The other day a friend asked if I have a hard time listening to music that I've enjoyed with former girlfriends or people I don't like anymore.
Funny question. I had to laugh.
But then I actually sat down and thought about it.
I realized that I look at music in a different way than a lot of people. If I like a song, that's it. Nothing can take it away from me. Even hard times and sad times won't make it hard for me to listen to something if I like it.
I know some people out there who can't listen to a song because it was their former girlfriend's or ex-spouse's favorite song. I know some people who can't listen to certain music because it reminds them of the death of a loved one. And I know of at least one person who can't stand Pachelbel's "Canon in D" because she was unfortunate enough to have seen a terrible dance choreographed to that work.
But those things have never stopped me from listening to a song or a particular piece of music.
The truth is, music has been such a big part of my life that, in a sense, it has always been my first love. And, consequently, for some reason, people have always come second.
That sounds harsh, but it's true.
I remember a former girlfriend breaking up with me and I went straight to my record collection and played Styx's "Cornerstone" album to get my mind off the break-up. Funny thing was, that album was her favorite album. And we'd listen to it when we were together.
But when I listened to it after the break-up, I didn't dwell on her or the times we spent together. I just listened to it because I liked the songs. "Cornerstone" is one of Styx's more mellow albums, and it took my mind off things.
I remember a week later the same girl wrote me a letter and told me that she couldn't listen to that album because it reminded her of me. I thought it was sad that she allowed me to come between her and something that she really liked.
I've always looked at music as my best friend. One thing about music is that it is unconditional. No matter how you or people around you react to it, it's always the same.
Music has always been there for me no matter what has happened in my life. Even if I went through a time and place where I hated a song, I could still go back to it and it would always be the same song.
The nice thing is, there are times when I did that and found out that I had changed and learned to love a particular song that I hadn't liked before, even though the notes or melody or lyrics hadn't changed.
Not only is music my best friend, it's also a trusty sidekick.
Music has always been my joy, my comforter, my weapon, my savior and my constant companion.
It has helped me with everything I've done throughout my life — from getting through my formative years to deciding to embark on an LDS mission to selecting a career to getting married.
In addition, it is also helping me raise my kids and it's helping to keep my marriage fresh.
Music.
It's a beautiful thing.
And I'm honored to have it as my friend.
Of course, I'm also lucky that my wife is an understanding woman.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com