I was downloading the {artist and album name} songs and listening carefully to the words. I know you are not a little kid who needs to be sheltered from absolutely everything; that is not what your Dad and I try to do. But, as I was listening to these songs I realized again how deeply music touches all of us. I decided to only put 3 of the 12 tracks on your mp3 player. I know this may disappoint you, so I am trying to explain why.
First, I love you. Not a generic say-it-because-we're-family "I love you." I really love you. You are beautiful inside and out and show a real compassion and tenderness toward others. You are (usually- you can work on this with your brothers) kind and gentle. I know you are at an age where everything that used to be simple seems complicated and some things that adults view as complicated seem very simple and clear cut to you. While you have this inner turmoil and dialogue (which everyone goes through as their minds develop the skills to grasp and process more abstract concepts), I do not think it will benefit you to listen to lyrics about confusion, despair, anger, hopelessness, or revenge. When I disregarded the tune of the music and listened solely to the words, I found that was the topic of most of the songs. That's why I left them off your mp3 player.
I know music can validate (we can relate to it) our own emotions so it can feel very good to connect to songs in that manner, but if these songs just validate and empower things like confusion, anger or hopelessness, without offering any solution (pointing you in the right direction to become free of those negative things), then I don't feel they are the things you should have stuck in your head.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippeans 4:8 KJV
Love,
Mom