Some songs simply make us feel good. We sing, dance, and share the fun!
“Smooth” does it for me
Other songs allow us to remember troubling times.
I’m digging into my archive of memories for this story, taking a trip down music lane.
I was 28, in Florida for a few weeks on vacation. I was there in an attempt to rekindle my relationship with who I thought was the love of my life. I was the fool. By day three, I was staying in a different room…in a different hotel. Not much re-kindling happening.
I remember sitting in my car in the hotel parking lot as Fine Young Cannibals played on the radio—“She Drives Me Crazy.” I chucked slightly as I felt my former companion was certainly doing that to me. This was BD ( Before Depression) so I wasn’t offended by the use of the word “Crazy” as I am now. It was a song that seemed to capture my circumstances.
My true love came 10 years later. Such vivid memories, never to fade, accompanied by no soundtrack.
Music played little role our lives for a few reasons. I was deep in the abyss of depression. She was just as deep in her own world. So our illnesses took away that aspect of enjoyment. She wasn’t one to follow certain music and artists. She enjoyed what was currently popular on the radio. Even though I always share stories about her, I have none involving music. Actually, I have one which I shared in last week’s post. We went to Las Vegas on our first date where we caught Cher in concert.
Then the gap years occurred. After my breakdown in 2003, it took years to re-gain my health and surface in the world.
I met “the special one” in winter 2015. She was born in Milton Keynes, just north of London. We shared a love of British music. I have a memory of our last night together when she wanted to pick up a couple of things at H&M after dinner. I caught her dancing to the in-store music and simply stood back to enjoy the Worth Living moment. To be with her was so important in my recovery. Sharing music was an important part of our relationship. One clip in particular brings that into focus.
I now sit alone with my music as my companion, Morrissey, “I’m Okay By Myself” is a favorite.
That’s enough stories leading to a rather somber moment. Let me kick it up and play some music to make us smile gain
Tear for Fears, “Shout.”
Stevie Wonder, “Superstitious.”
Queen, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
Until we share the music again, Be well out there.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
Video credit: YouTube/SantanaVEVO/DJ Groovy!/Sazli Arshad/lapislazuli42/Ogmuk’s channel/Antony Sharmman/Queen Official