This has been on my mind a lot the past month. I have always had songs that spoke to me - defined a moment in my life, reminded me of someone or something, or have a particular affect on my mood. I think the Fitness Guru was more specifically referring to music for working out, but I am thinking more of a Life Soundtrack, that includes working out.
Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson are absolutely my Mellow Men. Other than being my back-up husbands, in case things don't work out with my current man, listening to any song by these guys helps me to calm down and decompress. Seriously, I can play one of their CDs and all of sudden, no matter what, all feels right with the world again.
My husband plays music regularly, and is very good. He has several songs that also make me calm and happy. . .Plus, I find it incredibly sexy when he sings. Win-win!
There are songs, like, The Living Years, from Mike and the Mechanics that take me back to my childhood, and make me think of my Dad. Or almost any song by Carole King or Rickie Lee Jones make me think of my Mom. I can't hear Stairway to Heaven, or Every Rose Has A Thorn, and not get transported back to high school (sometimes good thoughts, sometimes not).
Do you remember in your younger days, when you had some traumatic (for a teenager) event going on, and it seemed like every song that came on the radio was speaking to you? Just the other day, driving with my family, the song, What's Up, by 4 Non Blondes came one the radio. I had this memory from high school, of screaming along to that song, while driving down the twisty, isolated road to my home, after a particularly nasty break up with my boyfriend.
Much, much later, when I was very early pregnant with my 2nd child, there was a possible "issue" with the baby. It was extremely stressful, as the predicted condition was fatal to the fetus. On my drive to the hospital for a follow-up ultrasound to determine this possible problem, the song, Let It Be, by Paul McCartney came on the radio - and I just listened and cried all the way to the hospital.
Everything ended up being more than fine, thank goodness, but to this day, I hear that song, and remind myself to, Let It Be.
The soundtrack for my life is much different from my workout Head Music. I need mellow in my daily life, but when working out? I need motivation and energy! Plus, I can get sick of songs played over and over, so I am frequently changing out my workout playlists. Currently on my motivation list are: Awolnation, Stone Sour, Missy Elliot, and Florence & The Machine.
I know there are a lot of running "purists" who believe in running without music, but I need it while I run. I plan out my playlists before races, and look forward to tuning in and zoning out. I have tried it both ways, and feel that I am a better runner, with music.
I love how two people can listen to the same song, but take away completely different meanings. One of my favorite songs by my husband is Off Axis. When I first heard it, I had a very specific vision of what it meant to me, and I shared with my husband. It was not even close to what my husband has in mind with the lyrics - which is fine. That's one of the many beauties of music.
What is your Personal Soundtrack?
Current (Ever-Changing and Evolving) Personal Playlist:
If Only - Dave Matthews Band
Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush
Sail - Awolnation
Off Axis - Mike D./Assorted Varieties
I and Love and You - Avett Brothers
Seven Nation Army - Blackroots or White Stripes
Ain't No Reason - Brett Dennen
You - Candlebox
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
Tomorrow, Wendy - Concrete Blonde
Pony - Ginuwine
Dog Days Are Over - Florence & The Machine
Roll On - Kid Rock
Better Together - Jack Johnson
We Run This - Missy Elliot
Let It Be - Paul McCartney
Raspberry Beret - Prince
Sound of Madness - Shinedown
Shimmer - Fuel
Raspberry Beret! Sweet!
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