The sound of Music

I’m a split personality – I mean for two years I lived in a neighbourhood where bikers zoomed in and out even at 3 in the morning. I have never loved living anywhere as much as I loved that dwelling. At the same time, I watch television on mute because I can’t bear the noise.  Same goes for music – sometimes I just want to go on a drive, stare into the horizon and get lost in my thoughts without the songs. When I’m cooking, I can’t move a spatula without singing. Does that happen to you - mood swings when it comes to sounds?

As a child, I use to know my dad was coming because he used to blow a horn 200meters away at a turn. Really, no matter what I was doing I use to know. When my neighbours who live one floor below me fight, I can hear every word through the floor. The tub in my house makes a weird sound every now and then, I almost immediately know it. Are you this sensitive to sounds as well?

When I want to sleep, the tick-tock drives me crazy! I don’t have a clock in my house for the same reason. I take out the battery of the wall clock if I’m sleeping in someone else’s house! The spin cycle of the washing machine, the cacophony of a drilling machine, the bang of a hammer – all annoy me to no end.

Techno music disturbs me – the ‘songs’ with no lyrics type. I can’t listen to Yanni or Robert Miles, I need good lyrics to support the tune. Otherwise, I lose interest. Over the years a few songs have touched my heart and I can listen to them on repeat. Some songs have special significance, some have memories attached. You do too, don’t you?

I was in class 1 when we sung Doe a Deer on stage. It’s one of my favourite songs and I jump if I hear it from a distance. We changed the lyrics of Purani Jeans when we were in class 9 and sung it on Teachers day – the memories are so fresh; the song blows my mind away. Whenever I’m down, I need to listen to Hero by Mariah Carrey or Ye Hosla from the movie Dor – they are so inspiring. Ik Onkar and the Gayatri Matra  bring peace that is beyond words.  

Pehla Nasha, Gazab ka hai Din and Nothing at All are my all-time romantic favourites. I can’t listen to them without smiling or humming along. It must have been love has been the only song that made me cry in front of a person. He was an acquaintance and got worried. I had no clue that I had tears in my eyes – the song was so apt for that phase.Every Breath you take,  With or without you, Right here waiting for you – ah, there are so many lovely songs.

And then there are these songs that I keep singing out of nowhere. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam – yes, for God knows what reason I sing this song a lot. Same goes for Ruth ke Hamse kabhi from Jo Jeeta wohi Sikander – I keep humming it without knowing why. Mum use to play old songs on the radio – every now and then I find myself singing a Hindi song from the black and white era and leave the Boy amused! 

There are a couple of songs that embarrass me as well - the two with my name in it and how people tend to stress on the name - Jaane Jaan, O meri Jaane Jaa and Pehla pehla Pyaar hai. There are songs that revive memories including the soundtrack from the first favourite sitcom FRIENDS, the first favourite ghazal - Hosh Waalon ko Khabar, two of the first English tracks I heard - Wake me up before you go go and Mamma Mia and how can I forget Mere Rang mein from Maine Pyaar Kiya that introduced me to love. 

Don't think I'm the types who believes only old songs are good. I'm a big fan of I'm sexy and I know it , Rolling in the Deep and Sexy Bitch (it's my ringtone, yes it is!!). Ok let it be, they don't fit in here and sound awesome only after a couple of shots!

Of all the music, songs, sounds, chirps, honks, noise… you know what sound I like best? The sound of laughter. The giggle of a baby, the chuckle of a parent, and the uncontrollable mirth between friends – these are the sounds that I can’t live without. Neither should you.