I flew around time yesterday. The wild journey began with a radio
station playing all the hits of my life - those key songs that spark a memory.
Songs which are inextricably intertwined with a memory cause instant
transportation to that moment any time the rhythm starts.
Many of my Song Warps are clearly YA memories, and I don't
kiss and tell. But there are a few more appropriate ones:
Copacabana, by Barry
Manilow. Year: 1978. Setting: My
Grandpa's living room: imagine dark paneling, those little vintage glass
bottles in assorted colors, large floral print couches, and a wooden parrot. My
grandpa had hands the size of basketballs from years of working on the
railroad, fighting in Normandy, and a long career in construction. But he
always held my tiny hands gently when we danced to the Copacabana. *sidenote*
It's funny to think we were actually listening to a Top 40 hit and not an oldie as I always thought of it- like me
dancing with my girls to Roar.
The Warrior, by
Scandal. Year: 1984. Setting: Barbie doll house in the basement. For this particular
song, Barbie always dressed in her jean jacket, because it made her look tough.
I don't recall exactly what Ken had done, but he had messed up real bad and
Barbie needed to show him how she felt by belting out the Warrior and stomping
around in ridiculously high heels.
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All I Need, by
Jack Wagner. Year: 1984. Setting: Sitting
cross-legged by the record player in my living room. This was my very first 45 record that was all
mine and not shared with my stinky big sister. (if you are "age challenged,"
here's a helpful link to define record.) It was of critical importance, because when I found out we were moving to a new
town, I put this on repeat for HOURS. I probably was leaving behind some sort
of third grade boyfriend, but mainly it was a good sorrowful song for crying
to.
Grease Mega Mix.
Year: 1997. Setting: College formal dance. My date (though we went as
'friends') and I did an electrifying
dance. I guess he was the one that I
wanted, because I went ahead and married him. And we are still friendsJ
These songs strike such a specific emotional chord, I can
harness the power in my writing by just plugging in a relevant song when I'm
writing.
I know you each have awesome song warp songs, so hit me with
a good song and memory in the comments. Consider it your writing inspiration
for a day.