Have you noticed how much of an effect music has on our lives? I mean, who has a “go to” song when you’re feeling blue or angry or excited? When you hear a particular song, does it take your memory back to a particular time and place? Do you even have a favorite artist who just “gets you”?
I don’t know about you, but music simply helps me get through my days. From helping pass the time when things are slow at the office, serving as a form of stress relief, keeping me company while driving or speaking to my soul… Music always has been an integral part of my life. So much so that one upon a time, I wanted to be the next Amy Grant when I grew up! While I still love to sing and can hold a tune, I’m no American Idol. But I digress…
On my 8th birthday, I remember getting my first album/cassette tape: Amy Grant’s Collection album. (Don’t judge me cause I remember cassette tapes—I’m not THAT old!) I became addicted to listening to her songs over and over and over and… you get my drift. From there, I branched out early to Michael W. Smith
and DC Talk
. Every time I got a new album, I would hole up in my bedroom, lie belly down on the bed and listen to my new music while reading along with the lyrics in the cassette insert. I’d be “missing” for hours, totally in my own little world.
My music collection grew over the years, as did my tastes in music. But the routine stayed the same. Though in middle school, I took it up a notch. I would choreograph dance routines to my favorite songs and teach them to the neighborhood kids. Then we would put on a show for our parents. Crazy or not, I guess it kept us out of trouble most days.
Throughout the years, my mom was uber cool to take me and my sister to concerts regularly. As we got older, she would voluntarily sit a couple rows behind us so we didn’t look uncool. Man… those were the days. Though we did drive her crazy when CD’s came out. My sister and I each had gotten a brand new CD player. Our rooms were on opposite ends of the house. We would each pop in Out of Eden’s “Lovely Day“and hit play at the same time, playing the song “in stereo” as loud as we could–repeatedly. My mom still cringes when she hears that song, even 20+ years later.
I grew up in a Christian home, which meant mostly Christian music being played throughout the house. Also for the record, I was a goody two-shoe. Trust me, that’s relevant to the next story…
Enter my 16th year on earth when I started driving to/from school, I discovered secular radio. Ace of Base’s “The Sign” was my (secret) JAM!! Remember I said I was a goody two-shoe? Just making sure you’re paying attention. Anyway, I felt like such a rebel for simply listening to music that wasn’t allowed in our home. I was living on the edge, I tell ya!!
Fast forward a few years, and I was a working woman trying to find my place in this world (to coin the title of one of Michael W. Smith’s early songs). From learning to collaborate with an office of engineers to learning how to navigating my way through the elusive world of boys… The only place I felt completely comfortable and in control was in the confines of my bedroom with my eyes closed while listening to the often-too-loud music. There are many songs that stick out from those early adult years… Some bringing sadness and heartbreak; some bringing good memories. From jamming to Unity Klan’s “Holy Ride” on the way home after the holidays… To drowning to Avalon’s “Adonai” a million times after my heart was crushed… To jamming to any of T-bone’s
albums while piled into a friend’s car with his subwoofers giving our backs massages… To dancing on top of the car with my best friend to Out of Eden’s “Lovely Day”
… To singing my heart out to many ballads and dancing to so many upbeat songs… Those days are filled with so much emotion and there’s a song that goes with each event.
Nowadays, I don’t have time to lock myself in my room to listen to a new album. I don’t even think about putting on music while I clean or cook like I used to. Though when I do intentionally listen to music of my choosing (vs. mindlessly listening to the radio), I often find myself listening to the older songs, remembering a time when life was simpler.
All of this reminiscing is making me want to update my iTunes account and playlists so I can appropriately dance or sing my heart out in the car when only Baby R is listening.
So what about you? Where are some of the place music takes you?
Wow what memories! I haven’t thought about Lovely Day in a long time!!! We should do it again during our next get together! Love you! Keep up the great blogs!
Indeed some good memories! Thanks for the love and support. Love you too!
Music was my first true passion. I have a love of singing and wanted so badly to be the next “Madonna” when I was in elementary school. Oi vey. I even used to sing Debbie Gibson songs to my whole 5th grade class on rainy days during inside recess. Lol. No. Really, I did. During my early twenties music was a way to express my feelings, mood and what I felt was my identity in a way. Tori Amos, Jewel, Natalie Merchant, Beck, Jack Johnson & Madonna (of course) were just a few of my go-to artists.
The last time I turned my iTunes on for a run I was surprised. I hadn’t added any music for a very long time and when I was listening to a playlist with my old favorites I realized I didn’t enjoy those songs anymore. The feelings/connections I had to that music was gone. It showed me that I had grown up a lot since then. That I wasn’t angry anymore. I was over the past heartbreak. I was more mature (kind of, lol) and had grown into a different person. Even though I still love Tori Amos and her amazing talent as a pianist I don’t feel as connected to her music on a super personal level. It’s just different now.
Now I have a husband and 2 kids and for me SILENCE is golden! I rarely listen to anything in the car unless it’s Baby Mozart or talk radio. Oh, how the times have changed.
Those are some great memories!! It truly is amazing how we grow and change, while our preferences shift. Thanks for sharing!