Music, An Everlasting Companion

Since childhood I have grown up in the midst of music.

- Neelakshi Banerjee

My father, being an amateur guitar player, was acquainted with a wide spectrum of music at a very young age, to suit my equally wandering moods. From country classics to melodious pops to toe-tapping rocks, there is a conspicuous uniqueness in the songs of the sundrenched era of the 70s and 80s which is somewhat missing in contemporary times.

Songs of the famous bands of BoneyM, ABBA, Carpenters, AirSupply, Beatles not only instilled in me a sense of melody but also became an unwavering companion of me during my plaintive times. Individual singers who have notably influenced me are Cliff Richard, Paul Anka, Dan Fogelberg, Matt Monroe, Andy Williams, and countless others. Songs like Rasputin, MaBaker, Hooray Hooray of BoneyM or Waterloo, Dancing queen of ABBA are apt to introduce a jovial tinge to exalt the mood of a party.

I remember dancing to the tune of All Night Holiday alone at home just to dissipate my growing loneliness and it worked wonders. And in the same way songs like the Winner takes it all or Matt Monroe’s When The Music Played has a story on its own so beautifully portrayed in music that it captivates the listeners with their intriguing melancholy. Superhit songs like Evergreen Tree or Where do I begin by Andy Williams is a tribute to love, sang and dedicated countless times by young lovers.