gives us the capacity to connect to the deepest parts of ourselves. Music gives us what we need when we need it.

And as we close out the holiday weekend and are now fully into summer, I’m sharing my ‘work in progress’ Ray’s Ultimate Summer Playlist! Enjoy! (I like to hit shuffle as the songs are in no particular order):

What song takes you back? Makes you feel carefree in the moment and want to dance on the beach? Let me know in the comments below. (And I’ll add them to the playlist.) I love hearing from you. Thanks for reading!

The healing power of music…

(*The stories presented in this blog are based on accounts or experiences and are not actual accounts or experiences.)

Raymond Leone, MMT, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist based in Northern Virginia and writes extensively about music and wellness.