Pop Rocks Your Brain: Lessons in Love from Your Favorite 90s Music

Nothing like turning on the radio and switching from a Top 40 station to the greatest mix of the 80s, 90s and today! You suddenly might hear something other than Rihanna’s and Katy Perry’s all-too catchy hits (love them! But sometimes I need a break!). You change the station and that song you haven’t heard in years comes on. You blast the music and suddenly are bopping your head and doing a little steering wheel dance to the Spice Girls. Hello hot guy next to you stopped at a red light…Awkward! But who cares? You’re listening to something you haven’t heard in too long and you’re remembering why you loved the 90s. Now my mom might say I’m listening to bubblegum music. And I get it, bubblegum isn’t good for your teeth, but hello, this 90s music is actually going to teach me some valuable lessons. So read on, take note, and when you’re dancing in the driver’s seat, just think of all the great things you’re learning this summer. Oh, and believe me, I have more useful lessons than simply “don’t go chasing waterfalls” (thanks TLC!).
 
Lesson 1: Just Because He’s Not There, It Doesn’t Mean the Love is Gone (a lesson from “My Heart Will Go On”)
Breakups…separation…dying in a horrible ocean liner crash — these are all ways you might lose your loved one. Some may say “outta sight, outta mind.” Um, yeah sure. Well Celine Dion is here to explain to you it’s not that way.
 
As she explains, “love can touch us one time. And last for a lifetime. And never let go ‘til we’re gone.” So that guy you met on vacation whom you never saw again, but you “loved” may always be number one in your heart. But, worry not, “the heart does go on.”
 
Lucky guy who gets that heart that went on. Because he’s competing with that guy who Celine says “we’ll stay forever this way. You are safe in my heart.”

You know how the story goes… Did she ever really get over him? No! 

Another Lesson from Celine: “Because You Loved Me”
To the boys — if you stand by me, make me see the truth, bring joy to my life, make the wrongs right, and make my dreams come true… “I’ll be forever thankful baby.” Of course Celine puts it more eloquently in “Because You Loved Me”.
 
“For all those times you stood by me / For all the truth that you made me see / For all the joy you brought to my life / For all the wrong that you made right / For every dream you made come true / For all the love I found in you /I’ll be forever thankful baby”
 
So if you want your girl to appreciate you, you need to be her biggest advocate, while also challenging her and making her happy — and ultimately making her Prince Charming dreams come true!
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Lesson 2: Men Get Better As They Get Older
Maybe “get better” is a loose definition. They might go get with their frat bros less, but they also might lose their hair. But most likely they will get a tad more mature. Because, it couldn’t really get worse, right?

 Edwin McCain sang a lot of things in his “I’ll Be” song. He said that he’d be “your cryin’ shoulder” and “love suicide” which probably reminded you of a little known play called Romeo and Juliet.
 
But most importantly, Edwin reminded us “I’ll be better when I’m older…”
 
THANK YOU! I think we all needed a little reassurance that guys are improving.
 
Another Lesson from Edwin McCain
In his song “Go Be Young” he gives this little gem: “Go be young, go be free
Follow your heart where it leads you.” Wise words.
  
Lesson 3: Just Because He Cheated, Doesn’t Mean You’re Over Him
When a guy cheats, you want to hate him. But a little teeny tiny part of you might still love him. And your girls…they sure won’t understand unless they’ve gone through it themselves.
 
The Cranberries, a classic 90s group, sang about this sentiment of hating someone while still loving them, in their song “Linger.”
 
“So why were you holding her hand? Is that the way we stand? / Were you lying all the time? Was it just a game to you?”
 

Maybe you’ll want to take the cheater back, but not without a little punishment.

 
Sounds like she hates him. But…
 
“But I’m in so deep. You know I’m such a fool for you. You got me wrapped around your finger.”
 
It’s a sad lesson to learn: That a guy being a complete jackass and having another girl behind your back telling her all the sweet things he tells you doesn’t guarantee you will stop being infatuated with him.
 
Another Lesson from The Cranberries
When deciding to leave someone forever — “thunder and lightning won’t change what I’m feeling.”
 
P.S. “And the daffodils look lovely today.” So stop and notice them while you listen to “Daffodil Lament.”
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Lesson 4: Guys Are Told Not To Believe the “Just a Friend” Line
Completely hypothetical situation: You have a guy friend. You hang out together, talk lots, and then one day you find out he’s basically in love with you. Oh wait, this isn’t hypothetical at all. It’s basically standard.
 
Biz Markie told his audiences in the song “Just a Friend” “Don’t ever talk to a girl who says she has just a friend.”
 
And while you may think the idea of hooking up with your best guy friend is about as appealing as making out with your younger brother, it’s still going to constantly be on your guy’s mind. So try to understand. Talk up the unappealing-ness without making it seem obvious, and don’t mention that night you and your BGF (best guy friend) watched a movie together… especially if you also snuggled.

Rough. Vanessa is probably telling Nate, ‘don’t worry! Dan is just my friend!
YEAH RIGHT. 

Another Lesson from Biz Markie
A one-hit wonder can become popular again if someone covers it, even if they aren’t very memorable themselves (Mario).
 
Lesson 5: Lovers & Friends are Never Too Far Apart
The Spice Girls sang it best with their hit song “Wannabe.” This goes out to guys and girls alike: “if you wannabe my lover, you gotta get with my friends.”
 

With outfits like these, how could your guy not want to be friends with your friends?
 
To clarify, this doesn’t mean go hook up with everyone in his group until you land on him. This means, if his friends like you, or your friends like him, your relationship will have a little more encouragement. So suck it up, put a smile on your face, and make friends with his boys. It’ll pay off in the long run.
 
Another Lesson from the Spice Girls
It’s good to remind your mama you love her. “Mama, I love you. Mama I care
Mama I love you. Mama my friend. You’re my friend.” Maintaining a good relationship with the lady who raised you is KEY.
 
Happy listening!

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