“Music has always been known for its ability to capture and express a wide range of emotions and experiences. Isn’t that the main purpose of art anyways?”

At one point in college, I considered changing my focus to be primarily on music, rather than mental health. When I discussed it with my dad he said, “If you study music, that’s all you’ll have, you can’t be a psychologist. But if you study psychology, you can still be a musician.” I thought that was very wise advice. So, here is a fun way to still include my passion for music, even on a psychologist’s blog!

Have you ever been so deep into a song that you have an experience of some kind? Maybe you find yourself crying; Maybe the song brings memories to your mind; Maybe the melody gives you the chills or the lyrics are so poignant that they seem to be speaking exactly how you feel. I encourage you to work to achieve those moments by engaging in music.

Music has always been known for its ability to capture and express a wide range of emotions and experiences. Isn’t that the main purpose of art anyways? I find myself listening to a lot of different genres of music, and you might even catch me “singing” along to songs from different cultures and in different languages. But as I look over my history of music I stream over the year, rock music is consistently getting the most playtime for me.

So, here is a sample of rock music that is known to be powerfully related to human emotion and experiences:

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen:

This classic song is a masterpiece of musical storytelling, taking listeners on a journey through a range of emotions and experiences. With lyrics that touch on themes of isolation, fear, and confusion, as well as moments of hope and redemption, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a complex and powerful exploration of the human psyche.

"Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd:

This iconic song is a haunting meditation on the nature of emotional numbness and the struggle to break free from its grip. With its moody, atmospheric sound and haunting lyrics, "Comfortably Numb" captures the feelings of disconnection and emptiness that can plague the human experience.

"Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.:

This poignant song is a powerful reminder that everyone experiences pain and sadness at some point in their lives. With its simple, yet powerful message of empathy and hope, "Everybody Hurts" is a touching tribute to the human experience. Next time you listen to it, just imagine Eeyore sitting on a hill, in the rain, all by himself, wondering where his tail has gone.

"Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains:

This intense song delves into the nature of psychological imprisonment and the struggle to break free from its constraints. With its heavy, grungy sound and anguished lyrics, "Man in the Box" is a powerful exploration of the human struggle for freedom and autonomy.

"Lithium" by Nirvana:

This iconic grunge anthem deals with the singer's struggle with bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania. The lyrics "I'm so happy, 'cause today I found my friends / They're in my head" capture the feelings of elation and isolation that often accompany the disorder.

"Mad World" by Tears for Fears:

This classic song is a melancholy meditation on the nature of the human condition, with lyrics that touch on themes of isolation, loneliness, and despair. With its haunting melody and somber lyrics, "Mad World" is a powerful reminder of the fragility and complexity of the human experience.

"Stressed Out" by Twenty One Pilots:

This catchy song is a poignant reflection on the pressures and stresses of modern life, with lyrics that touch on themes of anxiety, nostalgia, and the struggle to find meaning in a fast-paced and often overwhelming world. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, "Stressed Out" is a powerful tribute to the human experience in the 21st century.

"Creep" by Radiohead:

This haunting track explores the feelings of social anxiety and inadequacy that many people experience in social situations. The lyrics "But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo / What the hell am I doing here?" perfectly capture the sense of not belonging and feeling like an outsider. Come on, is there anybody that can’t feel this to some level?

"The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel:

This classic folk rock song deals with the theme of isolation and the difficulty of communicating with others. The lyrics "People talking without speaking / People hearing without listening" capture the sense of disconnection that can exist between people.

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin:

You didn’t think I’d forget this one, did you? The first a capella song to hit #1 on the Billboard top 100 songs. This upbeat song known for its sweet melody and clever use of vocals is a wonderful way to drive the simplicity of the lyrics to just letting things go and allow for a more pleasant emotion to take place. Sure, he was a one-hit wonder from the 80’s, and maybe this song is stretching it to be categorized as “rock,” but I do recommend looking into some of this guy’s other songs for some delightful new music you probably haven’t heard like “Bang! Zoom.”

These are just a few examples of the many rock songs that touch on themes related to human emotion and experience. Whether exploring the complexities of the human mind, the nature of emotion and relationships, or the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life, music has a unique ability to capture and express the many facets of the human experience. Take some time to listen to this playlist or your own, and really reflect on themes. You’ll be glad you did!