Musical Interpretations: Both Offbeat and On-Key

Listening to music is a common way to ease the pain of a treacherous walk or long bus ride. Nowadays, it’s rare to see someone without headphones or a cord connecting them to a tune. 

Finding a way to relate to a song is often key to forming a deep relationship with it. This doesn’t mean the lyrics have to tell a familiar story. In fact, the words may not matter at all. 

The subjectivity of lyrics is what makes songs so powerful. Songwriters may write their lyrics to display one feeling or story, but interpretations aren’t limited to the song’s original context.

People’s love of music often comes from their ability to apply it to their own memories, according to Millersville University. No one holds the exact same memories, so it’s impossible for every listener’s connection to be identical. Music should be fully utilized — meaning listeners should lean into the opportunity to make a song their own. 

Many songs are written about love or heartbreak, creating a disconnect for those who’ve never experienced a romantic relationship. But just because a particular song’s narrative hasn’t been experienced doesn’t mean listeners can’t relate to in another way. 

Taylor Swift’s “Now That We Don’t Talk” doesn’t have to be interpreted as a breakup song. 

“Guess maybe I am better off / Now that we don’t talk,” Swift sings. 

Those who have severed a friendship can relate to it as well. Additionally, the song can even be interpreted as one which reminisces over a younger self. 

Songs focusing on romance can also be associated with a favorite activity instead. 

Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine” is commonly interpreted as an expression of love for another person because of its lyrics about a deep, possessive love. 

“Nothing in the world belongs to me / But my love mine, all mine, all mine,” Mitski sings.

While lines like these may initially evoke an image of romance, they can easily be seen as a love for a passion such as writing poetry — creating something that only belongs to the author. 

Connecting to song lyrics on an experiential level is also a way to grow as a person. This practice requires a high level of creativity and introspection, making it almost a form of art akin to writing, painting or even creating music of one’s own.

Listening to and pondering music can do more than just produce connections. Music can also play a role in people’s physical and mental health, according to Rebecca Joy Stanborough for Healthline. 

“Music exerts a powerful influence on human beings. It can boost memory, build task endurance, lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, stave off fatigue, improve your response to pain, and help you work out more effectively,” Stanborough wrote. 

Music can help listeners improve their overall moods and day-to-day lives, allowing them to grow into their best selves. 

True connection to a song isn’t feeling the exact way the artist does, but forming a unique opinion of what story is being told. Music-related introspection is an art in of itself, and it shouldn’t be overlooked.