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The Psychology of Music
Music has a unique way of reaching emotions that words alone sometimes cannot. A song can bring comfort during grief, lift our mood, evoke powerful memories or help us recognise feelings we've struggled to put into words.
As a psychotherapist with a lifelong love of singing, I'm fascinated by the connection between music and emotional wellbeing. In this series, I explore the psychological themes behind some well-known songs — from resilience and hope to attachment, vulnerability and the small things that help us feel grounded.
I've also recorded my own performance of each song, because sometimes exploring the psychology is only half the fun. 🎵
FEATURE ARTICLE
'Feeling Good' by Michael Bublé
Why Hope Can Be One of Our Most Powerful Forms of Healing
There are some songs that don't simply lift our mood; they remind us that change is possible. Feeling Good, famously performed by Michael Bublé, is full of images of a fresh start — a new dawn, a new day and a sense of freedom, making it a natural song through which to explore hope and resilience.
The Psychology of the Song
Psychologically, resilience isn't about avoiding difficult experiences. It's our ability to adapt, recover and begin moving forward after periods of stress, loss or change. The song also captures something close to realistic optimism: not pretending that everything is perfect, but allowing ourselves to believe that positive change may be possible.
There's also a strong sense of being present. The imagery draws our attention to the natural world — birds, the breeze and the open sky. That shift towards what we can see, hear and feel around us echoes an important element of mindfulness: bringing our attention back to the present rather than becoming consumed by the past or what might happen next.
Perhaps that's part of the enduring appeal of Feeling Good. It's not simply a happy song. It captures that moment when, after a difficult period, we begin to notice possibility again.
🎵 Watch the Performance!
Watch my performance of Feeling Good by Michael Bublé below. Sometimes music can express something that words alone cannot — so turn it up and enjoy. 🎵
'Forever and a Day' by Benson Boone
Forever and a Day explores love, commitment and the reassurance that can come from feeling emotionally secure with another person. Beneath the romance are themes of trust, vulnerability and attachment — the foundations that can help relationships feel safe, supportive and meaningful.
The Psychology of the Song
One of the strongest psychological themes in Forever and a Day is secure attachment. Healthy emotional bonds can give us a sense of safety, stability and belonging. When we trust that someone will be there for us — while still allowing us to be ourselves — relationships can become an important source of emotional support.
Trust and vulnerability are closely connected. Genuine intimacy requires us to let another person see parts of ourselves that we might normally protect. That inevitably involves some emotional risk, but without vulnerability it can be difficult to develop the closeness and authenticity we seek.
The song also reflects commitment as something built through everyday actions rather than grand gestures. Listening, communicating, showing kindness and being emotionally reliable all contribute to relationships that can withstand difficult periods as well as enjoy the good ones.
Perhaps that's why songs about lasting love can feel so personal. They can become connected to our own relationships and memories, reminding us of the people who have shaped our lives and what it means to feel genuinely connected to someone.
🎵 Watch the Performance!
Watch my performance of Forever and a Day by Benson Boone below. A song about connection, vulnerability and the reassurance of knowing someone is there. 🎵
'Stay' by Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko
Stay is an emotionally intimate song about vulnerability, longing and the uncertainty that can exist within close relationships. Rather than presenting love as simple or perfect, it captures the conflict of wanting emotional closeness while also fearing hurt, rejection or loss.
The Psychology of the Song
At the heart of Stay is emotional vulnerability. Allowing someone to see what we truly feel can deepen connection, but it also means accepting the possibility of rejection, disappointment or loss. It's understandable that we sometimes protect ourselves by holding back, particularly if we've been hurt before.
The song also captures the complexity of attachment. We can experience conflicting emotions towards someone at the same time — wanting closeness while also wanting to protect ourselves. Love, fear, hope and uncertainty don't always arrive neatly separated, which is one reason relationships can feel so emotionally complicated.
Emotional honesty and communication are therefore important themes within the song. Being able to recognise and express what we need doesn't guarantee that a relationship will work, but it can help us understand ourselves and each other more clearly.
Perhaps that's why Stay resonates with so many people. It gives a voice to feelings that can be difficult to articulate and reminds us that vulnerability is an inevitable part of meaningful human connection.
🎵 Watch the Performance!
Watch my performance of Stay by Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko below. Its simplicity and emotional honesty are part of what make this song so powerful. 🎵
'Tea' by Sam Brown
Some songs don't need to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes the simplest things in life bring us the greatest comfort, and for many of us in Britain, nothing says "everything will be alright" quite like a good cup of tea!
The Psychology of the Song
Tea is funny, quirky and wonderfully British, but beneath the humour is something surprisingly relevant to our emotional wellbeing. Most of us have small rituals that bring comfort when we're stressed, unsettled or simply having a rotten day. Making a brew, putting on a favourite song or taking five quiet minutes can provide a familiar pause in the middle of everything else.
These everyday routines can also help us feel more grounded. Focusing on a simple, familiar activity brings our attention back to what's happening here and now — something particularly useful when our thoughts are racing or life feels overwhelming.
Looking after our wellbeing doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes it's about noticing the ordinary things that help us slow down, reset and feel a little more like ourselves again.
So yes, sometimes putting the kettle on really can make the world seem marginally less ridiculous. And I've probably put mine on already. ☕😂
🎵 Watch the Performance!
Watch my performance of Tea by Sam Brown below. It's quirky, funny and a reminder that sometimes the smallest comforts can make a surprisingly big difference. Put the kettle on and enjoy. ☕🎵
If Music Speaks to You, Therapy Might Help Too
Music can sometimes help us recognise emotions before we're able to put them into words. Therapy offers a confidential space to explore those feelings, understand what's happening beneath them and find ways of moving forward.
I provide online therapy for adults across the UK, supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, menopause, relationship difficulties, workplace stress and emotional overwhelm.
If you'd like to see whether working together feels right, I offer a free 30-minute introductory call.