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About this quote

What does it mean?
When words fail, music takes over to express what cannot be spoken.
In plain terms
Music speaks when words cannot.
What can you take from it?
Turn to music for unspoken feelings.

Where it applies

  • grief
  • celebration
  • creative block

Putting it to work

  • listen to instrumental music
  • play an instrument

Questions to consider

  • How does music fill the gaps left by language?
  • When have you felt music say more than words?

Another view

Not everyone connects with music in the same way.

More from Heinrich Heine

  1. Experience is a good school. But the fees are high.

    Permalink to quote #27
  2. The music at a wedding procession always reminds me of the music of soldiers going into battle.

    Permalink to quote #29
  3. Oaks shall be rent; the Word shall shatter - Yea, on that fiery day, the Crown, Even the palace walls shall totter, And domes and spires come crashing down.

    Permalink to quote #26

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