A few days back, I found myself on one of my classic YouTube spirals, starting in one place and ending in another. I landed in a binge of those “Blank (*insert celebrity’s name here*) Creates the Playlist of His/Her Life” videos from Teen Vogue. I watched so many of them I lost count. I’m always interested in other people’s music tastes, so I found them all very interesting. I then realized how clever of an idea those videos are. Everyone has a quote-on-quote “playlist of their life,” associating songs with specific memories they’ve made and experiences they’ve had. It led me to start thinking about what the Playlist of My Life would be at this point in time, and here’s what I came up with…
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cindy Lauper
This song holds a special place in my heart. When I was a young kid, after losing one of my first teeth, a visit from the tooth-fairy left me with a big bear stuffed animal, all dressed up, that played “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” when you squeezed the paw. From then on, I always thought of that as my mom and I’s song. I always think of her when I hear it. I think that was the first song I ever truly loved and felt a connection to.
My Own Worst Enemy – Lit
This song brings me back to my Rock Band days. It’s such a jam. Not that I felt a real connection to the lyrics at a ripe age of pre-teen, but it reminds me of jamming out with my brother in the basement. He would invite his friends over and let me play and hang out with them. I felt cool. This song always reminds me of my brother and those genuine fun times we had together.
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
Another Rock Band song that brings me back to jamming with my brother. Not only that, but I’ve really grown to resonate with the lyrics. Sometimes you just wanna be reminded it just takes some time, we’re all in the middle of the ride and that everything will be just fine.
We Got The Beat – The Go-Go’s
Yet another song that I believe was on Rock Band (I swear this is the last one haha) but this has always been one of my mom’s favorites. A song she always requests when I put her on aux in the car and it will always make me think of her.
Dream On – Aerosmith
A shout out to my dad on this one. Whenever I’m in control of the radio during care rides with my dad, he has his few “non-negotiables” that if they come on, there will be no changing of the station (basically, anything by Journey or U2). This is one song that I’ve learned to not skip over, nor would I because it’s a jam. Whenever I hear this, I will always think of my dad in the car, attempting to hit Steven Tyler’s iconic high-note (emphasis on attempting, he’s cute for trying).
Show Me How You Burlesque – Christina Aguilera
This one is important to me. Ever since I saw the movie, Burlesque, I’ve been obsessed with Christina Aguilera and her insane pipes. Whenever I listen to this song, I can’t help but feel extremely empowered. I don’t know if it’s Christina’s voice, the amazing dance number that accompanied it in the movie, the rhythm of the song, or what, but it makes me feel like I can do anything. Not many songs have ever made me feel like that before. The dancer in me comes out every time I hear this.
The Best Day – Taylor Swift
One of the only, if not THE only, song to ever make me cry. Listening to the lyrics of this song the Summer before leaving for college, looking out the car window, tears fully welt up in my eyes (on more than one occasion). I’m talking tears streaming down my face. Taylor does such an incredible job of storytelling with her lyrics and, man, this song just gets me. You can’t help but think about your own parents and family and simpler times when you listen to it.
Theme From New York, New York – Frank Sinatra
Can’t help but think of where I’m from when I hear this one. I think of Christmastime/New Year’s. New York City is such a magical place. While I’m not from the city itself, I’m still connected to it. I’m just reminded of how close I am to such a wondrous and special place. Not to mention I love anything Frank Sinatra.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? – Creedence Clearwater Revival
This one reminds me of my best friend, Amanda. She’s a singer and is gonna make it big one day. She sings this song at her gigs and I fill up with pride every time I watch her sing it. Her version is so beautiful (I like it better than the original) and I get emotional whenever she sings this. It will always be my favorite one she performs.
Moon River – Audrey Hepburn
Audrey is one of my idols, my icons. She is such an incredible woman, so classy and inspiring. I’ll never forget the first time I watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her voice and this song are so calming and beautiful to me. I’ve always had a soft spot for 50s/60s music.
Dancing With Myself – Billy Idol
I’m also big into 80s music. The 80s are probably my favorite decade; the movies, the music, the fashion…I’m obsessed. This is one of my favorite 80s songs. It instantly takes me back to that time period, with the sound, making me feel as if I’m there. It’s just so fun and the message is great.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Now, I saved the best for last. My absolute favorite song of all time, my favorite band of all time. I would argue the best band of all time. They were creative geniuses, especially Freddy Mercury. This song is beautiful; musically and artistically insane in the best way possible. It also reminds me of my college friends as this became a favorite of all of ours. We would blast it any chance we got, request it at any party we went to and scream it at top of our lungs. It will forever bring the biggest smile to my face because I’ll think of them.
I urge everyone to create their own playlist to their life. It’s fun to reflect and think about what songs mean something to you, have an impact, bring you back to certain times and remind you of special people in your life.
Music is such a beautiful thing, and I would argue this is part of what it’s meant for; to serve as a connection for people and to become a part of their life, their story; to be whatever it needs to be for whoever it needs to be it for.