Music or songs are often referred to as tools of escapism. Researchers from John Hopkins state that listening to music can reduce anxiety levels, alleviate pain, and even lower blood pressure. Hence, many people use music as a getaway or coping mechanism.
Amidst the diverse choices of music, why not listen to songs that have a profound impact and meaningful messages? Lyrics that convey strong messages, accompanied by captivating tunes, can provide space for reflection on values with profound meanings.
So, in the midst of a variety of music choices, why not listen to songs that have a deep impact and profound meaning? Lyrics that convey powerful messages, with the bonus of enchanting melodies, can create space for contemplation on values with profound meanings.
Here, I’ve curated a playlist of songs that convey stoic messages. But wait, what is stoic or stoicism? Or, before that, have you ever heard the word stoic?
Stoicism is one of the philosophical schools that emphasizes self-control. This principle emphasizes changing perspectives on how to live life and being able to face challenges with more calmness and wisdom.
The terms stoic, stoicism and stoic philosophy have been widely discussed lately, with influencers who have millions of followers actively talking about it.
It’s quite interesting how a philosophical discourse that can sometimes be exclusive emerges in mainstream spaces. Additionally, the book “Filosofi Teras” by Herry Manampiring has contributed to popularizing this term.
I haven’t read the book myself, but a friend has. So, I asked her about it. She concluded that “Filosofi Teras” or stoicism emphasizes not wasting energy on negative things and focusing on the positive.
In a YouTube interview, the author Henry Manampiring emphasized that his book discusses self-control — control over what can be controlled and what cannot be controlled. Responding to both aspects can be very useful in navigating life.
If you have the time and money, buy the book and read it to better understand the philosophy of stoicism. Meanwhile, before you read the book, you can start by listening to the songs in the playlist I created, which contain messages and meanings related to stoicism.
Here’s the playlist:
As an introduction, let me provide some insights into a few songs in the playlist.
Mika — Relax, Take It Easy
I can’t remember when I first heard this song, but I believe it was used in an advertisement for a drink. Before reading the lyrics, I found the beat of this song enjoyable.
This song was first released in 2007 by the singer or music group, MIKA. The track “Relax, Take It Easy” is part of the album “Life in Cartoon Motion” with the French Indie genre. Gaining a lot of attention, the song received several nominations, including the NRJ Music Award for International Song of the Year and the NRJ Music Award for Video of the Year.
And yes, in my opinion, this song conveys a stoic message. Let’s delve into the lyrics.
“…Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can do…”
Isn’t it stoic? This song encourages us to just relax and not worry because some things cannot be controlled. And for things that cannot be controlled, there’s nothing that can be done.
In the second verse, the song conveys that you can blame others or yourself, but nothing can be done. So, according to Mika, the best thing to do is just relax: “…Relax, take it easy…”
Why Worry — Dekat
The song “Why Worry” by Dekat is one of the tracks on the album “Numbers” released in 2018. The third album from this music group. The songs on this album are very enjoyable to listen to, including songs like “20,” “Money,” “Comedy,” or “Amen.” However, the highlight of this album, in my opinion, is “Why Worry.”
Many might feel that this song has a pessimistic impression. But believe me, this song conveys a stoic message. In the early verses, it may sound very pessimistic when the singer describes their fate as constantly being plagued by bad news, and their job and finances never improving. There’s also a part of the lyrics where they complain as if their parents are never proud of what they do.
However, in the middle to the end of the song, the singer begins to give the message not to worry too much. Because everything can start anew. The singer then emphasizes that everything can be rebuilt. Or, if you’re not sure yet, the singer reminds you that in the end, everyone will die, so why worry too much?
Exactly like the stoic message, right? For things beyond control, don’t ignore or reduce your worries, as the song suggests. Or what needs to be done is to focus on things you can control. It seems so.
“…We’re gonna die anyway
Why worry!…”
The Beatles — Let It Be
Alright, let’s talk about this super famous song that practically everyone has heard at some point. We’re talking about The Beatles, the rock gods from England — Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the fab four.
This tune dropped back in 1970, crafted by none other than Paul McCartney. The story goes that it came to him in a dream. “Let It Be” is like the swan song of their final album before the band called it quits for good.
Finding the stoic vibe in this song is like shooting fish in a barrel. The title alone gives you the lowdown — “Let it be” is like this stoic and magical mantra. Plus, George’s guitar mojo in the middle? Too cool.
In those crummy times or darkest moments, what can you do? Just go with the flow and let it be.
Nosstress — Pegang Tanganku
So, the indie scene in Bali knows this duo — Man Angga and Guna Warma (Kupid) — bringing that acoustic guitar twang and easy-listening vibes. That’s probably why folks love their tunes.
I had their album “Istirahat” (2021) on repeat because of its laid-back messages and tunes. Hopefully, “Pegang Tanganku” becomes one of those songs with tens of millions of Spotify listeners, right?
Now, “Pegang Tanganku” from the “Perspektif Bodoh” album (2017) is like a dose of stoic philosophy for me. It’s preaching not to drown in anything — be it happiness or sadness.
Nosstress seems to want everyone to remember these things. They’re all about not letting sadness mute you or getting too caught up in happiness, so you don’t forget what’s around you. Nosstress is just reminding us all to reflect and be thankful for the little things.
Walk off the Earth — Anthem
Among all the bands and songs we’ve been chatting about, this one might be flying under the radar. Walk off the Earth hails from Canada and is more known for its viral cover songs.
The message in their song “Anthem” is pretty clear — know when to step back when things get tough. And sometimes, when things get heavy, all you can do is surrender, dance, and sing.
Because what’s crucial is knowing when to surrender and figuring out where to keep fighting — that’s true wisdom. It’s like those messages in the Serenity Prayer often echoed by stoics: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
If you’ve got songs with the same vibes, toss them my way at Esseater8@gmail.com. Let’s keep the good vibes rolling! 🎶
You can read the Indonesian Version here!
