Stendhal Syndrome: Why Songs Make Us Emotional

 

Some songs tug at your heartstrings, sometimes at first listen, and most times, the familiar music holds a different meaning when you are vulnerable or just because the song resonates with you profoundly, from earlier memories, happy and sad. Other music touches you because of the hauntingly beautiful melody, even transcending language barriers.

The sheer beauty of music brings tears to my eyes. Stendhal Syndrome, Florence Syndrome, or hyperkulturemia is an emotional response to music and art that triggers a physiological response that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Some complain of rapid heartbeat, fainting, confusion, and even hallucinations. In my case, it might just be a mild case of being teary-eyed and nostalgic.

That might explain a nine-year-old boy’s spontaneous awe-struck exclamation of “WOW” after a classical performance by the Handel and Haydn Society. Ronan Mattin’s one-word praise after the last note of Mozart’s piece was so genuine and wondrous that the audience erupted in laughter and applause. It turned out that Ronan was an autistic child who barely spoke, but his appreciation of the music brought out the Wow, which was heard around the classical world.

www.https://wfacebook.com/watch/?v=1239206220856774

 

Justin Bieber- “Lonely”

What if you had it all

But nobody to call?

Maybe then you'd know me

'Cause I've had everything

But no one's listening

And that's just lonely

I'm so lonely

Lonely

With recent bombshell news about Sean “Puff” Diddy’s arrest related to criminal wrongdoings, I learned about Justin’s unfortunate experience with those who should have protected him. Drawn by the lure of Hollywood, Justin, at 15 years old, descended into a life of drugs and a perverse lifestyle. Thankfully, he came out of it and found a new life with his wife and a new baby.

“Lonely” is a plaintive plea for help from a tortured soul.

 

 

Celine Dion-  "Hymne A L'Amour", July 2024            

Celine Dion is a fighter. Stiff-person Disease kept her out of the limelight for four years. Still, she triumphantly returned to close the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, France, with a stunning tour de force performance of Edith Piaf’s "Hymne A L'Amour". Singing on the balcony of the Eiffel Tower with the giant Olympic rings framing the scene and the rain pouring down, Celine showed the world what courage and perseverance look like. Incroyable!

“If the sky should fall into the sea, and the stars fade all around me …”

 

 

Young Forever fancam - London Wembley Stadium (Army surprise BTS!), 2019

The BTS fans known as the “Army” had a secret mission to surprise the BTS supergroup by singing 'Young Forever' during their concert at the London Wembley Stadium. The song made the boys tear up!

 

 

Andre Rieu- “The Rose”, 2014

Tender, melancholic rendition of the Amanda McBroom composition, made famous by Bette Midler in her 1979 film.

 

Josh Turner- “How Great Thou Art”

This song started as a traditional Swedish melody and a poem. It was translated from Russian to English and is now considered the second-favorite hymn after "Amazing Grace" of all time.

 

Carol Banawa- “Iingatan Ka”

My song for my mom. I miss her. So much.

I’ll take care of you

I’ll watch over you

In my heart, you are my greatest dream.

In this world

There’s no one else but you

I live my life for you forevermore.

Top 6 Comfort Songs Playlist

 

On this dreary rainy August afternoon, I pulled out my Playlist of comfort songs. These are the songs that uplift me, like an earnest tug at my heart, like a cool breeze on a summer day, like a hug on a sad day, like a loving embrace, and at other times, like a warm blanket on a cold night

These comfort songs are an eclectic list and range from romantic to spiritual. The rest of my playlist is instrumental; others are head-banging and mind-clearing melodies. They calm and encourage; my list is an emotional first aid kit and a self-love exercise. They're not only for those times of melancholy or turbulence but mostly when I feel introspective and sentimental. 

 Here are my top 6 comfort songs. I listen to them quite often, even during happy times. I put my headphones on and let the music wash over me, ease my mind, and lift my spirits. Just me and my music.

HAVING YOU NEAR ME

Bugoy Drilon - (cover)

An original song by Air Supply. Written by Rex Goh, Clive Davis & Graham Russell and released in 1980. I love Bugoy Drillon’s cover of it. He’s one of my favorite Filipino singers and he infused this love song with some swag and a sexy twist. “Tagos sa puso”. Although a romantic love song, this song appeals to me on a higher level. When you have your loved ones close to your heart, that’s being content and at peace. Sometimes, knowing you're loved is enough. Or it could be as mundane as your dog snuggling up to you. It will be alright.

 

FIX YOU

BTS Performs 'Fix You' (Coldplay Cover) | MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS

This is a Coldplay original song released in 2005. This British rock band collaborated on this song, started by Chris Martin, to comfort his then-wife Gwyneth who was grieving her father’s death. There is something especially romantic when someone offers to fix your broken heart. My new obsession, the supergroup BTS, performed an MTV unplugged version. They said that this song comforted them during the pandemic isolation. Coldplay tweeted their approval and praised the BTS cover with this: 아름다운 (which means beautiful).

 

 

YESTERDAY

Reneé Dominique-  The Beatles (cover)

 Although "Yesterday" was written by Paul McCartney as a heartbreak song in 1965, I never thought of it that way. Maybe this song is just symbolic to me of the Beatles' genius and greatness. As sung by Renee Dominique, another Filipino musician, this song is an aesthetic eargasm.

 

EPIPHANY

BTS (방탄소년단) LOVE YOURSELF 結 Answer 'Epiphany' Comeback Trailer

Okay, I confess, my “bias” ('favorite' in modern lingo) in BTS is Kim Seok-Jin, Mr. Worldwide Handsome. But I love Epiphany for its beautiful melody, its anthemic celebration, and its inspiration of/for self-love. In live concerts, the Army fans sing along to the chorus, “I’m the one I should love,” their purple lights swaying to Jin’s emotional performance. 

This epiphany is an unapologetic discovery of the importance of loving yourself first. You cannot give when you're running on empty. I can listen to this song continuously in a one-hour loop.

 

3 THINGS

Jason Mraz - 3 Things (Official Audio)

Simply put, the lyrics explain why it’s a comfort song.

 

There are three things I do when my life falls apart

Number one I cry my eyes out and I dry up my heart

Not until I do this will my new life start

So that's the first thing that I do when my life falls apart

Oh the second thing I would do is I close both of my eyes

And say my thank-yous to each and every moment of my life

I go where I know the love is and let it fill me up inside

Gathering new strength from sorrow,

I'm glad to be alive

And things are looking up

I know above the clouds the sun is shining

Things are looking up

Love is still the answer I'm relying, oh right

Three little things

Things are looking up

Oh, the third thing that I do now when my world caves in,

Is I pause, I take a breath, and bow and I let that chapter end

I design my future bright not by where my life has been

And I try, try, try, try, try again

Yes I try, try, try, try, try again

 

HOW GREAT THOU ART

 Josh Turner - How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs) (Official Audio) ft. Sonya Isaacs

Sam Santiago

This Christian hymn started as a Swedish traditional melody and a poem. It was translated from Russian to English and is now considered the second most favorite hymn after "Amazing Grace" of all time. This song was covered by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Carrie Underwood, Pentatonix, Home Free, and then 9-year-old Sam Santiago (now 19 y/o).

Songs of Praise

Even in quiet reflection, my heart swells with love and inspiration when I listen to songs of praise. My voice may not soar with a melodious tone, but my soul is energized by the music and the lyrics. These songs of praise bring comfort and hope. Several years ago, in a time of personal turmoil, these songs strengthened me and reminded me that I have God by my side. The spiritual gifts are heaven-sent.


How Great Thou Art by Anne Murray




How Great Thou Art by Sam Santiago





The Prayer by Yongxin Chen




You Raise Me UP by Jai McDowall & KHS





You Raise Me UP- Jeffrey and Celine Tam




Hallelujah by Pentatonix





Hallelujah by Renee Dominique






Amazing Grace by Home Free





Amazing Grace by BYU Noteworthy






Gethsemane by Claire Ryann