“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ―Confucius

Music Within

Music gives me peace of mind. It allows me to re-live beautiful memories and, at times, sparks inspiration. But like most things that touch us deeply, it comes with its quirks. When I fall in love with a song, it doesn’t just stay on a playlist—it starts playing on loop in my mind. It’s as if there’s a music player embedded in my consciousness, always spinning something. While poetic in theory, this can be distracting. The mental soundtrack often interferes with my ability to concentrate, so I’ve learned to ignore it as much as possible during the day. Interestingly, the only time this internal jukebox goes silent is when I sleep.

I mostly find myself drawn to music in my local language—it feels familiar, rooted, and emotionally resonant. Yet, every now and then, I venture into melodies from other parts of the world, curious to explore the universality of rhythm and emotion.

Devotional Keerthanas of Sri Annamacharya or Sri Thayagaraja holds a special place in my heart. When the music is beautifully composed and the singer’s voice carries depth and devotion, the experience becomes transcendent. That combination—soulful melody and heartfelt vocals—gives me a sense of divine happiness. It’s not just listening; it’s feeling something sacred stir within.

My favorite time to truly listen to music is at night—lying in bed, headphones on, letting the silence of the world wrap around me. In those moments, I can hear every note, every nuance, without interruption. It’s an immersive experience, almost transcendental, as if I’m entering the soul of the song itself. That quiet communion with music is one of the most exhilarating parts of my day. I do this quite often, but not everyday.

Among all musical sounds, string instruments speak to me the most—especially the guitar. There’s something about its timbre that feels both grounding and expansive, like a bridge between emotion and rhythm. Guitar string notes elevate me—they energize my spirit and stir something deep within. There’s a distinct pleasure in that sensation, one that words struggle to capture. It’s not just sound; it’s a feeling, a vibration that resonates through the body and mind.

A perfect example is the first opening song of the anime High School DxD. Every time I hear it, I get goosebumps. The track blends rock elements with electric guitar riffs that hit with raw intensity. Even if I don’t understand the language, when I hear the song, it’s more than just music—it’s a surge of emotion, a sonic adrenaline rush that never fails to move me.

A Word of Caution

While headphones offer intimacy with music, they come with a cost. I’ve been reading The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson nowadays, and one passage struck me deeply. It describes the delicate architecture of our ears, particularly the stereocilia—tiny hair-like structures in the inner ear responsible for interpreting sound and sending signals to the brain. Bryson writes:

Our ears are built for a quiet world. Evolution did not foresee that one day humans would insert plastic buds in their ears and subject their eardrums to a hundred decibels of melodic roar across a span of millimeters. The stereocilia tend to wear out anyway as we age, and they do not, alas, regenerate. Once you disable a stereocilium, it remains lost to you forever.”

This reminder is sobering. Our ears weren’t designed for constant bombardment. So I try, whenever possible, to enjoy music without headphones—letting it fill the room rather than press against my eardrums.

Gratitude for Music

Despite its distractions and risks, music remains one of the most joyful parts of my life. It relaxes, motivates, and connects me to something deeper. Without it, many moments would feel incomplete. I’m grateful that music exists in this world—to bring joy to the heart, to stir the soul, and to remind us that beauty can be heard.