I have felt inspired to write a regular feature column, that I have fondly named "Heartstrings and Headspace”. From a very young age, I have been exposed to and developed a love of country music.
For hours on end as a child, I would sing and dance in my bedroom finding comfort in the words that, in those moments, created the reality in which I lived. I wrote a warning sign on my door, “Remember to knock, or you might get a shock,” in an attempt to deter interruption from my musical musings. I found myself gravitating towards more introspective music that spoke to the complexities of life and relationships. This love of music and lyrics has continued to be my source of inspiration, insight, and comfort throughout my personal and professional journey.
Through this regular feature, I aim to explore the intersection of emotions and mental health with the power of music. Each article will feature a song that has resonated with me in some way, either through its relatability or ability to provide perspective during difficult times. I believe that music has a unique ability to connect people from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances or struggles. It is universal in its power to evoke emotions, spark memories, and offer hope.
I grew up in a rural location and it was a fair distance to travel to many friends so a lot of my time was spent alone. The connection that I did have was a game I would play with two of my close friends, where we would write each other letters each evening comprised solely of song lyrics to share what was going on in our inner worlds (no text messaging in my day!).
I have recently been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, combined) and on reflection I believe that my bedroom shenanigans provided an outlet for an excess of energy, an emotional release as I connected with lyrics and a good dose of vagal toning (this refers to the modulation of the vagus nerve's activity to promote a balanced and adaptive response in the body), with all that singing (this engages and stimulates the vagus nerve). Ultimately I believe this was a key factor in how my ADHD was more manageable and went unseen as a child.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I often take my love of music into therapy settings to allow clients to communicate to me through the music and lyrics that have meaning for them. This is often so much less threatening than simply sitting in front of someone and spontaneously self-generating words. It offers a prompt, a structure and a sense of connection with someone else that may have felt the way we do, or had the experiences we have had, as we resonate with the lyrics.
The column acts as a harmonious intersection of art and psychology, as we link threads of lyrical expression to the complexities of the human mind. In each feature post, I aim to navigate the landscape of a country song, to extract universal themes, turning each lyric into a gateway for introspection and self-discovery. I want to offer readers a chance to embark on a contemplative journey, exploring the depths of emotions inspired by the authenticity of storytelling in this type of music. I hope to touch upon a spectrum of emotions, creating a space where heartstrings are strummed, and headspaces are stirred. My goal is to develop a deeper understanding of the human psyche, through a lyrical lens.
Trauma healing through stories
Trauma has the profound capacity to disrupt the very structure of our lives, leaving lasting imprints. The traumatic incident/incidents chip away at who we were the moment before they happened. Trauma can shatter our sense of self, leaving behind fragmented memories, emotions, and perceptions. We often find ourselves trapped in a chaotic labyrinth of disjointed experiences, making it challenging to make sense of our own story. The lack of coherence in our narratives can perpetuate distress, and hinder the natural healing process. To heal we need to move to a place of creating a coherent narrative bringing our experience to the point of a cohesive and empowering story - from ‘Wounds to Wisdom’ is the journey we take. We start to foster resilience as we reclaim our stories and give meaning to our experiences. The reclaiming of the narrative offers a sense of control, ownership and agency over our own lives. This sense of agency is pivotal in trauma recovery, as it shifts the focus from being a passive victim to an active author of our reality. This then becomes a cornerstone for rebuilding a positive sense of self and fostering resilience.
A story invites us to engage with and process our emotions in a structured manner. It is a container for intense feelings, allowing for a more controlled and therapeutic release. The integration of fragmented parts into a whole is crucial for understanding the impact of trauma especially on our relationships, and identity. Through the process of weaving together the threads of our story, we begin to establish connections between past and present and can finally realise we are not still in the danger we once were.
How song lyrics can help us form our narrative
Lyrics offer a unique narrative that resonates with the depths of our emotions and experiences. From love and heartbreak to resilience and rebellion, the words become a mirror reflecting the multifaceted aspects of the human journey. Whether it's the joy of newfound love or the ache of a broken heart, perhaps it the loss of a loved one, a betrayal or a birth, songwriters have a remarkable ability to articulate the nuances of human feelings. Listeners often find solace and validation in words that resonate with their own struggles, creating a sense of connection and understanding.
Songs are not just personal narratives; they also serve as cultural and societal commentaries. They highlight prevailing social issues, cultural shifts, and the collective human experience. Musical narratives have the power to shape our perceptions of the world and ignite conversations about change.
Sharing songs that are meaningful to us, connects us to others, fostering empathy. The song offers a space for listeners to step into the shoes of others. This empathetic connection is transported even further by the mood the melody creates. There is a cultivation of shared humanity and we feel a sense of belonging which can be an antidote to the loneliness that trauma can bring.
Many songs serve as conduits for emotional catharsis, allowing listeners to release suppressed and dissociated feelings. The act of singing along to lyrics that encapsulate our emotions provides an expressive outlet, fostering a sense of release and relief. In this way, lyrics become a therapeutic tool for processing and managing emotions. This becomes a double whammy if we dance along too.
Songs can carry messages of positivity, resilience, and empowerment. Lyrics that celebrate triumph over adversity or encourage self-love and confidence can be especially uplifting. Engaging with such affirming narratives through music can inspire a positive shift in mood, providing motivation and encouragement during challenging times.
My view is that music is a narrative tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of the core of our identities. We live a life of conditioning, becoming what others expect of us until we can peel away the layers and finally understand who we are at the very core of self, rather than who we had to become to navigate the experiences we had. When we are living to the beat of someone else’s drum we feel out of sync as if a discordant sound is echoing in the background. Something is ‘off key’. Engaging with lyrical reflections begins to bring us back into a place of harmony as we find out what triggers emotional responses in us and begin to build a picture of who we authentically are.
Considering a ‘Country Catharsis’
Country music, with its roots deeply embedded in storytelling and emotional authenticity, has long been regarded as a genre that resonates with the human experience. Research has highlighted a connection between country music enthusiasts and higher levels of trait empathy.
At the core of country music lies its unparalleled ability to tell heartfelt stories that resonate with the joys and struggles of everyday life. The genre's lyrical content is known to delve into themes of love, loss, addiction, death and resilience,
If we think that listeners of this genre may have high empathy then the connection with the narrative may be even greater, providing a sense of relatability and shared understanding. As we see aspects of our lives reflected in the stories within the music, an empathetic response is evoked, creating a unique bond between the listener and the artist.
Beyond the storytelling, the very melodies and tones of country music have an emotional depth that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Whether it's the twang of a guitar or the heartfelt lyrics sung with raw emotion, the melodic elements of country music enhance the listener's capacity to empathise with the sentiments expressed.
Country music often explores themes of compassion, and empathy itself. Songs that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit over adversity or advocate for understanding and kindness contribute to the cultivation of empathy among listeners.
Although my own backstory has led me to want explore the human psyche through the lens of country music, the meaning of songs can be explored with any genre in your own journey of self-awareness.
There is such therapeutic potential inherent in the art of song, as is universally seen not only now but in our ancestors as they gather by the fire.
I invite comments on what music and lyrics are important to you, as this is an amazing and healing way to connect.