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Sergey Dzhigun
Professor McKeever
English 1010: The Soundtrack of My Life Essay
27 October 2014
Word Count: 790
The Song of my Life
In modern days, songs shadow everyday life. Song writers write their songs based on
their challenges and experiences throughout life in which their listeners can relate to. One of
those listeners includes me. Music influences my everyday life by either building me up or
bringing me down. As I am a believer in Jesus Christ, I listen to a lot of Christian music. Songs
such as “I Lift My Hands” by Chris Tomlin, remind me of Gods mercy and love. Other songs
like “Starts with Me” by Tim Timmons, show me that I have to be the change in this world that
just ‘goes with the flow.’ Finally “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from the Disney movie Mulan
really gets me in the mood to get tasks accomplished. Music expresses who I am as a person, and
at the same time motivates me to become the better person that I want to be.
Christian music always builds me up spiritually. Whenever I just feel like a failure in life
I remember the song “I Lift My Hands” which is full of powerful words such as, “Be still, there
is a healer His love is deeper than the sea His mercy, it is unfailing His arms are a fortress for the
weak.” These words remind me that I do not need to go through life alone I can just “lift my
hands…as I pour out my heart, these things I remember, You are faithful, God, Forever.” As I
listen to these words they fill me with hope that I can just lift my hands and give my struggle to
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God, knowing that he will help and strengthen me. Whenever I am down and in the dumps, Gods
love and mercy builds me up and renews my soul.
An up-beat song with a catchy tune has a tendency to stick in anyone’s head until the
lyrics are drilled in permanently. Tim Timmons’ song “Starts with Me” is one of those songs;
since the day I heard it until today it always finds time, to occasionally stroll on through my
brain. The lyrics “What could I do to leave a legacy? How can I speak with authority? When I
can’t see you… ” poses the question: how can I leave my mark on this world without Gods’
guidance? It then follows by explaining that to find God and his guidance I must start on my
knees by praying. The final words put the whole song into perspective, “I really wanna change
the world, I really wanna sing Your song, but I know revival's got to start with me.” These
meaningful words show that as much as I want to be the change in this world, I must first start
with myself. The way I act should show the world what I stand for. What I stand for is God’s
love. I want people to know that God is a God of love and peace. I do not just want to follow
trends and blend in, I want to stand out and live my life to the fullest. Through this song Tim
Timmons has made his mark on the world, and has inspired me to make mine.
The final song is a bit childish but humorous is very motivating. “I’ll make a Man out of
you” gets me motivated and moving. Sometimes before I start a task I turn on this song just to
hear the first few words, “Let’s get down to business” but also because it puts me in a good
mood. Everyone’s lazy at some point, but for me, it is hard not to get down to business just by
listening to this song. It also tells me to stop being a child and mope around all day, I have to get
up, be a man, and be productive. Along with the humor of this song it shows that in life there
comes a time when everyone needs to be serious and accept challenges.
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In today’s times songs have become very dirty, sexual and violent. The kind of influence
someone gets from music depends on the type of music they listen to. My faith encourages me to
listen to clean music that builds me up spiritually and emotionally. “I Lift My Hands”, “Starts
With Me”, and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” are the songs that inspire and impact me the most.
Also, they boost up my mood and motivate me to be the change in this world. These are only just
a few of many songs that appeal to what I value in life.