There is power in beauty. When something so intricately profound produces a creation that communicates the origin of that uniqueness, then there is a power that is released through the beauty revealed. But there is something deeper, something stronger: the source. The power in music is found in the direct and indirect sources that are instrumental in the artistry of the music.
In many songs, there are multiple direct sources, even sources within sources. The layers of sources, similar to Inception, hold more power as their connection is articulated more clearly. I have written songs that are my penmanship yet from a perspective of someone else of a love, peace, or hope that derives from something beyond simply themselves. That’s a layer within a layer within a layer, each one being a direct source. And each one of those sources holds a power within themselves, but when put into a musical setting creates something so magnificent that the power can genuinely shift entire narratives. So the direct sources have a power but the power in the music is when those direct sources start to speak, start to create, and start to communicate. Music is powerful because it’s one of the most beautiful means for something that has power to communicate themselves in the revelation of who they are. Not only does the source have a magnitude but the means of creation also carries with it a magnificence because it has the ability to communicate the beauty of the source.
Then there are indirect sources: the people who receive the power when the source might not be directed exactly towards that person. Music might be written about a person or for a person yet a different person still finds meaning in what is being communicated. The lyrics hold power of articulation but the structure and creativity of the rhyme scheme and musical orchestration builds something that can change you, specifically your feelings. So where does that power, that connection, actually come from? You definitely understand it. Relate to it. But there is something deeper. Something stronger. It’s the connection. You can truly believe: this is written for me, to me. That connection carries the power of presence. It makes you feel valuable. It makes you feel important. It builds an identity of someone who is worthy. You become respected. You are continually affirmed. It’s literally why you will hit repeat on a song until your tears finally stop falling to the carpet. It’s why you will speak to someone who needs to hear that they are loved. The music holds power. But you hold more power. The music comes from a place. And that place is you. So keep writing. Keep producing. Keep singing. You make a difference.
Written November 10th &16th, 2023
Jake Wentworth 