Music is like my emotional barometer, quietly mirroring the rhythm of my life.

To me, music mainly serves to relax and heal: when I’m under a lot of work pressure, listening to a soothing song instantly eases my nerves; when I’m feeling low, an uplifting melody can help me get back on my feet.

I once went to a live show by an indie band, and that experience felt so alive—I could see the tension in the singer’s fingertips as they strummed the guitar, hear the audience singing along, even feel the resonance of the music vibrating in my chest. It’s completely different from listening on a phone. Listening on my phone is a private enjoyment, while being at a concert is a shared emotion with a crowd—the atmosphere is incomparable.

The most unforgettable moment was the night before my National college entrance exam. I was studying late into the night when the song “海阔天空” started playing through my headphones. The line “Forgive me for being untamed and loving freedom all my life（原谅我一生不羁放纵爱自由）” hit me right in the heart. All my anxiety seemed to wash away, and even now, whenever I hear that song, I remember the starlit night and the unyielding version of myself in front of the “impossible” exam.

I sometimes sing a few lines, though I’m not particularly good at it. Simply listening to music is like receiving emotions, while singing is releasing emotions—even if I’m off-key, shouting out the lyrics feels liberating in a way listening never could. It’s like having a two-way interaction with music.

I love music because it can precisely match my emotions—it understands me without needing explanation. It’s also made me more open-minded: for example, I didn’t use to like rock, but after learning about different bands’ stories, I realized every genre carries its own attitude. That’s made me more willing to understand things first rather than dismiss them too quickly.

Music reflects my emotional state. When I’m often listening to gentle folk songs, it usually means life is calm and I want to enjoy a slower pace; if I suddenly start looping passionate rock tracks, it’s probably because I’m facing challenges and need the energy to motivate myself. Music is like my emotional barometer, quietly mirroring the rhythm of my life.