That feeling of nostalgia that comes up when we hear a long-forgotten childhood song, it takes us back engulfing us in our vivid memories. The music listened to throughout our childhood plays a significant role in shaping who we are and who we will become. What music does Generation Z remember from their childhood, and how do they believe it has influenced who they are now?
In many cases, the music people are exposed to the most comes directly from their environment. For many, that would be what our parents had listened to. Junior Lilia Nunez says the songs she thinks are most nostalgic from her childhood are “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette and “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind.
“Those two songs particularly bring back memories of my dad before he left, and I really like to look back on those memories to come to think of my father and siblings sometimes,” Nunez said.
Looking back at childhood through songs can help bring back memories made throughout it. Music can be a way to connect with the past to create and strengthen bonds with those around us.
According to Durham University, in a research conducted by Dr. Kelly Jakubowski, talks about “music-evoked autobiographical memory” which is the act of remembering moments through music. It’s an “involuntary memory” meaning that it comes without an attempt to remember. She said that memories from music are effective “due to the way it affects our minds, bodies, and emotions.” There’s a strong connection to the body and music because of this. Memories can be highly emotional, simply by hearing a familiar song it can bring us right back to a specific place.
Senior Krystal Clark said the most nostalgic songs for her are “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic and “All of Me” by John Legend.
“When I was little, my dad would play that kind of music, and I would play games,” Clark said. “Those songs would always be playing in the background.”
The repetition of having songs in the background of her environment seemed to have made music a memorable part of her childhood. By connecting an act to a song it can stay in the mind for an extended period of time.
“There have been a few songs, they were storytelling so [they] helped me with my imagination,” Clark said. “I listened to calmer music, it helped me be less sporadic.” Having calming stories influenced Clark to be attentive and creative more so than she was.
Creativity seems to be a part of how music has influenced Freshman Brody Hess’ childhood as well. Hess and his father are a significant example of how songs have the potential to become special when they are shared between two people.
“My favorite song was ‘Fuel’ by Metallica,” Hess said. “When me and my dad would go watch drag races, I would always imagine that song playing.” Hess recalls the music his dad played influencing his imagination.
The music Gen Z listened to as children can create many skills and knowledge moments to aid in their development. Music can be used throughout life to improve experiences beyond childhood. By listening and interpreting music in their own way, they learn more about themselves and life.
