YOUR LIFE IS A MOVIE – WHAT'S THE SOUNDTRACK?

How Music Shapes Your Emotions and Identity

Picture this: You’re walking down the street, earphones in, and suddenly, your favourite song comes on. Instantly, the world feels different. Maybe it’s a nostalgic tune that takes you back to childhood, an anthem that makes you feel unstoppable, or a heartbreak ballad that stirs up old memories. In that moment, it feels like you’re the main character in a movie—and that song is your soundtrack.

But have you ever stopped to think about just how much music influences your emotions and identity? Just like in movies, where the soundtrack sets the mood for each scene, the music you love shapes your experiences, memories, and even how you see yourself. Let’s dive into how the songs in your playlist tell the story of your life.

1. Music as an Emotional Amplifier

Music has a unique ability to intensify emotions—whether it’s lifting you up, comforting you, or plunging you deeper into your feelings.

For example:

● Heartbreak Scene: Going through a breakup? If Heartbreak Anniversary by Giveon or Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi is on repeat, just know you’re deep in your emotions. No judgment! I’ve shed countless tears to Nobody Gets Me by SZA. And let’s not forget Adele’s Someone Like You—that song hits differently every time.

● Victory Moment: After a big win, you need a song that matches the energy. Maybe it’s On Top of the Worldby Imagine Dragons or Sign of Victory by R. Kelly; something that makes you feel like you just won the World Cup. 

● Main Character Vibes: When you’re strutting through the streets like you own them, Unstoppable or The Greatest by Sia will have you feeling like nothing can stand in your way. Personally, The Greatest is my go-to gym anthem—it gives me the strength to lift weights without hesitation. Some days, I put it on repeat for my entire workout and walk out feeling like a queen.

Our emotions and music feed off each other. The right song can either pull you deeper into a mood or help you shift out of it. That’s the magic of music—it makes you feel.

 

 

2. The Soundtrack of Your Identity

Beyond emotions, music also shapes who you are. The songs you love, the artists you stan, and the playlists you curate all say something about your personality and life experiences.

Think about it—what kind of music defines you?

➢ Are you the soulful dreamer who finds peace in Simi’s heartfelt ballads, just like how Adele’s emotional lyrics hit deep?

➢ Maybe you’re the Afrobeat lover, always vibing to Davido, Wizkid, or Burna Boy, just like others who can’t resist the energy of Drake or Chris Brown.

➢ Perhaps you’re the high-energy party starter, dancing to Naira Marley, Rema, Zlatan, or Kizz Daniel—the same way others turn up to Cardi B, Doja Cat, or Bad Bunny.

➢ Or are you the deep thinker, connecting with Omah Lay’s introspective lyrics, just like those who find comfort in Billie Eilish or The Weeknd’s moody melodies?

No matter your vibe, music is more than just sound—it’s a reflection of who you are. The genres you connect with often align with your values, lifestyle, and even your outlook on life.

3. Music and Memory: 

Ever heard a song from years ago and instantly been transported back to a specific moment? That’s because music and memory are closely linked.

It could be that one track that reminds you of your first crush—maybe All of Me by John Legend or Love Me by Justin Bieber. I remember writing down the lyrics in my notebook just so I could sing it to my crush. Looking back now… cringe, but cute!

Nothing brings back childhood memories like Personallyby P-Square or Shake Body by Skales. I still remember standing in front of the mirror, trying (and failing) to perfect P-Square’s dance moves. Lol!

Then there are the songs our parents played on repeat—classics like African Queen by 2Baba or Olufunmi by Styl-Plus. Some of these songs are so iconic that they’re still a joy to listen to today. This even extends to jingles from old advertisements that somehow still live in our heads rent-free!

The music we listen to becomes a time capsule of our experiences, holding emotions that words alone can’t fully express.

Choosing Your Life’s Soundtrack

If your life were a movie, what songs would make up your soundtrack? Would it be full of inspiring anthems, emotional ballads, or party bangers?

Try creating a playlist that represents different moments in your life—the highs, lows, and everything in between. You can also use music intentionally to boost your mood or set the tone for your day, like I do with my workout songs. And don’t be afraid to explore new sounds—you might discover a song that unexpectedly resonates with your story.

Remember, your soundtrack is constantly evolving, just like you. So keep adding to it, and let music be the background score to your most unforgettable moments.

“Life is full of emotions, memories, and personal growth. And through it all, music is there—shaping your journey, lifting you up, and sometimes, breaking your heart.” – Sweet Lilian

Your life is a movie. The question is: What’s your soundtrack?

 

…Sweet Lilian