why do you feel happy or sad listening to a song

[elektrig]

lol...i had been thinking about this question recently...and this explains why im still not sleeping at this moment =P

i was just wondering if you guys can help to provide some ideas for me. like how do you play happy and sad love songs?

as in, why do we feel happy or sad when listening to a song?

melody aside, does the key lie within a certain kind of arrangements used in the song? if yes, can further enlighten me on a trick or two? =p or is the choice of instruments important (e.g. strings accompaniment for sad songs?)?

maybe i'll give you an example of what im looking for.
for example, with regard to reggae, one of the reasons i feel that what it makes ppl feel happy is due to the accent in the 2nd and 4th beat. this is crucial as it makes ppl feel like tapping or clapping along with the song as well.

so hmm what is it about happy/sad songs that induce ppl to feel the emotions in the song? in other words, most importantly, how do we touch the audience's hearts and allow them to feel such emotions through a performance of a song?

do feel free share ur views with me if not i'll be sleepless for more nights =P

 

[pf]

Its the chord progression.

 

[FREEKILL9566]

It's the key, major or minor, major creates a more lively, happy tune. But the minor key creates a darker, sad tune. Correct me if I'm wrong, cos no matter what the progression is, it all comes down to the key, major, or minor.

Cheers,
WWH

 

[visa]

it also has to do with melody.

there are songs in major that sound sad and songs in minor that sound happy

 

[JaarVis.]

its all about the lyrics babe...

 

[gutturalpiss]

naah. lyrics are in some cases insignificant. sound affects our way of thinking, nothing complicated. scientifically proven, you can google for the theses by popular professors and read up for the secrets if you're so keen.

 

[Vaiyen]

its all about the lyrics babe...

so instrumentals do not evoke any emotion in you?

 

[JaarVis.]

it does. but u see , it all depends on wad kinda songs luh. if those death metal but with lyrics that make u feel down , nahhh for me. i rather headbang all the way . ha. but if those kinda songs like my heart will go on by celine dion or Forgive me by Proof , its both the lyrics and the instrument. i dunno how to put it in words . but i seldom feel sad listening to songs. metal music cheers me up . metal music puts me to sleep. and metal music wakes me up. when i get emo or smth , i'll jus listen to slowww songs and relax mah mind.

on the other hand , yea , instruments can make u feel sad too . when i listened to our very own Reuben kee's piano piece , can cry sia. moreover he's not with us. it adds on to the emotions. ahhh. its about both instruments and lyrics then. or maybe its about YOU.

 

[balloons]

Major and minor doesn't convey happy or sad. How about songs which mix both the elements? It is your own expectation of the song which makes u happy or sad mostly,but the songwriter has his part too. By the way,are there more sad songs or happy songs around?

 

[JaarVis.]

i hear more of happy and hatred songs. ha.