| Karaoke inspires self-confidence and brings friends together (12/07) | | Print | |
| Written by Sanyee Yuan | |
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“Oh yeah, life goes on — long after the thrill of living is gone.” I sing along to John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane” blasting on my radio at the top of my lungs as I wipe down my cluttered bedside table full of loose change and jewelry. Rearranging books and folders with one hand, I reach for my pink hairbrush with the other, brandishing it in my best hardcore rock-star imitation. My earlier unhappiness at having to clean my room on a bright Saturday afternoon fades into the distance, all with the help of my trusty boom-box.
Music always serves as my ultimate pick-me-up. Whether I’m singing along to one of my favorite CDs or dancing around my room like no one’s watching, music is my source of rejuvenation. One of my favorite pastimes also stems from my musical interests: going to karaoke with friends. The first time I went to karaoke with friends was during eighth grade at Japantown. I remember each moment vividly, like one of psychology’s flashbulb memories. The feeling of anticipation permeated the small but cozy, soundproofed room, furnished with black leather couches and a spinning disco ball. We discovered thick binders overflowing with never-ending lists of songs and artists. After learning how to use the technology, we felt self-conscious about using the microphones as we pushed the long mic cords at each other. Then, a gradual ease dispersed throughout the little room as we all joined in on belting out Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” and we relaxed. We were extremely amused at the quirky music videos that accompanied our favorite songs instead of the original, copyrighted music videos we were used to viewing on MTV. We released our inhibitions as we sang Hilary Duff and Britney Spears songs by heart, none of us needing to glimpse at the rolling captions. We remained enthusiastic, as we kept finding songs that we had yet to sing and kept punching numbers into the remote controls. We felt that we could have stayed there singing our voices hoarse until the wee hours of the night. The perfect songs ended the experience: Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” and the Friends TV theme song “I’ll Be There for You.” Going to karaoke provided us with countless laughs and memorable moments, while bringing us all together. For the most part, we enjoyed similar types of music and simultaneously chimed in with the popular, Billboard-chart topping hits. In that little room, we felt extremely liberated: We were able to kick back, forget about the stress and problems of the outside world, immerse ourselves in music and relish being in each other’s company. So, as winter break comes upon us, I encourage you to try another activity with your friends besides simply ice-skating or watching a new holiday comedy in theaters. Go karaoke. Experience the priceless feeling of discovery as you thumb through the varied song selections, aware that Columbus must have felt the same thrill when he sailed into the new world. Sing your blues about finals, self-scheduling and college apps away. Bond with your friends over music tastes, and don’t worry about whether or not the group singing in the room next door will hear your crazy, loud rendition of “I Will Survive.” |
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to listen.
