In a world with everyone fighting and constantly trying to one-up each other and prove their non-conformist outlook of things, I felt a little left behind and proclaimed myself to be a professional playlist curator. Although, lately I’ve come to the realization that listening to a wide variety of songs and being able to sing along to the 1769 tracks on my Spotify liked songs list does not give me the right to impose my taste in music on others and act like a snob, OR DOES IT. Whatever the case may be, I’ve found my conversations eased, friendships strengthened and loves remembered, all because of music. You can go right ahead and call me basic and clichéd but my only response is going to be, me putting my headphones on to listen to a teenage angst song and forgetting all about it. Intellectually simulated debates over Pink Floyd, the MGK-Eminem feud and Taylor Swift have now become a daily ritual. Hozier’s lyrics in my book are comparable to the works of Sappho and Lord Byron. There’s something oddly comforting in the chaotic contrast and balance between My Chemical Romance, Kishore Kumar and Lana Del Ray.
The optimist in me likes to believe that inspiration can be sought from music and the headstrong pessimist dubs it solace on stormy days. As I pen down these words, I’m listening to yet another song which I feel was written for me and my stormy day. I hope everyone finds songs like that. Music has truly given me and to the people around me hope and strength along with a nuanced and romanticized view of things. The transition from a world of fantasy novels to that of lyrical poets was a swift one for me. From November Rains to Strangers in the Night and Cherry Wine to Wonderwall, playlists have now become a love language, unshaken and unbroken.
Having been able to see the rains through my rose coloured glasses and finding motivation in the fact that it’s my life, it’s now or never, has made every 4 to 7 minute song track, a confidante and a source of happiness. The words, the melodies and the story behind music are somehow cathartic and menacing at the same time.
Albeit unsolicited, kindly find attached a tiny part of me, my playlist. To those of you who don’t share the same taste in music, I can only hope that when you’re tired of this monotonous rat race, you can close your eyes, vibe and have yourself a 20 second dance party with these songs before going back to the bleak world of research, plagiarism limits and internships.
This post was written by Shrishti Jha, IInd year
