How Men Use Music as An Outlet
A stereotype has existed for a very long time, suggesting men have to be strong, tough, and stoic. They must not show any emotion and simply be a muscular, brawny human who provides. Although this specific stereotype has started to break down over the years, some stereotypes still exist in a world that is still very judgmental. Thus, men usually do not talk about their feelings or open up to others about their emotions. Instead, we use other things to assess and work through our mental health and emotions. One of the biggest outlets men turn to is music. Although it would be better for men to talk to other people about what they are going through, the world is a cruel place where many stereotypes exist. Because of this, men are not always ready to show the world their more vulnerable side. Here’s how music plays its part.
Let’s start at a pretty base level. The sound of music we like is legitimately soothing to the brain, which goes for all humans. We hear something we like, and it might instantly put us in a good mood. Had a bad day? Throw on your favorite album and just relax for a second. You automatically feel at least a little bit better. It works the same on the other side of things. If you go home and listen to music you hate, your mood will probably not improve. So, we know that music definitely has an impact on our brains. For example, I’m listening to Ella Fitzgerald sing with Count Basie and his orchestra as I write this article– and I’m in a fantastic mood.
Song Credits: ‘The Sun’ by Myd (feat. JAWNY)
Time to dig deeper. Take a look at a normal human life and see what any given person might go through in a day. Now combine that with being unable to talk to anyone about it because you’re a man and do not want to come off as weak or vulnerable. Sounds like it might suck a little, right? Since the point of this article is not to make everyone feel bad for men, I will stop there. That being said, after feeling like we can’t talk to anyone about anything, we cope with music and lyrics.
Song credits: ‘Just Like A Movie’ by Wallows & ‘If I Ever Feel Better’ by Phoenix
If I have just had a bad day, failed a midterm, got in a car accident, rude customers at work, or a girlfriend broke up with me. Ya know, the whole nine yards. My first thought is not, “Ooooh, I can’t wait to get home and tell my roommates!” or, “OMG, I have to text the group chat!” Personally, my first instinct is to go for a drive blasting some music and just think about everything. Just me and my music. Nobody else. This never fails to slow everything down so I can think about everything clearly and rationally.
Song Credits: ‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards"‘ by Tame Impala
On top of this, most of us will find many songs, if not whole artists or bands, whose lyrics we really resonate with. Sometimes single songs alone can get us through hard times. When there is nobody to talk to, we can turn to music that we relate to or whose lyrics relate to our current situation and feel understood. When we can’t turn to the rest of society because they may not understand, we know that music will.
Strike Out,
Ryan Manney
Boca Raton
Photography: Sage Holaway and Sterling Smith
Graphic Designer: Sergio Pimentel and Michelle Goldman
Concept: Anika Chhabra and Sterling Smith
Digital Director: Anika Chhabra
Digital Assistants: Emma Grasso, Ally Voshelle, and Joe Grassi
