I adore music, and lyrics are the most important part. After a hospitalization about 17 years ago I explained to my counselor how music effected me so powerfully. This was pre BP DX. I was DX'd with depression, anxiety and social anxiety. I didn't understand the connection music had to my illness, I just knew it had powerful effects and influences on me. The counselor said this was common and understandable but never explained why. When manic, certain music is the equivalent of drinking alcohol or taking stimulants for me. It increases the powerful feelings inside me and feels like the music is sending me messages.