Skip to content

Music Quote by Haruki Murakami

“From college to those bleak textbook-company years, come evening I’d listen to the Such Sweet Thunder album, the “Star-Crossed Lovers” track over and over. Johnny Hodges had this sensitive and elegant solo on it. Whenever I heard that languid, beautiful melody, those days came back to me. It…” quote by Haruki Murakami
Download Open image
““From college to those bleak textbook-company years, come evening I’d listen to the Such Sweet Thunder album, the “Star-Crossed Lovers” track over and over. Johnny Hodges had this sensitive and elegant solo on it. Whenever I heard that languid, beautiful melody, those days came back to me. It wasn’t what I’d characterize as a happy part of my life, living as I was, a balled-up mass of unfulfilled desires. I was much younger, much hungrier, much more alone. But I was myself, pared down to the essentials. I could feel each single note of music, each line I read, seep down deep inside me. My nerves were sharp as a blade, my eyes shining with a piercing light. And every time I heard that music, I recalled my eyes then, glaring back at me from a mirror.””

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

Source Novel: “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami, 1987

Music can trigger vivid recollection of past emotional states, revealing how art reflects inner turmoil and self‑recognition.

In simple terms: Music recalls past feelings and self‑image.

Key Takeaway

Listen to music to explore hidden emotions.

Themes

memory identity art loneliness self‑reflection

Mood

melancholic reflective introspective

Type

literary personal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • college life
  • late‑night listening
  • personal introspection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

nostalgia emotional resonance psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the music reveal about your younger self?
  • How can you transform that loneliness into purpose?
A Different Perspective

Music may romanticize pain, obscuring growth.

2.4 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Haruki Murakami

Explore all 2,928 Haruki Murakami quotes

More Music quotes

Browse all 55,293 Music quotes