Tonight, my roommate was listening to some music in his room as usual. I, on the other hand, was trying to do some reading for class in my room, which was progressing well (which is unusual). As my roommate was flipping through songs, a familiar tune caught my ear. It was only on for about three seconds before he switched it, but I recognized the cheesy 80's guitar sound and simplistic melody almost instantly. It was "Boys Don't Cry" by the Cure.
I probably hadn't heard the song in about 5 years, but I remembered it vividly since it was on a mix tape a friend of mine gave me back in high school. When I made a comment about the song to my roommate he was surprised that I was able to recognize the song so quickly.
It's always something I have been good at. There are thousands of songs taking up residence in my brain, and somehow I can remember many of their intricacies melodic, lyrical, and instrumental. In some cases I can recognize a song simply from the ambient noise! (Yes, it scares me too...) Unfortunately, this talent doesn't seem to have much practical value aside from entertaining myself (something you learn to be good at as an only child) and perhaps some of my friends when I break out into song. If you are around me for any length of time, you will probably hear me sing something. It usually only takes a single word or phrase to remind me of a song. However, I am lead to wonder, what's the use of having a good memory if it is not applied to something useful?
I wish I could say I had more of the Bible memorized. I don't. I wish I could say I knew more of my Hebrew vocab. I don't remember much of that either... Why is it that things with a melody stick in the memory so much more easily?
I don't think I really have the ability to answer that question at this point. However, it is my prayer that God will help increase my memory in areas that will bring him glory, and that my mind might be put to better use. What if a single word or phrase reminded me of scripture instead of a song? Perhaps that would be a better question to explore...
1 comment:
Lots of people learn through music - it's a documented learning style. Try putting Hebrew vocab and scripture to music. There are lots of scriptures I know because I know a song with them and I still remember the song that Sam Smith made up before a spanish test sophomore year at Manual about the uses of por and para.
Post a Comment