I wish I had more of an appreciation for music. For whatever reason, I don’t like it.
I don’t like to have background noise when I study and I never listen to the radio when I drive. I’m just not a music-y kind of person. (Which is a little ironic considering I’m a true auditory learner).
Lately, I’ve been sitting down trying to figure out my life. Why don’t I like music? What is it about total silence that I find so invigorating?
Now, I haven’t quite figured out what my deal is- but a different thought crossed my mind! When I listen to music, my brain doesn’t process the lyrics! Do people really understand all of the words when they listen to a song?
It’s not that I can’t be bothered- I want to understand the words- but I can’t. I listened to a few songs over and over again and no matter how loud I made it and how closely I listened, I couldn’t make out the words. I’m not even talking about heavy metal. This applies to everything from country to slower paced pop songs.
The only music I can somewhat tolerate is instrumental music (I don’t mind the soundtracks from Studio Ghibli films or Lindsey Stirling’s songs) and I think it’s because the songs only consist of instrumental sounds- no words!
Perhaps this whole thing just goes back to the whole “introverted personality type” thing that I had started to investigate a few months back. Wow, I’ve discovered so much about myself this year.
it is good you know that about yourself. I tend to listen a lot but not just to music. Podcasts, audiobooks and everything fills up my audio engine. I tend to also just stop listening to music and start listening to my own that is already inside of me. I respect that you are figuring out who you were crafted to be. Cool post, peace and blessings.
Very interesting. “Stop listening to music and start listening to my own that is already inside of me” I like that a lot! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave feedback!
I read this and my mouth literally dropped open. I’m the exact same way!! I can listen to a song 20 times and have no clue what the words are, but I’m totally in tune with all the instrumental subtleties in a song by the second listen. The first time I hear a song, I’m seeking out an emotional or spiritual message, and really even if I could process the words, they could never express the depth that a riveting violin solo does. This is why I hate country music, cause many country songs are telling stories, so all I’m taking in is a twangy guitar and to me it sounds so drab! Have you tried any foreign music? I’ve found that when the lyrics are sung in a different language so I cant understand them, they really add to the richness of the song, and a rhythmic African language; or pure, melodic Gaelic vocals carry the raw, emotional vivacity that I search for in music. I wonder if you might like Celtic Grooves Burning Bench, or Pigeon on the Gate (Celtic Grooves is just the album name, I’m pretty sure they have various artists). Also, I’ve too wondered if there was an MBTI connection to this phenomena, but I’m not sure Introvertion would have much to do with it, since I’m an ENFP. Maybe it has more to do with intuition, or perhaps only NFs experience this. All this to say I’m glad we’re not alone 🙂
Hi Kayla! Thanks for the insightful comment! I’m really glad to see that you understand where I’m coming from and that you’ve experienced the same thing. Plus, I think it’s cool that you’re aware of the MBTI.
I’ve noticed similar trends in foreign music and instrumental songs like the ones you mentioned. It very well could be an NF thing! I’ll have to check out some of the albums you listed and see what I think. 🙂