The groove is in the heart

I am inspired by a recent blog by my Internet buddy, Emily. She gave a bit of an outline of her life through songs that marked important occasions.

Does it amaze you that a song can immediately transport you to a place and a time in your life? Music is my own private time machine. Just a few notes can conjure up the most wonderful or the most miserable of memories. I am so corny when it comes to music, it really does make my world go ‘round. I've always said that I don't need a memoir of my life, just a good mixed tape.

Remember mixed tapes? Admit it, you made one for your first love or maybe the one that got away. Come on, you know that at some point you put a New Kids on the Block or Chicago song on a tape in an effort to capture your feelings for the “one” that turned out to be the first in a series of “ones”. Were you good at it or did yours always have that “click” noise between songs?

‘Fess up, you probably even have a few in a box underneath your bed that you made in post-relationship agony. It’s OK. I did too, until recently, I finally broke free, free from mixed tape induced depression. I have now resorted to mixed CDs. I make one each year for my birthday. I told you I was a nerd, no sense in denying it.

So, here goes: (Warning, this will be a long one. As previously noted I don’t have a great memory, so these are in the best chronological order I can muster.)

Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash)
When I was very young my mother worked nights, so my dad was left to feed and entertain us. He was much better at entertaining us. We’d put my brothers to bed and he’d start playing albums. My favorite was “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash and I would belt it out at the top of my lungs while we did the dishes. It wasn’t until later that I realized the song was completely about lust and longing, not particularly appropriate subject matter for a seven-year-old, but I loved it all the same.

Your Kiss Is On My List (Hall & Oates)
In sixth grade I was in luv with a boy on my brother’s baseball team. (I had limited resources for meeting guys.) I think he luvved me back because I once sent him a list of songs to choose from. I wanted him to pick “our song” and he wisely selected “Your Kiss Is On My List”. I wanted desperately to own it on 45, but alas, the relationship lasted about as long as this song was on the charts, so I missed my chance. I think he spied a girl with a much cooler ten speed and new Zena jeans and before I knew it, I was history.

Hey Mickey (Toni Basil)
I was so into this song that I even lip-synched it for my drama class. I begged for the album for Christmas. My godparents (music teachers, enough said) reluctantly bought it for me convinced that it was that “rock and roll” music they so despised. Sing it with me now, “Hey Mickey you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind. . . Hey Mickey!”

Footloose (Kenny Loggins)
It isn’t the title song that’s particularly monumental. It’s the first album that I purchased on my own. I saved up my babysitting money, rode my bike to the local record store and bought this album after seeing the movie at our local theater. I was so proud, not only to have purchased it on my own, but to have made it home with it tucked under my arm as I awkwardly rode my bike. I was not (and still am not) very, shall we say, "coordinated".

Warrior (Scandal)
My first true love was my high school sweetheart. I have nothing bad to say about him at all. It was a good training ground for future relationships and he’s a good person. I was fortunate that my first real relationship didn’t turn me against men forever. However, I do have to fault him on one thing: our song was “Warrior”, not a very romantic beginning, eh?

Need You Tonight (INXS)
I stole the “Kick” tape from my middle brother when I left for college. I am not sure why, I hadn’t even really listened to it. I had a limited music collection at the time, so I cracked open the case. I must have listened to that tape 1,000 times. I loved this song and it really struck a note with me. Not sure my roommate felt the same. I never let him know I stole it, I am sure it will come out some day, but for now it’s our little secret.

You’ve Got A Friend (James Taylor)
When I left college, I left behind people very precious to me. In an effort to stay in touch, I did something drastic. . . I made a mixed tape of songs for them. The first track was this song. In addition, I also did a video tape for them. I so hope that it has been destroyed as it could be used against me in a court of law.

Tiny Dancer (Elton John)
I love this song. It’s my theme song for some reason. Don’t ask me why. I think it’s because the tiny dancer seems so small, so fragile and so real. (Stop me, this is too corny.)



Pink Houses (John Cougar Mellencamp)
I adore my youngest brother, but we have very little in common. We didn’t even like the same music. However, we both did like one song and this is it. We even went to see Mellencamp together and sat in the ninth row. He introduced me to lots of other music, including the Cowboy Junkies and I am eternally grateful. However, if I never hear another Jimmie Hendrix song as long as I live, I will feel blessed. Whenever I hear the sad, sad song “Joey” by Concrete Blonde, I am reminded of my “little” brother. I just can’t help it.

Lady In Red (Chris de Burgh)
I was in a not-so-good rebound relationship in college. To be honest, I don’t remember much about it, but I do remember he dedicated this song to me. Probably the only nice thing he ever did.


Love Shack (B52s)
This one’s for you, Queen of Cool. She introduced me to these crazy, crazy people. We even have seen them in concert not once, but twice. During the first concert, I stood there stiff-legged and I remember her turning to me and saying, "Aren't you gonna dance?" I still don’t dance, but whenever this song comes on and my alcohol level is just right, I dance to my heart’s content. “Tin roof. . . rusted.”

These Are Days (10,000 Maniacs)
When I graduated from college, I moved back to my hometown and found myself a bit lost. I finally managed to find some others in the same predicament and this song seemed to have fit the entire two years post-college. Those were days to remember. “Hey Jealousy” by the Gin Blossoms takes me back to this time also.

We Didn’t Start the Fire (Billy Joel)
My post-college roomie and I knew every word to this song and sang it the entire way to Cincinnati on a trip once. We also sang “Constant Craving” by kd lang too. We needed help. (I am proud, however, to know all of the words. It's not much, but I don't got a lot to be proud of.)

Good Enough (Sarah Mclachlan)
I should list ever song on “Fumbling Toward Ecstasy”. For one entire year, I listened to this album at least three times a day. I would have to include it on my list of all-time favorite CDs. The song listed here touched a nerve with me as did all of her music. I was hooked from the first word I heard her sing. She was the voice of every twenty-something trying to find out who she was, who she had been and who she wanted to be. I finally got to see her with Cynical at Lillith Fair. God bless Sarah. (God bless Cynical for taking me.)

Mr. Jones (Counting Crows)
I love Adam Duritz. I must come clean about this. I even love his dreds. This entire album would accompany me on a deserted island. I loved "Mr. Jones" because that’s just what I was doing at this time: hanging around watching people. It summed it up perfectly.

Horse with No Name (America)
I did not hear this song upon original release, but later dated a guy that left a lengthy, romantic message and mentioned listening to this song. I, of course, purchased the greatest hits tape immediately and did listen to it repeatedly.


Late Night at the Grande Hotel (Nanci Griffith)
I remember sitting in my first apartment sans roomie and listening to this entire album over and over again. I was stuck on this song and the line “because living alone is all I’ve ever done well.” Silly girl, you were so young, you hadn’t “always” done anything yet.

Insensitive (Jann Arden)
When I first met Cynical he just had dumped a girl rather harshly (after using her to go to a Boys II Men concert) and this song came out. I used to play it and tease him about his cold, cold heart. He didn’t appreciate the sentiment, but I still remember that song and his face when I'd sing it.

I Will Never Be the Same (Melissa Ethridge)
When Cynical and I officially started dating, I remember laying on the bed in his apartment. (I was fully clothed. Get your mind outta the gutter.) It was raining outside, the window was open and we were listening to this album. This is perhaps one of the most romantic songs ever. Later it became a bit of a joke for us. We began singing the line as “I will never be right again” as a tribute to our off-kilter relationship.

Baby Got Back (Sir Mix-A-Lot)
I am so torn up that this is used in a Target commercial. I am including it here upon Cynical’s suggestion. I have a big butt, so it’s kinda my tongue-in-cheek theme song. I am so pathetic.


Trouble Me (10,000 Maniacs)
For Cynical and I, this is our song and it makes more sense than any other song could for us. It marks an adult and deep relationship. What is more personal, more caring than to ask someone to “trouble me”?


Wow, I could go on and on. . . but out of kindness and exhaustion I will quit for now. I am a music nerd. This post makes it official.

I didn't even get a chance to include a John Mayer or Hootie and the Blowfish song. Wait, I left out Lenny Kravitz. . . Another day. . . another post.