For this week's Perspectives post Chelsea came up with the brilliant idea of "25 songs for 25 years" (or however many years old you are). I chose to approach this idea chronologically, with each song correlating with a theme pertaining to that year of my life. I recommend this to everyone. It forces you to think back on your life, remember forgotten memories and dreams, and old childhood friends.
1. Surprise by Anything Muppet Hippies by Sesame Street
I was a surprise for my parents, so this song felt appropriate (plus, I was a fan of Sesame Street).
2. You Are My Sunshine
I was a chronic "finger-sucker" as a child, an unfortunate habit that led to numerous dental problems and large orthodontic bills. I read online that a great way to keep young children from sucking their fingers if to supply a substitute to keep the mouth busy, such as singing an easy-to-remember song.
3. Rainbow Blanket Song by Relax, It's Karma-Time,
Magical Meditation for Children
I dedicate this selection to my childhood blanket, Binky. Binky was a soft knit rainbow blanket that I carried with me everywhere. I found this cd on iTunes and felt it was also strangely pertinent to my current enrollment in a Buddhist University.
4. For my sister Camsie: Always There in You by Valli Girls
This is the year of my life that my little sister came into this world. I miss her deeply and wanted to share a song that captured this homesickness for a far-away sister and friend.
5. Peanut Butter and Fluff Song by a bunch of little boys
When I was a child my favorite food, by far, was peanut butter and fluff sandwiches on white bread. These young boys seem to share my excitement.
6. For my best childhood friend Rachel Jones: James Taylor - You Got a Friend
I'll always remember coming home from school, making PB & Fluff, and playing in the creek behind your house.
7. DreamWeaver by Gary Knight
When I was 7 years old my school played a movie (which they apparently thought was appropriate for children) that featured a Banshee, a female spirit of Irish mythology, that acts as an omen of death. For months afterwards I had terrifying nightmares and slept with my back to the window, hoping to avoid catching sight of one during the night.
8. Rainbow Brite Opening Song
What little girl didn't love Rainbow Brite?
9. Man of the Hour by Norah Jones
Norah Jones wrote this song as an ode to her dog (he is featured on the cover of her new cd - The Fall) . In loving memory of my dog Coco.
10. First Crush by Keke Palmer
No explanation necessary.
11. Everybody Hurts by REM
Gossip, rumors, backstabbing, and secrets. Oh yes, middle school.
12. My First Kiss by 3OH!3 featuring Ke$ha
13. Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now from Hairspray
This song honors the typical egocentrism that accompanies becoming an official teenager.
14. Graduation Day by Vitamin C
Middle-school graduation song. Did anyone NOT have this as their graduation song?
15. Walk this Way by Run-DMC
This song captures that "bad-ass" feeling you get when you leave middle-school behind and enter your high-school years.
16. You Got Me by the Roots featuring Jill Scott (Live Version)
This song goes out to my first love.
17. Backseat of my Jeep by LL Cool J
For you Vickerz, remember rocking out as we drove up to Jones Beach :) ?
18. Perfect by Alanis Morisette
The onset of anorexia.
Sometimes is never quite enough
If you're flawless, then you'll win my love
Don't forget to win first place
Don't forget to keep that smile on your face
Be a good boy
Try a little harder
You've got to measure up
And make me prouder
How long before you screw it up
How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up
With everything I do for you
The least you can do is keep quiet
Be a good girl
You've gotta try a little harder
That simply wasn't good enough
To make us proud
I'll live for you
I'll make you what I never was
If you're the best, then maybe so am I
Compared to him compared to her
I'm doing this for your own damn good
You'll make up for what I blew
What's the problem ...... why are you crying
Be a good boy
Push a little farther now
That wasn't fast enough
To make us happy
We'll love you just the way you are if you're perfect
19. Hunger Hurts by Fiona Apple
Perhaps the most difficult year of my life. I was hungry, on so many levels. Years later I realized true hunger only ends when you learn how to nourish your soul.
20. Squeaky Deakey by Skip's Animal Company
Adam and I got Maya when I was 20 years old. To this very day we consider her a member of our family (the most loved and spoiled one at that). This cd was developed by an animal communicator (it's also very funny). Play this song around your doggie and watch their ears perk up and tails wag.
Drinking became legal and I fell in love with beer pong (Adam usually carried our team).
22. The Nearness of You by Norah Jones
I married Adam when I was 22. Everyone said we were "too young" and "didn't know what we were doing". We just celebrated our 4 year anniversary and I can honestly say I love him more now than I did on our wedding day. And my love continues to evolve. In my heart I know that this is the greatest sign of true love, when it continues to grow through challenges and transcend all odds.
23. Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve
This was exactly as the song says, a very bittersweet time in my life. It was a time of many transitions and re-orienting to a new home, city, role, and identity.
24. Beautiful Flower by India Arie
I discovered a truly empowering and healing community of women. It is because of them that I am currently at my highest point of health and recovery. You know who you are, and I owe you my life, love, soul, and gratitude.
This is a song for every girl who's
Ever been through something she thought she couldn't make it through
I sing these words because
I was that girl too
Wanting something better than this
But who do I turn to
This is a song for every girl who
Feels like she is not special
'Cause she don't look like a supermodel Coke bottle
The next time the radio tells you to shake your moneymaker
Shake your head and tell them, tell them you're a leader
25. Say Hey (I Love You) by Michael Franti and Spearhead.
This is my song of the moment.
An absolutely feel good song. It is perfect for summer, relaxing, laughing, and letting go.
Want some more musical inspiration? Check out these amazing ladies Perspectives posts:
Chelsea, Donica, Jessica, and Phoenix Peacock
Your list is funny and touching Tay. I can't wait to see what plays in the next 25 years!
ReplyDelete