Fantasia

This post was inspired by a conversation with my aunt. She sent me a picture of a giant guitar pick that had the words “Music is what feelings sound like” on it, which is an absolutely factual statement. I may not be able to explain to you what I’m feeling at a particular moment, but I can pretty much guarantee you that there is a song (or in some cases, a playlist) that can make you understand. (I mean, hasn’t anyone ever made a mixed tape for their crush?! Seriously!) And it’s not just the lyrics. Musical composition has ~a lot~ to do with it too.

I got to thinking about it, and I wondered where this obsession with music and its deep connection to emotions came from for me. I’ve said for the longest time that music keeps me sane, but it’s more than that. I can literally name three albums that saved my life over the years. But, I digress.

It hit me – Fantasia. The Disney movie released in 1940. Before my parents were even a glimmer in someone’s eye, much less me! This movie is how I became obsessed with the emotional essence that is infused into a song. It is a complex relationship that is hard to explain but easy to experience. I don’t remember how old I was the first time I saw Fantasia, but I remember watching it many times when I was a kid. I would even ask my mom if I could watch it when I was home from school because I was sick. There are no words in this movie aside from the intermission, just music. When Mickey screws up, did something he shouldn’t have, and shit starts going wrong, that music puts you on the edge of your seat, feeling the fear and dread that you could see Mickey dealing with too. I was hooked.

And the entire movie was like that! From the pegasus – hold on, side note – what’s the plural of pegasus? Is it just pegasus, similar to moose and moose, or is it pegusi like octopi for octopus? Anyway, from the pegasus flying around, the dancing flowers and mushrooms, to the little baby satyrs and unicorns being mischievous. All of it was so emotional, but without a single word. It is beautiful. It is powerful. Music has held that power since, for me, at least. And I am so grateful for that, because it gives me a chance to experience a life that much richer.