Memories and Music

Today was one of those days. When I woke up this morning, it was gloomy and grey. By the time I got to work, it was pouring out (yes, in June). For various reasons, I was feeling melancholy - I needed a little time to isolate myself, focus, get some work done, and get through the day.

So I did what I used to do in college, when I needed to focus and get through a 10 hour studying / finals cramming session. I put in my skullcandy earbuds, hooked them up to my iPhone, and hit 'play'. Typically, I pick an artist or playlist. Today, I chose random shuffle on my entire music library, and discovered something.

My music library has an overwhelmingly dismal feel to it - maybe because I listen to music when I feel down, to escape into a world where everything is in the same mood I am in.

More importantly, though, I had not heard some of the songs in years.  They stirred up memories - reminders of the past. And I thought about the people who used to be immensely important in my life. Memories are such a strange thing. Fading slowly at first and eventually residing primarily in the subconscious. Until something recalls them, of course.

Songs can be so powerful and personal to us, despite the knowledge that everyone else can listen to those same lyrics. Considering how many people seek out the unique these days, it seems that sharing it with countless strangers should make it less special to each individual, but it doesn't. One song can have an impact on so many - become a part of so many different lives, associations, and memories.

The songs that struck me today each reminded me of a different person from my past.

Dido - White Flag

Silverchair - Ana's Song

Daughtry - Home

Oasis - Wonderwall

The Fray - Over My Head

Sugar Ray - Answer the Phone

Say Anything - Alive With the Glory of Love

Tal Bachman - She's So High

Thinking about the past always puts me in a strange mindset. I like to live for the present and the future, not the past, but once in a while, it doesn't hurt to remember. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about forgiveness and the meaning of true friends. I will be listening and reflecting to myself more in weeks to come. I end with this - the song I picked for someone very important in my life now, and hopefully will be in the future (even if he can never remember the song).

Taylor Swift - I'm Only Me When I'm With You

Any songs that immediately evoke the memory of someone for you?