I rely on music

-Juliette Orwig

Time slips by unnoticed, I am lost in thought, as if something understands me better than I do myself…maybe it does. Songs and lyrics captivate me as they convey my emotions, they have always been my safe space. The songs are in a multitude of colors, some in black and white, others a colorful contrast, like life. Different songs replay in my mind, like a broken record track on repeat.

Spotify, always in the bottom corner of my screen, sits exactly where it belongs—intentionally placed, just like all my other apps. Having done this a million times, the songs stuck on repeat are instantly added to a new playlist, one that will play nonstop for the next few days. Listening and organizing the songs so that each flows into the next, I find myself adding new songs as they come to mind. Other times, I put the playlist on shuffle, letting my curiosity take over and silently playing a game with myself on which song will come next. These playlists are never deleted— each holding emotions and meaning that may not be fully understood in the moment.

Often when I am listening to a song, my attention is not on the lyrics, just the beat. After going back, re-listening, and paying attention to the lyrics, it becomes clear to me why a song can stand out so much. It is because it relates to my emotions and feelings; it conveys a deeper emotion inside me that could never be put into words. As if my subconscious is telling me what is needed without having to say anything.

As my music plays, I get consumed with other tasks. Whether that be homework, doing something around the house, or simply sitting there as I let my thoughts take over. Not even paying attention I zone out the music, but sometimes, it is a distraction, pulling me away from the stress and tasks I need to do. I never really pay attention to the time when I am listening to music. Songs and music captivate me to the point where I do not have to focus on anything else.

This is my escape from reality. The comfort of knowing my playlists and stories will still be there in the back of my mind.

Gladly listening to music with my friends and collaborating on playlists, I get a mixture of different genres and music tastes. By sharing our songs, I get an insight into their world and mind. Even with my parents, we have made playlists together, one with my dad and one with my mom. Each of us brings a unique music taste into the playlist, which expands my world of music. This special feeling of sharing music with my friends and family has helped me to feel more connected to them.
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Discovering songs has always been a joy of mine; it feels like a whole other world waiting to be explored. I stumble across my playlists randomly, like a memory of the past. Songs I have not heard in a long time flood back into my mind. They bring me back to the moment I sat down to make a playlist, they hold strong emotions and memories tied to the highs and lows of my life. It also shows the story, struggles, and happiness. Reminding me of how much I have grown, the friends I have lost and gained, but most importantly, how much I rely on music.

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Juliette Orwig is the daughter of owner, Stathia Orwig, and is currently a high school senior at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. She is a past student of Music SO Simple and current dancer at both Ursuline and Dallas Ballet Center. She is planning to major in Dance Choreography with a minor in French and Business. This was an essay written for her college applications.