Sadness is a painful emotion. It is universal and is experienced by people of different cultures and experiences. Because of its nature, individuals all over the world may feel, express, and process it similarly. An example of how we convey sadness to the world is by creating and listening to sad music.
No, “sad” music isn’t a formal genre. In the case of music and sadness, music training is not required to understand basic musical emotions. A lower overall pitch, a slower tempo, the use of minor mode, dull and dark timbres, and a lack of energy in execution are the most significant sad musical cues in Western music.
Somehow, many people would agree that they may find pleasure in listening to sad music. Read on as we discuss the possible reasons why we enjoy sad music.
Sad Music Makes us Nostalgic
Listening to sad music has a way of bringing back old memories. This reflective revisiting of nostalgic memories has been shown to improve mood, especially when they are linked to significant life events. We savor the sweetness of memories through imaginative play, which brings us a sense of joy in remembering happy times, as well as a sense of loss in missing them.
Sad Music Allows Us to Access Our Feelings
Sad music can help you channel your frustration and purge negative emotions like anger and sorrow with its healing properties. We become disconnected from any real threat or danger when we listen to sad music or watch sad movies.
Sad Music Produces Prolactin
Sad music is linked to the hormone prolactin, which is linked to crying and aids in the relief of grief. Prolactin is released by the brain as a normal compensatory response to sad music. In the absence of a traumatic event, the body stores a pleasurable opiate mixture. To alleviate mental distress, prolactin promotes calmness.
Sad Music is Empathetic
When listening to sad music, empathy is essential. The process of comprehending and empathizing with another person is referred to as empathy. In response to expressions of sadness and grief, sufficiency and assistance are frequently elicited. Sad music may elicit empathy in those who are predisposed to it.
Sad Music Regulates Our Mood
Sad music has a calming effect on the mood of the listener. It draws attention away from the situation and toward the music. Furthermore, song lyrics can be used to express feelings or experiences that would otherwise be inexpressible.
Sad Music Offers Companionship
Music can be a source of comfort and companionship. People tend to listen to sad music more when they are depressed, lonely, or reflective. Sad music can act as an imaginary friend who offers comfort and empathy after a social loss. The mere presence of a virtual person embodied in music can help people cope with sad emotions.
Conclusion
Music has been shown to have an impact on emotions, mood, memory, stress levels, and attention. One of the primary reasons people devote time, energy, and money to music is its emotional impact.
Because music has the ability to express emotions, it is used in therapy. This knowledge can be applied to current music therapy practices for mood disorders. As such, music listeners had lower levels of anxiety and cortisol than drug users. Music is less expensive, easier on the body, and has no negative side effects. It is, indeed, the better alternative.
Prayer Pray offers a varied collection of healing music that can be used for prayer, mediation, or even mundane daily tasks. Our goal is to give joy and tranquility to people’s lives through our original compositions. Shop our tracks today or subscribe to our YouTube channel!
