Music! Music! Music!
By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

Have you ever had a song ‘stuck’ in your head? Regardless of what you’re doing (or trying to do), where you are, or who you are with, that song will not leave your mind.

So have I. Sometimes it is bothersome. Sometimes it is downright vexing. But other times it is a wonderful, beautiful thing. Maybe it all depends upon the song that is in our minds.

Shortly after joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I sat in on a lesson during which the teacher offered some excellent advice. She shared the counsel that we choose a favorite hymn and learn all of the lyrics. At times when we found ourselves in a difficult situation, were feeling lonely, or scared, we could recall that hymn, finding comfort and encouragement from those sacred words.

Music is a powerful force. According to President Boyd K. Packer, it is “one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind and spirit of man.” (Given in an address at BYU, September 26, 1967.) Understanding how much impact the governing force may have, no wonder each of us is so responsive to music! 

President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. spoke these words at General Conference in October 1936:

“Sometimes … we get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer.” Though the words were spoken long ago, they are as true now as when they were spoken, and perhaps of more value than ever. As the world’s standards deteriorate, there is more need to draw ourselves closer to heaven. With good and uplifting music at our disposal, what a simply beautiful way to do it!

Because music is such a beautiful instrument for good, it stands to reason that the adversary would try to use music to tear down rather than to build. Indeed, this is exactly what he does. Sister Ardeth Kapp, former general Young Women president of the Church, once shared this thought: “Because music is so powerful, it is cleverly used by the adversary to stimulate your thoughts, feelings, and moods, to pollute and poison your mind and cause you to do things you would not otherwise consider doing.” (October General Conference, 1990.)  She is absolutely on target, isn’t she? Some of today’s music is filled with filthy lyrics and is produced to incite or arouse impure feelings. Some songs glorify thoughts of suicide. Others dwell on sad, depressive, morally incorrect directives. That music takes us away from any influence of the Holy Spirit. Often, without the listener even realizing how subtly he is being influenced by Satan. 

It is not in the big things that most of us falter. It is in the seemingly small, innocuous ones. The thought, “What’s the big deal if I listen to this CD?” may seem a small one.  But the direction it may take us could become a very big deal. Thoughts lead to feelings.  Feelings lead to actions. Why feed our mind thoughts that are negative and potentially harmful?  Why not choose to limit our musical choices to ones that will build us, uplift us, bring a measure of safety and peace?

I have spent many years of my life in the music business.  I have seen, first-hand, the effects of certain types of music. Not only on those who listen to the finished product, but on those who write and produce that music.  I know that some choose to use their talent for good. I know that others consciously choose to use their ability to negatively — even harmfully — influence listeners. Stand firm! Think it through!  Choose wisely!

Do I sound like an old ‘fuddy duddy’? Maybe to some.  But I will share with you that on a number of occasions, I have sat in quiet conversations with a teenager or young adult who has wished he or she could go back and make different choices. One of the very first and most basic things they would change is to toss out the negative music!  It has been most interesting and amazing for me to hear, over and over again, how the seemingly small decision to entertain certain kinds of music has brought about a tidal wave of unwelcome results. 

Today, I am closing with this bold and beautiful statement from the First Presidency which was issued January 1974.  “Music can be used to exalt and inspire or to carry messages of degradation and destruction. It is therefore important that as Latter-day Saints we at all times apply the principles of the gospel and seek the guidance of the Spirit in selecting the music with which we surround ourselves.”

I am so grateful for loving and inspired leaders who care about us! I am sure of their desire to help us and guide us according to the Lord’s direction.  I know, brothers and sisters, that music is a vital force. Let’s work at making sure that whatever song is stuck in our minds is a genuinely good one!