Why do you like your favorite songs? | Scarlet Keys | TEDxPortsmouth

What’s in a song? What’s in those 3 ½ minutes of arranged sound that have such an impact? In
this entertaining, insightful talk, award-winning songwriter Scarlet Keys ruins an Adele song, explores the neuroscience behind music theory, and shows you how the right playlist can help you live a happier life, deal with your in-laws and even get your partner to pick up their socks!
Scarlet Keys is a professor at Berklee College of Music and a former staff songwriter for Warner Chappell. Scarlet’s songs have been heard on film and TV and garnered her a gold record. She has collaborated with recording artists such as Chris Stapleton, Eric Roberson, Melissa Ferrick, and local artist Sam Robbins. Some of her former students include Lizzy McAlpine, Charlie Puth, Amy Allen, Ingrid Andress, and Betty Who. Scarlet is the host of the What’s in a Song podcast and the author of The Craft of Songwriting: Music, Meaning and Emotion, but most notably, she is a world-class parallel parker.
Her most recent book as a response to her breast cancer journey, "What if it All Goes Right: Practicing Hope in the Hardest Times." It is available for pre-order.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@arpeggemo]

Her tone of voice, her stage presence, her calmness - serious unintentional asmr.

[@analuizapassos4678]

YES

[@allan8364]

Blue clothing.

[@HimynameisJermHicks]

And that beautiful song at the end left me in tears.

[@KittehNow]

Awesome comment

[@lewloh]

Scarlett was my teacher in college and she was so so sweet. Always wanted the best for her students without coddling us with empty compliments on our music. She also fought cancer 🙌🏻.. Love you Scarlett!!

[@scarletkeys9169]

love you Lew!

[@voce5867]

Lucky you. First for having her as you teacher. Secondly for being grateful and recognizing that.

[@MuscularMayhem]

This is the kind of woman I want in my circle of friends. Her Ted Talk was everything! 😊

[@anonimuswhyovich6668]

Мейин иштебей э жинди баш

[@Silliestofgeese]

My sentiments exactly!

[@litratistangadventurista308]

Exactly

[@avarose4154]

Scarlet was one of my professors at Berklee. I’ll put in a good word for ya.

[@rebecasaboia9]

JOSH DUN

[@catalystcomet]

I am requesting wayyy more content from this phenomenal woman.

[@juliae6916]

she has a podcast!!

[@catalystcomet]

@@juliae6916 (⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠0⁠*⁠)⁠ﾉ

[@ivandalito]

*demanding please, lol

[@arthurtyshchenko7336]

​@@juliae6916how can I find it?

[@renitalake3580]

​@juliae6916 what's it called?

[@triggerbunny]

"I'd like to take a moment to ruin an Adele song.." ...I like this woman.

[@Msmusicgirl07]

I want her as a teacher. Not necessarily for music, but for life and stage presence

[@lilelly16]

What a woman! Wow, incredible humour, nuance, sincerity, vulnerability and strength!

[@voce5867]

Loved the words you used to describe ber! ❤

[@agraciotti]

The title in the thumbnail tried to be clickbait and is so dishonest and misleading. This has absolutely nothing to do with spotify wrapped (it is much better)

[@nameABCD1994]

The talk it very good, idk why they feel the need to lie 😂

[@Xplreli]

Trueeeee

[@iCraftDay]

I clicked without reading that far, I only saw the video title

[@KittehNow]

I don't understand original comment 😢

[@lizzroth8134]

Thanks! I watched 2 minutes. Glad not to have wasted my time.

[@miryanacolton5674]

When I was going through my divorce to ease my stress and depression I used to listen to lullabies at night before going to sleep. It was soothing and comforting for my vulnerable inner child. Not all of them worked but we need more lullabies for adults for sure.

[@cariri12]

Me too. Me too...

[@TopazRubyQueen]

This just reminded me of a song I had to go track down again... turns out it's called Lullaby, by Chxrlotte. Thanks, and I hope you like it too 🙂

[@miryanacolton5674]

@@TopazRubyQueen WOW - that’s beautiful and exactly the style I was referring to. Thanks for the recommendation. Never heard of Chxrlotte before. 😊 Just found the CD I used to listen to on Amazon - Lullaby: A Collection . It has various artists like Judy Collins , Deep Forrest, Bobby Mc Ferrin, Sweet Honey In The Rock etc etc. There’s only one song on there which was a bit jarring as the tempo was too fast and pitch too high - can’t remember who that was ? Really good. Just ordered it again 🥰

[@TopazRubyQueen]

@miryanacolton5674 Happy to hear you liked it! I found it while down a rabbit hole on spotify. That sounds like a good compilation. 🙂 The more I think about it, the more I agree, we need more music meant to soothe. I've remembered I had intended to mention another song, too, which maybe doesn't have the exact sound of a lullaby, but made me think of such music the first time I heard it. It is Memory Shore by Skott.

[@danielelliott6113]

Ever since I turned like 7, I've never been able to listen to any lullabies without crying. I think it's because my mom would humm and play them when I was little, and I know I could never get back to that again

[@kadiedurocher9016]

I laughed, I cried! I came for it and you delivered! More than talented, your vulnerability, humor and wisdom really amplified your message. Can’t wait to hear your next talk. 💗

[@alika207]

I will say that repetition is sometimes meditative and hypnotic. Music from Africa, and from the African-American culture has lots of repetition, and it actually makes the energy intensify.

[@JiannisJourney]

I agree! I love African music ❤

[@alika207]

@@JiannisJourney me too!

[@downsjmmyjones101]

I bet you'd love some Catholic hymns.

[@EyeEagle22]

In fact, african music uses a lot of polyrhythms, adding a tension and movement to the song. So, it is repetitive, but not boring and have some groove we enjoy.

[@alika207]

@@EyeEagle22 exactly!

[@Beeritk]

I need this woman presenting everything to me for the rest of my life

[@TheSeeking2know]

One of the best TED Talks I've ever watched. Maybe because I'm really interested in music and how it is created, but she's so measured and engaging. I am sharing this!

[@aaakashkumar]

To those who usually watch at 2X, great job switching between 1X and 2X to listen to her beautiful voice!

[@carimeslockdownedtree2654]

1. An amazing talk, very funny, very informative 2. Godd that song... Goosebumps.

[@frenchantonio1]

“Our next wedding song” is insane! Love this talk 😂😍🥰

[@hgoodin1013]

I learned from another musicologist why Linda Rondstadt's "Long Long Time" FEELS so longing and unrequited at the end. I found this fascinating. It's because it ends on the 4th chord, which leaves it unresolved. Giving us the FEELING of it (the unrequited love) being unfinished and neverending. And for RHCP fans, if I'm not mistaken "Wet Sand" also ends on the 4th.

[@PARoth2011]

She writes music the way Keith Urban does….beautiful music and poetic story telling.

[@Hitboo]

Thank you. I didn't expected to get hit like this. I had a rough time the past weeks in hospital so that really hit home for me.

[@april8293]

I am sorry that you are going through this rough time. I hope that life gets better for you soon. Wishing you peace, happiness, and good health. ❤️‍🩹🙏🕊

[@jessjess7]

Everything will be alright, you’ve got this 🎉

[@thebalancedvirgin4893]

One of the best I've seen in a while. She's captivating.

[@bigbadwolfeinc]

Great video; clickbait thumbnail. There isn't one thing about the psychology of Spotify wrapped. Kinda ruined the expectations for the great video😅 I wish they'd change it to something that would represent the message of this video.

[@isaacmcburney]

I would love her as my teacher! She has such a great energy that I feel would make class fun and enjoyable. So cool to have put into words why I like the songs I do.

[@user-hl1ct3yh1r]

It’s because she’s speaking about something she enjoys studying.

[@claysmith8840]

She was the best, one of my absolute favorite teachers, and if you're interested in hearing her talk more about songcraft she has a great podcast called 'What's in a Song' thats awesome

[@tangie9]

This is now one of my favorite TED talks. Music has always helped me through my life challenges. Thank you, Scarlet ❤

[@ASimpleInternetUser]

Her song at the end really reminded me of The Beatles in the best way. Scarlett Keys, what a name to be a pianist; literally born for the keys. She seems like a wonderful woman. I'd have loved to have her as my music teacher.

[@MERCYFRANK]

This is one of the most engaging Ted Talks I've listened to... and that i've got "everything" song at the end touched my very soul.

[@cati_me]

I fully subscribe to the "morning song" habit to be in calm mood, and just before I enter the garage of the office I change it to... "FIRE!"

[@beth12svist]

I have to get up so early in the morning when I have morning shifts that I usually employ a really pumped up morning song (something along the lines of hard rock) to even be able to start functioning.

[@bethelliot7140]

Is it "FIRE!" by whom? 🤗 I want to guess but i am not sure 😊

[@cati_me]

@@bethelliot7140 BTS

[@ConnectingWithDot]

Sounds are the soundtracks of our life. The beginning statement itself is a loving sound that we can hear, thanks to all the tools of life.

[@user-nc9sh4qu3z]

This was high among the most interesting, moving and inspirational talks I’ve ever had the privilege to listen to.

[@rongitmukherjee]

Teared up at the chorus "so it's a good thing i've got everything"

[@joramschweizerhof8830]

what a sweet, sweet person. i feel so gifted by her kindness and wisdom, she decided to share with us. a huge bouquet of flowers for you 💐, and lots of love from germany ❤

[@rubendariostark]

Didn’t think I was going to get emotional when I wanted to find out about my Spotify wrapped, doesn’t matter… she is awesome. 🙌🏽

[@christianmanalo747]

I'm crying at how beautiful this talk and her soul is

[@stonedintuition250]

What a creative talented woman 🤩

[@avarose4154]

In 2013, Scarlet taught me how to write better lyrics, and I use those tools daily. Unfortunately Berklee doesn’t teach how to recover from an abusive home so I never made a living writing lyrics. Btw, Scarlet, you once interrupted a class to show only me an Adele song when I said I’d never listened to her. It was embarrassing because I didn’t enjoy it. Sorry. 😅

[@PetterssonRobin]

The auroa this woman exudes is just wonderful. I wish I a had a person like her in my life.

[@wormydoc]

it was funny at the beginning, but made me cry at the end. "everything we need is already here." Porter Robinson

[@wildisthewind777]

she is phenomenal! such a compelling speaker, both hilarious and deeply insightful. I would love to see more from her

[@zach_diecast_mansur]

Who else cried? Yeah, me either, I was just asking for a friend.

[@Zenith.zenith.zenith]

not me , just commenting for a friend

[@laurieaspinall3706]

I was just chopping onions.

[@veronicaprado9292]

I hadn´t cried over a song for like.... years.... woow this woman is talent manifested as a beautiful person

[@Harrykesh630]

Charlie Puth was surely lucky to have her as his professor

[@Jay_0605]

Thank you for being vulnerable. This is the most interesting TED talk ive watched so far. I wish you the best!

[@Music---Man]

One of the best Ted presenter I've ever watched

[@carolynmcgee1776]

Thank you so much Scarlet! I've always known you had everything, but sharing it with all of us is so very special. Singing has been one of the most important things in my life, but a hidden dream is to someday write songs...the knowledge you share in your book and presentations unlocks such beautiful possibilities to make such dreams come true. You are so talented and brave to share not only your experience but also your challenges.🎶👏

[@Angie_P]

Please more of her! She has such a great stage presence and such a good rapport with the audience.

[@crazymessofc]

I need a whole course with her! Music theory is always so interesting and she talks abt it with such a specific way that it makes it look easy??

[@kiwimichbee]

Oh gosh I loved this so much. Thank you Scarlet, I learned so much about why music is one of my most greatest loves. What a brave, creative and talented woman you are.

[@highlight.summit.art2022_]

Thank you so much Scarlet for this gift. Thanks to you, now I know that how we say things is far more important than what we say, and that songs can create emotions, and feelings, and they can help me start my day with a vibrant feeling. We love you ❤

[@wyrlismike]

Wow this woman's voice is very comforting

[@ZenRabbitVideo]

What an incredible presentation, Scarlet!!! I sat here mesmerized by your knowledge and delivery. THANK YOU for getting on this stage and sharing a world class TEDx talk. That's how it's done!

[@shellykerwin7321]

Excellent!! Scarlet this video is So Uplifting! This is an Inspirational journey that goes way beyond Music. It is a Gift for the Soul. I am looking forward to reading the new book you have available. I will share this video with everyone I know. THANK YOU!

[@sandyedwards2681]

One of the best TEDX Talks I’ve ever seen. Bravo @Scarlett Keys! Very informative, engaging and inspiring-everything that makes for a great presentation.

[@rebeccamusictherapy]

Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey and beautiful music with us, Professor Keys. As a proud Berklee alum (‘08) of the Music Therapy program and a practicing board-certified music therapist for 15 years, many things you spoke and sang about during your presentation (emotional expression, neurobiological responses, psychological support) resonates with my personal experiences as a musician and professional experiences as music therapist. Thank you for the reminiscence and reminder of music’s immense power!❤

[@danielchicheportiche9287]

One of the purest of heartfelt talks on ted. Came right after a break up and cheered me up! Thank you Scarlet!

[@vlwalker44]

This is wonderful- she had me smiling and weeping at the same time ❤

[@sharmilakumble5713]

So beautiful. More power to her

[@laletemanolete]

Holy moly, the best TED Talk i've ever listened too!!!

[@jadecocoonfan]

I love her TED. She's great. Thank you!

[@_minataaaro596]

The quality of her TED Talk… brilliant

[@StandForSomethingGood]

No words. Thank you Scarlet. You’re very special.

[@isabellamanganiello7865]

This is my favorite Ted Talk I’ve ever watched!! So proud of you!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jennifermathews3633]

Wow, what an incredible song you've shared with us all! May that be recorded and widely distributed for all to hear!! Thank you for your heart and beautiful energy.

[@user-nq9bz6iz6l]

Incredible. Thank you for the reviving content. Highly grateful and appreciative about it

[@EmersonSpeakerBRAZIL]

🌻 What an amazing powerful message! ❤ "We've got everything"

[@user-wm2fv3sp3x]

Thanks so much. Enjoy every minute of it.

[@miromarsik]

Thank you Scarlet for what you're doing, I learnt a lot from you! Wishing you good health! 🎶

[@AmberPatoc]

I listen to my favorite songs because its lyrics and meaning of music videos I watched made me feel understood when no one else understand what I felt

[@DaFatPig2093]

Idk, ill remember this talk for that unique idea of everything. Thank you for this!!❤❤

[@Taraclellandjones]

This beautiful lady is pure magic!

[@MarkitaStaples]

Interesting talk. She’s a great speaker! Nothing about Spotify though lol

[@alisonpetersen670]

Great message and given in such a great way. I have always wondered about the power of melody, tone and song lyrics and why they elicit such a reaction from me. ❤

[@phonglan9361]

She is amazing!!! I love her 😭😭😭

[@thekajalflaneur]

Spinetingling, thankyou for sharing your beauty, vulnerability and humanity with the world ❤

[@lalah9481]

This was everything I needed to hear today.💖

[@thonau8030]

Why does she reminds me so much of Stefanie Germanotta?? The sound, the chords and the message she sent was so powerful and full of good will, like OMG haven't met such beautiful soul in many years 😊😊😊😊 i spent almost 20mins watching and it was worth every second.

[@Jaebee2626]

Stephen Gianotti sent me here. Glad he did. ❤🙏🏻 Great share. Music has got me through a lot. Music is a powerful healer. I concur.

[@lijemayne4287]

I love her talk. ❤

[@akbota3118]

one of the best ted talks I’ve ever listened to ❤️

[@aynourmattar9896]

She IS everything!!!!!

[@DavidDavida]

we all have music in our hearts, unsung lyrics, expressions no words can express..i am haunted by this truth all my life.. Music is my release..

[@carinabendz6743]

Her energy is amazing. Goes straight through the camera. Loved this Ted talk ❤

[@krishafyme]

I could listen to her forever

[@herdionczarperalta5058]

🎉One of the most amazing tedtalks out there!

[@KhojDai]

She took all my hearts ❣️❤️💚🧡💜💙😇

[@sj2024sj]

What a powerful presentation, lifted my spirit! Thank you ❤

[@hellothisisz]

Just wow 😍 Thank you Scarlet Keys for this beautiful moment!

[@heloisabaldo_englishteacher]

I loved everything about this talk!! I cried listening to the last song ❤

[@joanna1128]

One of the best Ted talks I've seen.

[@yayisgiraldo762]

Amazing way to face life ❤ made understand a lot how music makes us feel. I loved this video 🎹

[@antoniorossi1441]

Very very good!!!!!! Bravissima Scarlet!!!

[@sunxjane_2787]

Favourite TED Talk I've ever watched (or should I say listen in this case)? Scarlet's lovely melodies will stay in my head for sure and remind me of a great time with her, thank you!

[@lenalena873]

Not me sitting in the kitchen at 7 am crying my eyes out because of this beautiful song💔 Thank you, Scarlet, for your amazing talk❤️‍🩹

[@camnova]

Absolutely incredible

[@samkcatladyaks]

God, music is such a treat in this life. Cried tears of thankfulness a lot during this❤️

[@tingwong5827]

Wow this was PHENOMENAL. Made my night ❤

[@SoleilRobbie]

Love this! I could listen to Scarlet for hours. 💕🎵🎹

[@tophane]

Best Ted Talk I have watched in years! Scarlet is absolutely wonderful!

[@rpastran4759]

Thanks Scarlet. It was amazing.

[@deedom2000]

Thank you! Well said.💯

[@christianadewolu5323]

so beautiful. she was effortlessly everything.

[@cyn.thia.]

I cried in the end..❤