Generation Likes
According to Pitts (2017), anything with a combination of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, in such a way that it brings a pleasant sound that can soothe a human being, is music. Fundamentally, music has been one of the most vital aspect in my life. In this regard, I perceive music as an essence of life. Notably, anything musical with rhythm can convey all sorts of emotions to me, be it disgust, fear, sadness, happiness, or any other kind of feeling. The implication here is that music is a potent tool in human life.
In this case, whenever I hear any pleasant sound with a combination of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, my vivid memories are provoked. When I hear “Jesus Loves Me” by Listener Kids, I vividly remember my first day in school, kindergarten. Jesus loves me, is basically a Christian hymn usually sung by children in the lower primary. Anna Bartlett Warner first wrote the song in the year 1827. It was first written as a poem during this time, but later in the year1862, William Batchelder Bradbury added a tune to it. Finally, it was then sung by the listener kids and got released in 2013.
One thing about this song is that whenever it is sung, it usually reminds me of my childhood and, more precisely, my first encounter in kindergarten when I was three years old. In this regard, this song reminds me of how my mum took me to the school, and how she left me stranded in a group of strangers. I cried too much, but later on, when the teacher started the song, “Jesus loves me,” a feeling of comfort came over me. I slowly adapted to the new environment and caught up with the other kids. Therefore, this song brings a mixture of feelings to me whenever I hear it. Most notably, I at first pity myself as the picture of how my mum left me with a group of strangers crisscrosses my mind. However, I later feel so happy as the song unfolds, when I remember that this is the exact song that made me adopt the school life.
Reference
Pitts, S. E. (2017). What is music education for? Understanding and fostering routes into lifelong musical engagement. Music Education Research, 19(2), 160-168.