The Power of Music

Finding Closure Through Songs of the Past

There’s something uniquely powerful about listening to songs from days long gone—the days when we were still struggling to find ourselves. The melodies and lyrics from those times speak to us even now, echoing a period when we weren’t quite sure who we were or where we were headed. And while we sang along to popular songs on the radio, rarely did we stop to understand why those tunes resonated so deeply within us. Today, looking back, those same songs provide an opportunity for reflection and a sense of closure.

Music has always had a special way of capturing emotions we couldn’t fully articulate, and for many of us, it became the soundtrack to our journey of self-discovery. Whether it was a song about love, heartache, or rebellion, we felt drawn to these lyrics, often without knowing why. The raw emotions and energy of our youth spilled out through every note, but the meanings were often lost in the confusion of adolescence, insecurity, or personal struggles.

Now, years later, returning to those songs with a new perspective can unlock emotions and thoughts we weren’t ready to confront back then. By journaling while listening to these songs, we can process the emotions we once ignored or didn’t fully understand. The act of journaling allows us to engage in self-reflection and explore how our past struggles and experiences shaped us.

The Connection Between Music and Memory

Music has a direct link to memory, capable of transporting us back to specific moments in our lives with just a few notes. A song from the past can take us back to a time when we felt lost, confused, or even hopeful. It can remind us of the people we once were and the things we faced.

Journaling while listening to these songs allows us to better understand those moments and what they meant. It’s a way of organizing the chaos that once ruled our thoughts. We may even discover that the songs we once sang without truly understanding now make perfect sense, as if the lyrics were waiting for the right time in our lives to be fully understood.

Closing the Door to Chaos

One of the most therapeutic aspects of revisiting music from our past is the opportunity it provides to close the door on unresolved emotions. Whether we were navigating heartbreak, finding our place in the world, or dealing with insecurities, music often reflected those internal battles. By revisiting those songs now, we can look back with clarity, and journaling helps us organize our thoughts and bring closure to the parts of our lives that once felt chaotic.

The songs that once spoke to us in cryptic ways may now help us reflect on how far we’ve come. As we write down our thoughts and emotions, we begin to make sense of the uncertainty that once plagued us. By giving voice to those thoughts through journaling, we can finally begin to put those past struggles to rest, finding peace with who we were and embracing who we’ve become.

Moving Forward Through Reflection

While it’s easy to think of our past struggles as something best left behind, there is great value in reflecting on them. Listening to the songs that once defined those moments can give us a sense of closure and healing. We begin to see that even though we didn’t have all the answers back then, every experience—every challenge—played a role in shaping who we are today.

So the next time you feel drawn to a song from your past, take a moment to listen carefully, and then journal. Reflect on what that song meant to you then, and what it means to you now. You may be surprised by the emotions and insights that surface. In doing so, you can close the door to the chaos and confusion of those earlier days, finally finding peace and clarity in the songs that once spoke to a part of you that was still searching for answers.

After all, music is not just about melodies—it’s about the stories and emotions we carry with us, waiting for the right moment to be understood.

Many mental health clinics and wellness centers offer music therapy programs as part of their broader treatment plans. These programs often incorporate music into therapeutic activities, either through guided listening, songwriting, or playing instruments. Checking with local mental health organizations or hospital-based wellness centers may help you find accessible music therapy options.