Music Always Gives You The Feels

Arturo Jimenez

Eng. 12

9/22/17

Music & Art

            There are many things that can influence someone’s feelings when they’re seen or heard. There are some pieces of art and music that may make you feel a certain type of way or even bring back some memories you may hold. Listening to music is usually a great way for most people to escape their problems or whatever issue they may be stressing over. I for certain love to listen to music whenever I am stressing. It doesn’t have to any particular genre, just whatever can help me ease away from the stress for a little while.

            Everyone goes for a stroll sometimes, whether it’s to buy something, relief your mind of whatever you’re thinking about, or just to take a walk and admire a view. I have often taken a train ride into the city, to relief my mind of whatever small issues I may be going through. There is no better feeling for myself, then entering a small Hispanic restaurant on the lower east side and hearing some bachata. Bachata is a genre that is very important to the culture of Dominican’s. It originated in Dominican Republic in the 1960’s and “derided as a music of the lower classes, chiefly because of its bawdy lyrics, it was played at parties and seedy bar-brothels” (Kugel). Back in the Dominican Republic, bachata is listened to by everyone and basically played throughout the entire day at local stores, bodegas, restaurants, bars and just even down the street on a neighbor’s porch.

            For me, moments like this bring me many memories, from when my mom would take me to the country where she was born and raised in; the Dominican Republic. She would take me every summer, almost like a tradition. The music grew on me and it has never left me. Therefore taking a walk or a train ride into the city and hearing some bachata when I’m going through a rough patch, it always seems to calm me and put me in a better place; where I can relive some great childhood memories. Bachata will always hold a great place in my heart and in my ears.

Work Cited

Kugel, Seth. Music; A Latin Dance Music Sings The Blues. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/16/arts/music-a-latin-dance-music-sings-the-blues.html. WEB. NewYorkTimes.com. 6/16/2002.