You know those flashbulb memory songs? The ones that, when you hear them, instantly transport you back in time and make you smile out of sheer nostalgia? The ones that you will always hum along to fondly, no matter how dorky they are? Here are five of mine.
Song 1: Time, Love, and Tenderness by Michael Bolton
Year: 1993
Memory: Belaire, Nardo and I are dancing. We jump off couches, spin through the air, and strike crazy poses – looking goofy but feeling totally bad@ss when we stick the landings. The music blares at top volume. Our wild gymnastics make the CD skip when we get too close to the stereo. Belaire trips and gets a carpet burn. He compensates for this momentary setback by tucking into a barrel roll and jumping back up like it ain’t no thang.
Song 2: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Year: 1998
Memory: I am sharing a pair of headphones with Whitt. We are on the bus, probably coming back from some field trip, and I am laughing my head off because wtf is this song?! In the coming years, she’ll trade Papa Roach for Eminem and ICP and threaten to get an eating disorder, and I’ll realize that being around all that angst and drama is exhausting. But that’s not until later – for now, things are simple.
Song 3: Ignition by R. Kelly
Year: 2003
Memory: I’m riding in the bed of a pickup truck with six other girls. We’re bumping down a pothole-riddled country road on our way to softball practice. The day is sunny and glorious, and I am happy to be alive.
Song 4: Sarah and the Fabric of Reality by Chris Merritt
Year: 2008
Memory: I am driving back from my grandfather’s funeral in the heaviest rain I’ve ever seen. I’ve been working May Crew at AG, and I love it. I spend a lot of time pondering about life and beauty and the summer to come.
Song 5: The District Sleeps Alone Tonight by The Postal Service
Year: 2009
Memory: I am sitting in the passenger seat, watching CK drive. We are new friends. He sings the chorus with a passion that surprises me. Ice cream drips onto my thumb and I am wondering why he is so sad. Middi laughs from the back and recites the latest text message from Papa Jon. Later that night, I decide that if my chauffeur tries to kiss me, I will let him.
What about you? What songs from your past make you smile?
Currently listening to: Time, Love, and Tenderness by Michael Bolton
I totally remember “Sarah and the Fabric of Reality.” In fact, I’m thinking of listening to it right now. I still have the two Chris Merritt CDs you let me rip into my i-Tunes. Thanks.
Are you in my brain? Are we having the same life soundtracks here? Love your choices. I have a few shameful additions (mostly sappy boy band ballads and gangster rap) :)