Wed March 20th- Music as medicine

"Ay que bonita es esta vida."- Jorge Celedon 

When I showed up for class on Tuesday March 19^th, I was so tired and stressed.  Professor Mack quickly livened up the class by having us tap to music and watch many Spanish and Brazilian music videos. It is amazing how in the course of that hour and 15 minutes, I suddenly began to feel energized and excited.

This is a personal example of how music can completely change people’s moods to be energetic and full of hope, even when they do not start off this way. I think this is a large part of the reason that music is so happy in Latin America and is constantly playing. When I’ve visited Colombia, a lot of people there have told me that since they are very economically limited, playing music and dancing wherever there is room, is one of their only ways to let loose and simply be happy. This is showcased in one of the most famous songs from Colombia is, “Esta Vida.” The chorus of  is this song truly shows that.

“Ay que bonita es esta vida
Aunque aveces duela tanto y a pesar de los pesares
Siempre hay alguien que nos quiere
Siempre hay alguien que nos cuida
Ay Ay Ay que bonita esta vida
Aunque no sea para siempre
Si la vivo con mi gente
Es bonita hasta la muerte.”

Furthermore, besides lightening the mood, many believe music can not only make you feel better but can actually make you better if you are ill.

Both of the following articles show support of this belief.

Music as medicine: Docs use tunes as Treatments

The best music to Heal you

All in all, music is amazing in all its powers. But I think they are especially strong in Latin American countries because the people there have so much need, that music can be an outlet for them to satisfy that need. It is amazing how music can change a situation.