How Does It Work?

 When we listen to music, no matter what kind, it normally draws out a emotional reaction depending on the song. Lately I've wondered, why does music have that affect on us? Is it just our brain responding to the vibrations of the sound and tempo or something else? Why is it that when we listen to "sad" songs we start feeling the shadow of that emotion, sometimes strong, sometimes weak?

 A few days ago my sister wanted to watch Spirited Away, a Japanese movie I'd gotten for one of my early birthdays. During a scene in the beginning of the movie one of the theme songs started to play, a calm piano song called "One Summer's Day". Out of nowhere I started getting teary-eyed and had to hide my face behind my lap-top's computer screen, which was really weird for me. I normally never cry during movies or sad things, so this was a little shocking. Maybe I reacted that way because of the memories I have connected with that song.

 My mom gave me the movie on my 5th or 6th birthday, and I loved it. I didn't obsess over it, or become a fan girl, I remember treasuring it. I don't even remember watching the movie, but I do remember that I connected to it. Maybe that's why the song made me react that way, but still, it doesn't explain much.

 There are tons of songs out there that have sparked emotion in me, rock songs, metal, pop, Japanese, and hundreds of lyric-less songs. I still don't know why though. What is it in music that draws out emotion? Even in the simplest songs in old video games drew reactions from me, like the original Zelda theme on the GameBoy, or the Okage: Shadow King soundtrack on the PS2!

 I know for a fact that other people react to music the same way as me, from browsing YouTube comments to talking face-to-face with people, it's a fact. But why? Does music stimulate a part of the brain and automatically trigger emotion?

 There's probably a biologist out there who could answer me, but I like to ponder! Anyway, that's it for now, I'm done ranting for today. This is just something that I've been thinking about. :)

- Laura.