Musical Memories

Music is a funny thing. It can bring people together and/or show just how diverse our world really is. It can also take you totally away from your current reality. There are certain songs that I hear or think about which trigger memories in me head. Most of the memories are completely random and got no idea why that particular memory has stuck in my head most of the time. But, then again, there are some memories which have very good reasons why they are still kicking around in the fog up there.

Thought I would share some with you. Not cuz I think you are interested in my memories, but cuz some of these may trigger your own memories. Hopefully good ones at that.

Anyway...

• The Old Rugged Cross - Hummed this to my little girl when she was in the NICU right after she was born. Can remember one of the nurses commenting how she loved the old hymns so must have been louder than I realized. My daughter likes to hum to this day (but not that song) and it really warms my heart whenever I hear her;
• Enter Sandman - Metallica - Sang this to my son while he was in the NICU, specifically the prayer and the part right after it. Didn't warp him as far as I can tell...not yet, anyway;
• Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd - The movie The Wall was on TV during me and The Mrs' first date. Our first kiss came during this song (least that's how I remember it). Was always one of my all-time favorites before that and always will be now;
• Ooo, That Smell - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Makes me think of my friend Michael A. Someone had drawn an airplane on the album cover with a comment about needing more petrol. That was the first time can remember hearing the story about them. We had some good times listening to music at his house;
• Tom Sawyer - Rush - Can remember my buddy Sahm and I listening to this at my house. He would hold his eyes open whenever Geddy Lee would sing, "as his eyes are white...";
• Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin - Michael told me a story about his cousin (I think) dying in a car wreck while this song was playing. Kind of hard to forget a story like that;
• Lucky Star - Madonna - Yes, I know. A totally different path. Anyway, my friend Susan E. came to school sort of dressed like Madonna right after this song was released. Somehow we got to talking about it, and she asked my opinion of how she looked. Said thought she looked like Madonna. She took it as a compliment although purty sure that was not the way I meant it. Didn't really realize she meant to go for that look. Thought she pulled it off but figured Madonna was going to be just another flash in the pan. Shows what I know;
• Parents Just Don't Understand - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Working on my grandparent's farm. My cousin Martin introduced me to this song. Had absolutely no interest in rap until I heard it. Still don't like most of it, but can at least tolerate the softer stuff;
• Any Cheap Trick song - For some strange reason my friend Sue Mc comes to mind. Think it's cuz she had a huge crush on Robin Zander (I think it was him) when we were in high school;
• Most Beatles songs - My time at the Wesley Foundation at Alabama. Used to gather round the pianer and sing Beatles songs while Kennard played or while Jamie picked on the guitar. Good times and good friends...;
• Modern jazz music - Fishin' with my bud Eric. The local radio station had a Sunday morning jazz show on Sunday mornings we would listen to while drowning a few crickets. Peaceful...;
• Trust and Obey - Used to sing this hymn at my grandparent's church. Can still hear my grandmother singing every time I hear it. (She's still alive, by the way);
• God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood - Went home with my friend Scott C. one Memorial Day weekend when we were in college. His father was a colonel in the Air Force so we went to the base for a fireworks show. This song played in the background for part of the show. That was the first time I really understood the impact of that song.

Anyway, these are how me brain sees them. Thanks for indulging my brief trip down memory lane. Hope it inspires you to do the same. Got others I could talk about but don't want to bore you anymore than I already have. If your name is mentioned, hope you ain't offended.

Later.