World Music Day: 5 Ways to Balance Secular Music as a Catholic

Music is powerful. It doesn’t just fill the room—it fills your mind. It starts with a beat you enjoy, then a lyric sticks, and before you know it, you’re singing along without thinking.

That’s why, as Catholics, it’s worth asking: Is what I’m listening to helping me grow—or pulling me in another direction?

On this World Music Day, here are 5 practical ways to enjoy secular music without compromising your faith.

1. Don’t Just Focus on the Beat—Listen to the Lyrics

We’ve all said it: “I just like the beat.” But the truth is, our brains don’t ignore the lyrics—they store them.

Even if you’re not paying close attention, the message of a song gets absorbed. Over time, repeated exposure to profanity, anger, lust, or despair can shape your mindset without you realising it.

Ask yourself:

What is this song actually saying?

Does it uplift, or weigh me down?

Would I still sing it if I were more aware of God’s presence?

The beat might pull you in, but the words stick with you. Choose music that helps your inner life, not just your mood.

2. Yes, You Can Listen to Secular Music—But Be Discerning

Not all secular music is bad. Many songs beautifully express love, hope, sorrow, or joy. God can work through all kinds of music.

But not everything on the charts is good for your soul.

Some songs normalise:

Toxic relationships or casual lust

Materialism, ego, or revenge

Obscenity or spiritual confusion

Discernment doesn’t mean shutting out the world—it means filtering it wisely. If the content clashes with your values or unsettles your spirit, it’s okay to skip it.

3. Be Aware of What You Watch, Not Just What You Hear

Music today is often paired with visuals—music videos, reels, performances. And unfortunately, many of them rely on shock value, sexual imagery, or disturbing content to hold attention.

Even brief exposure to certain visuals can affect how we view ourselves, others, and even relationships.

Ask yourself:

Is this honouring the dignity of the human person?

Is it desensitising me to things I’d normally stand against?

Would I be okay watching this with someone I look up to?

As Catholics, we’re called to protect both the mind and the imagination.

4. Curate a Playlist That Lifts You

Your playlist can do more than entertain—it can help shape your peace, mindset, and motivation.

Try building one that:

Inspires you when you’re low

Calms you when you’re anxious

Focuses you during prayer or study

Reflects your identity, not just your impulses

It doesn’t all have to be religious—but it should help you stay rooted. A well-chosen song can stir joy, remind you of truth, and help you carry light into a noisy world.

5. Let Your Music Choices Reflect Your Faith

We witness Christ not just in our big decisions—but in the small ones too.

Yes, even in what we choose to listen to when no one’s watching.

If you’re trying to follow Christ in your relationships, goals, and values—why not also in your music?

You don’t need to make a big announcement. But quietly unfollowing artists whose content opposes your beliefs, or swapping one playlist for another, is a quiet form of holiness.

If a song doesn’t sit right in your spirit, trust that. The Holy Spirit often speaks through subtle discomfort.

A Prayer Before You Press Play

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of music.

Help me choose what is uplifting, honest, and good.

Let the songs I keep lead me toward clarity, not confusion—

toward peace, not distraction.

Teach me to listen with intention and love.

Amen.

This World Music Day, celebrate the gift of sound.

Appreciate creativity. Explore art. But most of all—listen with purpose.

Because music doesn’t just play in your ears.

It plays a role in who you’re becoming.