Music, above all other forms of communication and/or art mediums, has the ability to reach people on a deeper level. Scientists may not understand why music generates the responses that it does, but they do agree that the effects and responses are real.

In John Medina’s book, Brain Rules, he provides supporting arguments for how music boosts language skills, improve social skills, make us better listeners, and can make us more empathetic.

Considering the power in music it’s no wonder that so many artists use music to deliver their messages. I will be exploring specific artists and how they used music to enhance and elevate their messages.

I have an early memory of watching “The Muppet Show” back in the 70s, and can vividly remember one skit where they showed a forest scene and a group of animals are hiding from hunters while singing “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield. I remember feeling scared for the puppet animals that were being hunted. Later, when I learned that the song was about the Vietnam War, it actually helped me to understand the actual message in a more meaningful way. When I hear the song now it still evokes that feeling of fear for the soldiers feeling like they’re being hunted.

There are countless songs that we hear that touch us emotionally, bring up memories of the past, or even make us feel connected to the larger message, and that’s what makes music so special. It’s a great medium for peaceful protest.

I’d love to hear your experiences with songs that have touched you emotionally and made you connect with a bigger cause. Please share your stories in the comments.

Later this week I’ll be sharing an interview with an amazing young woman who’s standing up against Asian Hate Crimes in a creative way.