I couldn't imagine living without...

This sentence had never actually crossed my mind before or not in enough great detail, as I would’ve originally thought. When I actually started to think about it, thoughts and ideas buzzed swiftly through my head! The usual obvious ones came to mind, such as: my girlfriend, family and friends. However then I found myself trying to think of abstract ideas like the rain against my window; that sweet feeling on a summers afternoon; I even tried to be clever, taking it literally and was going to discuss not being able to survive without oxygen.

But when I really tried hard to think about, deep deep down, I realised that I could live without all of the above things (if you excuse the oxygen remark). I’d be very upset without those things but I knew I could move on, we can find people and feelings that numb the loss of the original ones, like loosing a leg and having a fake one in it’s place.

Then I finally understood what I personally couldn’t live without. Without music it would be like loosing a heart. Music is on some days the only thing that can keep me going, through the tough times, keeping me sane from the hard lives people face everyday. I am a musician who solely plays because it can cheer me up and I write songs to let those emotions escape through my pen onto the paper. Music to me is a life saver, a single song can change a persons mind in the three minutes it captures them; music is that small little escape from reality that every person needs from time to time. You are completely cut of from the world for that short space of time - giving you space to think clearly - allowing you to refuel for your return.

I believe that musicians like Bob Marley, Paolo Nutini and Noel Gallagher (a few of my favourites) are people set out to make other peoples days better. Even more, Bob Marley wanted to achieve a better day. A better world. His songs had powerful impact on the world and his messages did change the way people live for the better.

Without music running through my veins, blasting in my ears, living in my life, I wouldn’t make it to next tuesday. I need music, it gives me a reason to be who I am and gives me the confidence to achieve more. When I feel like giving up, all I have to do is click a button on my ipod and a choose a song that relates to my problem, inspires a way forward and makes me feel no longer alone.

By Charlieo Johnson

p.s. That was my 6th form interview coursework... lol :P