Shannon,
Perhaps what you’re discovering is the soft heart of compassion. When you hear the songs, do you feel like you connect to the artist? Feel the emotion that went into creating the art?
If so, consider spending a little time with self compassion. Can you look back at the child you were, struggling with a difficult environment and feel the same empathy for her?
For me, I used to feel a lot of pain when I experienced art that was about understanding and forgiveness. Same as you, emotions would well up, and it was not joy… it felt more like loss, longing, and hope. After I learned to look at myself with compassion, the emotional welling still happens, but with appreciative joy.
With warmth,
Matt