Matt Page- Music as Healing

Music has always been an important factor in my life and is something I’ve always enjoyed reading about. My favorite genre is reggae, but I can listen to just about anything else…anything except country. The rhythm and vibe that reggae gives off just seems to pt me in a good mood and helps take stress away when I need a moment to relax. I read an article the other day about how Bob Marley’s kids have helped carry on his traditions through their music today. I had never really read much on Bob Marley before I saw this article. There were a few things that really quite intriguing. One of these things was how peaceful of a man Bob Marley was. You can tell this about him if you have ever listened to the lyrics in his songs, but in most cases musicians use lyrics as a money grabber. Bob Marley actually lived by what he sang. He was a man who believed no matter what happens, there is some good that can come out of every situation and that this good should be cherished. This article also brought up a point which is stated in the movie, I Am Legend, when Will Smiths character talks about how Marley believed racism and hate could be cured by injecting music and love into peoples lives. At a peace concert, a gunman shot down Marley, but two days later he walked out onto the stage and performed. When he was asked why he didn’t rest, he stated, “Those who are trying to make the world a horrible place aren’t taking a day off…how can I?” Reading this was extremely inspiring and gave me a new found respect for Bob Marley. Although he is usually associated with drugs, we need to realize that there are other cultures around the world with completely opposite views as us, but deep down, their intentions may be far greater than any we would ever imagine.