The Invisible String: How Music Connects Us to Emotion, Memory, and Love

The Invisible String: How Music Connects Us to Emotion, Memory, and Love

By Charlotte Town

There is an invisible string which connects our heart to music. Music can evoke emotion and elicit memories, that may have been hidden in the depths of our subconscious. I have always found listening to music a truly intimate experience; one that separates from the mundane day to day life and transports me to wherever I wish. Artists such as Hozier and Fleet Foxes open the door to a log cabin on a rainy day, and place a warm coffee in my hand. Other artists such as Led Zeppelin or Fleetwood Mac place heeled, cowboy boots on my feet and send me dancing to my nearest bar with a fluffy jacket on my shoulders. 

The connection we feel towards music, artists and bands is like no other. Music can make you feel truly heard and remind people that they are not alone. Great lyricists can help make sense of feelings and put into words emotions even beyond our average understanding. When you feel as if the world is against you, sticking your airpods in or placing a vinyl on your record player of a great song or album, can bring you the peace or encouragement you need to face the day (however crazy it may be.) We use music to celebrate. We use it to welcome beginnings and ends and each milestone we reach. We watch the greats perform it and put performances on ourselves, whether this is dancing around in our childhood bedrooms or singing along in the shower. It can be playing in the background at work or screamed in the car with your friends. Lyrics can be the most raw, beautiful pieces of poetry you can hear and sometimes it is only because you decided to switch on the radio that day. We have worlds at our fingertips that we can access just through sound. 

Sharing music is a beautiful, intimate love language and one that has lasted for generations. Our grandparents would dance to it together, our parents would make mix tapes for one another; to declare their adoration and still, we share music. When one is passionate about music the thought of sharing this joy with someone they love or care for is exciting and fulfilling.  ‘Just wait for the chorus!’ 

‘You’re going to love this bit!’ 

Music can help ease people into emotional intimacy. It relaxes the mind and can send messages and signals when words are left unspoken. ‘Shall we put some music on?’ can lead into a whole variety of scenarios…(is he going to kiss me?) The connection music has to love and intimacy will always be strong and music will eternally be a vessel of memories and of love.