Thinking- Core Benefits of Blues Music

Blues "weeps with those who weep". The music and lyric style also often "rejoices with those who rejoice".

The many lament lyrics of the Book of Psalms, the Messiah Himself "man of sorrows and well-acquainted with grief" and people such as Jeremiah (often called "the weeping prophet") all speak to the common experience of the blues.

Whether story-focused or social commentary, complaints, a cry for integrity and justice or in praise of human love the authenticity of blues lyricism reveals the vast and ever real commonalities of the human experience.

While the music itself works hand in hand with words employed, singers who express great emotion paint sonic art that helps us to feel, even extending permission to share the injustices and at times sweet consolations of life while on planet earth.

I would even argue blues is itself a valid door toward genuine, needed empathy.

Blues is truly an educator though not always thought of as such. It prompts consideration of the human condition in the minds of those giving it the time -those with ears to hear.

There are other reasons blues music benefits the listener, but for now I'll just say, as always, thanks for stopping by! -Glenn Kaiser