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Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”

Introduction

Music has always had a huge effect on my personality and values. It’s been a great tool for connecting with my own emotions and experiences. In this article, I’ll talk about three songs that have inspired me at different points in my life: childhood, middle/teenage years, and early adulthood. I’ll demonstrate how these songs shaped my identity and worldview by reciting lyrics from each song and relating them to personal situations. Songs like “Imagine,” “Brave,” and “Rise Up” had an unforgettable influence on me as a teen and young adult.

Early Years

When I was little, the song “Imagine” by John Lennon had a significant impact on me. The lines “Imagine all the people living their lives in peace” struck a chord with my young mind, instilling a deep conviction in the power of unification and harmony. Growing up in a diverse, multicultural environment, I learned the value of acceptance and understanding through this song. It influenced my identity by establishing empathy and respect for others, regardless of their differences. This song provides the foundation for my egalitarian and social justice ideas.

Middle/Teen Years

Throughout my middle and adolescent years, Sara Bareilles’ song “Brave” gave me solace and motivation. The lyrics, “Say what you want to say and let the words fall out, honestly, I wanna see you be brave,” were a direct response to my earlier difficulties expressing myself and building confidence. As a shy child, I was always afraid to communicate my true ideas and emotions for fear of being scolded or rejected. This song, on the other hand, inspired me to accept my uniqueness and stand up for what I believed in. It gave me the courage to confront my concerns and forge my identity as a strong individual who values honesty and bravery.

It is also worth noting that Oasis’ “Wonderwall” was my middle and high school anthem. The song’s lovely lyrics, “Because maybe you’ll be the one to save me, and after all, you’re my Wonderwall,” appealed to my want for connection and understanding during my turbulent adolescence. The song and lyrics served as a reminder that even in times of uncertainty and turmoil, there are individuals who can offer comfort and support, and they strengthened my trust in the power of compassion and empathy. In this way, it has evolved with me as I matured and formed into the person I am now.

Young Adulthood

In my young adulthood years, Andra Day’s song “Rise Up” served as a rallying cry for tenacity and determination. Throughout difficult situations, the words, “I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day, I’ll rise up, I’ll rise unafraid,” offered courage. This song was inspired by my personal experiences overcoming hurdles and disappointments to achieve my goals. It taught me never to give up and to always believe in myself. The song’s uplifting message of perseverance and determination shaped my personality, turning me into someone who values tenacity and the ability to overcome adversity.

Conclusion

Finally, music had a significant impact on my personality and viewpoints. The songs “Imagine,” “Brave,” and “Rise Up” have all had an impact on me at various points in my life, teaching me valuable lessons and propelling my personal development. The lyrics of these songs taught me the value of togetherness, honesty, and resilience. They urged me to be a pleasant, courageous, and determined individual. As I continue on my journey, I am glad for the enormous influence music has had on my personality and ideas, and I eagerly anticipate discovering new songs that will define my future experiences.

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StudyCorgi. (2026, July 17). Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”. https://studycorgi.com/music-taste-development-throughout-life-from-john-lennons-imagine-to-andra-days-rise-up/

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"Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”." StudyCorgi, 17 July 2026, studycorgi.com/music-taste-development-throughout-life-from-john-lennons-imagine-to-andra-days-rise-up/.

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StudyCorgi. (2026) 'Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”'. 17 July.

1. StudyCorgi. "Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”." July 17, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/music-taste-development-throughout-life-from-john-lennons-imagine-to-andra-days-rise-up/.


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StudyCorgi. "Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”." July 17, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/music-taste-development-throughout-life-from-john-lennons-imagine-to-andra-days-rise-up/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2026. "Music Taste Development Throughout Life: From John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Andra Day’s “Rise Up”." July 17, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/music-taste-development-throughout-life-from-john-lennons-imagine-to-andra-days-rise-up/.

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