Week 3: Music

There’s something about listening to music from a time I never lived through that just hits different. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, Pink Floyd, and Lynyrd Skynyrd were making music decades before I was born, but somehow, their songs feel like they’ve always been a part of my life. I can’t fully explain why I feel nostalgic for an era I never experienced. Maybe it’s the way Robert Plant’s voice carries so much power or how Stevie Nicks sings with a rawness that feels painfully real. Pink Floyd’s trippy, layered sound pulls me into a different headspace, and The Doors’ poetic chaos makes me feel understood in a way I can’t quite describe. It’s like their music holds memories that aren’t mine but feel familiar anyway. 

Listening to these bands makes me feel connected to the past. It’s not just about the music itself but the stories and history behind it. I get curious about what life was like back then, what people were thinking, feeling, and rebelling against. One song that really captures the essence of that era is Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind. Released in 1962 during the Civil Rights Movement, the song became an anthem for social change. The line “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind” symbolized the elusive yet ever-present hope for justice and peace. Dylan’s songs were often the soundtrack to protests, marking the struggles of the time. He wasn’t the only one speaking out—Joan Baez and Johnny Cash also used their music to challenge societal norms. Baez’s powerful vocals and activism made her a symbol of peace, while Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” gave voice to the marginalized, reflecting the discontent and yearning for change.

Then there’s Come Together by The Beatles, which, much like John Lennon’s Imagine, speaks to a yearning for unity, though from a slightly different angle. Released in 1969, Come Together was a call to come together for a common cause, even though it didn’t lay out a perfect vision of how that should look. The song’s abstract lyrics and funky groove still capture that same desire for solidarity in a fragmented world. It’s interesting, though—Lennon’s own life didn’t always reflect the peace and unity he sang about. He struggled with his own contradictions and personal conflicts, which makes the message of Imagine all the more powerful. We’re all trying to live out ideals of peace and harmony, but we’re not perfect in doing so. The song resonates with the ongoing fight for unity, despite the chaos that surrounds us. It’s that message, combined with the infectious energy of the Beatles, that still makes this song feel relevant today. It’s crazy how music from that time carries so much weight. The struggles they faced—cultural shifts, political unrest, personal turmoil—somehow resonate with what we’re going through today. Even though the world has changed, the feelings of frustration, confusion, and desire for change haven’t.

Lastly, there’s Neil Young’s Harvest album, which perfectly captures a blend of personal reflection and social commentary. Songs like “Old Man” explore themes of aging and connection, while others like “Heart of Gold” search for purity and meaning in a chaotic world. Harvest feels timeless, reflecting both the personal struggles and broader cultural shifts of its time, making it just as relevant now. The album speaks to the complexities of life, love, and longing, showing how music can capture universal experiences across generations.

But it’s not all about nostalgia. I’m just as drawn to modern artists like Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Mt. Joy. They somehow capture that same timeless vibe while bringing something new to the table. It’s proof that good music is good music, no matter when it’s made. For me, music is a way to connect with the past while staying grounded in the present. It reminds me that even though times change, the emotions behind the songs don’t. That’s why music from any era will always have a place in my heart. Music helps me make sense of the present while honoring the past, showing me that the struggles and emotions we face are timeless, and that’s what keeps these songs relevant in my life today.