“The world’s most famous and popular language is music.”

– Psy, “Gangnam Style” fame

Music is deeply intertwined with my emotions and daily life, shaping my mood whether I’m overwhelmed or need a boost. When I’m sad, soulful Sufi songs like “Kun Faya Kun” lift the heaviness from my heart, often bringing cleansing tears. Conversely, party tracks fuel my work, drowning out distractions. It’s both an escape and a driving force, guiding me through life’s highs and lows with joy and balance.

Musical Childhood Memories

My love for music bloomed early, thanks to my dad. One of my first memories is ‘The Sound of Music’ playing at home. At 5 or 6, I didn’t understand the lyrics but knew the tunes by heart. Appa’s extensive audio cassette collection introduced my sister and me to a rich blend of genres and languages. From the Carpenters and ABBA to Semmangudi’s Carnatic classics and Ghantasala’s Tamil hits, from Kunnakkudi’s soulful violin to KPAC Malayala Nadaka Gaanangal, those tapes became the soundtrack of our childhood, opening our ears to a vibrant musical universe.

Visiting Bennett Uncle’s home studio was a highlight—Appa’s go-to music man. Appa embraced new talent, and his prized possession was a cherished music system he bought in his 40s. Though technology shifted from cassettes to CDs and streaming, the joy we shared through music stayed constant.

My mom’s influence is a story of its own. Her voice, reminiscent of P Leela—soft, soulful, and rich—filled our home as she sang while doing chores. Trained in classical music, she always had a song for every occasion, making music a comforting thread in my childhood.

One of my favorite memories is my grandma’s lullaby—a gentle humming with no real lyrics. What made it special were the sensations—her warm body, the soft hair, her dimpled cheek’s mole, and her rounded nose as I snuggled close. It taught me that music is more than notes; it’s an experience, a hug, a story, and a bond all rolled into one.

A Journey Across Generations

My daughter introduced me to K-Pop and Dua Lipa, while I shared Sonu Nigam and KK from my era. Our first live concert together, watching Shankar Mahadevan, was unforgettable—singing and dancing, oblivious to the amused audience. Those moments proved music is a universal language, bridging generations.

I’ve always loved to sing and have participated in group songs in school and college. Though I lack formal training, I enjoy karaoke on the Smule app. My aunts were my biggest fans; my mom’s sister cherishes a recording of me singing “Janaki Jane” at 13! However, I struggle with confidence, often singing only around close friends. Moments like Antakshari games are pure joy, where being off-key doesn’t matter. I even tried learning guitar in my teens, but “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is still the only song I can play. I want to sing more; it fills me with positivity.

Melodies Across Borders

During my stay in Odisha, I fell in love with the lively Sambalpuri folk song “Rangobati,” celebrating beauty and joy.  I didn’t catch all the lyrics, but it still brings back beautiful memories of my time there.

I’m also a proud ‘Army,’ a fan of BTS, the South Korean boy band that has transcended cultural boundaries to become a global sensation. Their music promotes self-love, perseverance, and social awareness, introducing millions to Korean culture and language.

Ethiopian music holds a special place in my heart – beautiful sounds that reflect Ethiopia’s rich heritage. Teddy Afro, one of Ethiopia’s influential musicians, blends traditional sounds with modern beats, delivering strong social and political commentary and infectious energy.  His music embodies “Araret” and “Susi,” meaning Passion and Addiction in Amharic. Then there’s the mezmur—serene religious songs that seem to reach out to the divine.   

Interestingly, my daughter has found her own influence through music—her favorite artist is The Weeknd, who has Ethiopian heritage. Music ties us across generations and borders, showing that profound connections often need just a beat and a melody, and a heart willing to listen.

The Voices That Shaped My Life

My all-time favorite composer is the legendary A.R. Rahman. Then there’s Yanni, whose orchestral masterpieces capture a wide range of feelings. His music can uplift me, evoke nostalgia, or leave me breathless with its beauty. As a teenager, I adored the Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls; their songs shaped my love for music.

Certain songs have profoundly impacted me, with “Ovvoru Pookkalume” standing out as my ultimate motivational anthem. It reminds us that failure is a stepping stone, celebrating resilience and willpower, reinforcing the belief that determination can help us conquer even the sky.

The late Balabhaskar had profoundly influenced me since his college days, evolving from a talented violinist to a celebrated composer. His music had been a balm during some tough moments in my life, showcasing the power of creativity to heal and inspire.

Music Speaks When Words Fall Short

Music is a universal language that transcends borders, connecting people from diverse backgrounds. Instrumental music evokes feelings words often can’t capture, transporting us and stirring deep emotions. And when the lyrics connect, the intensity and experience deepen even further.

For instance, “Nostalgia” by Yanni and “An Ocean of Memories” from Titanic are two instrumental pieces that stir a mix of emotions within me. Music has always been my companion, accompanying me through pain, loss, and triumph, with each song whispering resilience and reminding me I’m never truly alone. During my battle with insomnia, music became my lifeline. As sleep eluded me, I discovered the Calm App with soothing melodies that became my lullabies. Even now, I rely on relaxing tunes to calm my restless mind.

Victor Hugo once said, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words.” This resonates deeply; music will always be the voice of my soul, articulating what I can’t and helping me find my way.

By Deepa Perumal

Deepa Perumal is a Management professional, and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As a career mentor, entrepreneur, and multilingual author, she shares her insights through blogging and writing features on history, world cultures, travelogues and memoirs. Contact her at deepabperumal@gmail.com