Has a Melody Ever Saved You From the Dark?
Max (Sadie Sink) trying to outrun Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) in Stranger Things Season 4 is arguably one of the most iconic and cinematic scenes ever created for a TV series. As she struggles in Vecna’s grip, a portal in the Upside Down opens when her friends on the other side put headphones on her and play her favorite song “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush.
When Vecna is ready to take Max’s life, she closes her eyes and recalls happy memories with her friends. She frees herself from Vecna’s control, briefly incapacitates Vecna, and bolts toward the portal as the music continues to resonate.
Max follows the melody, heading toward the jagged rift in the dark dimension. With all her might, she dodges debris that Vecna hurls at her. Max throws herself through the portal, snaps out of the trance, and is held by Lucas—the music has saved her life.
Indeed, the scene is too unbelievable to imagine. However, the truth is: Max isn’t the only one saved by music—this isn’t something that happens solely in fiction. In reality, many people rely on music to guide them through the darkest moments of their lives.
Music Frees a Clouded Mind
When we are in a draining situation, finding a sense of calmness suddenly becomes a treasure that is hard to come by. In moments like these, even the smallest form of solace can feel like a lifeline. Some turn to their comfort food or visit a place close to their heart. And others listen to their favorite music and playlists.
In the case of music, there is substantial evidence that upholds its ability to ease mental and emotional heaviness—just think of music therapy. Verywell Mind, a reliable resource for mental health guidance, defines music therapy as a kind of therapeutic approach. It employs the naturally mood-lifting properties of music to improve people’s mood and overall mental health.
The study “Music Therapy For Depression” shows that incorporating music to standard therapy offers greater restorative benefits than therapy without it. One special thing about music is that it has been proven to stimulate the production of dopamine, also known as the “feel-good” hormone in our bodies.
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension cites a 2011 study demonstrating that dopamine levels rise in the brain when listeners experience positive emotions. It activates the same areas associated with pleasure from food and other cravings. No wonder it has become an integral part of festive occasions we celebrate. Music not only frees a weary mind but also lifts one’s spirit.
Music Touches More Than Just the Mind
Music’s ability to create an emotion conducive to stress relief is nothing short of amazing. Yet, its power doesn’t stop at the mind. Music echoes through the body, nurturing our physical health and well-being.
Harvard Health Publishing reports that music therapy has been tested in patients experiencing acute pain. Researchers have also studied patients with chronic pain from arthritis. Studies suggest that music therapy reduces pain perception and lowers the need for pain medication. Additionally, it gives people greater control over their pain.
Moreover, Dr. Elizabeth Scott, an award-winning blogger on stress management and positive psychology, references a study claiming that music can lower blood pressure. She also notes that it may ease muscle tension, boost immunity, reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems over time.
In the study “The Effect of Music on Biochemical Markers and Self-Perceived Stress Among First-Line Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial,” nurses were divided into two groups during their break. One group listened to soothing music of their choice for 30 minutes. The other group rested quietly in a chair for the same amount of time.
Because nursing has long experienced high levels of stress and occupational burnout, the findings stand out: nurses who listened to music reported lower perceived stress and showed reduced cortisol levels and heart rates compared with those who rested in a chair. Music undeniably heals more than we often realize.
There is no doubt that music has the power to touch our very soul. Every rhythm can awaken joy deep within. Every lyric can recalibrate the body’s responses. And every melody can guide a mind lost in darkness toward balance. As Max said in Stranger Things Season 5: “Music has a way of finding you, even in the darkest of places.”
