Soundtrack

For me, music is not just a puzzle piece -- it's the mat and the glue that keep the puzzle stable and hold it together. I am one of those people that has minimal musical talent but always has music playing in my head. When I hear songs that were popular or well-liked, it takes me back to that era. Of course, I only remember the good parts of the past and black out the less-than-savory details. Don't we all?

This is more than just a list of favourite songs -- there is a story and significance behind each entry on my list. It would take an eternity to write that out, and it wouldn't be that interesting to anyone else. Do you remember any of these?

Moon River - from Breakfast at Tiffany's
On the Willows - Godspell
Out of My Head - Fastball
Love Song - Tesla
Thunderoad - Bruce Springsteen (though the spelling of the song title has always bugged me)
Blue - The Jayhawks
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder
Summer Highland Falls - Billy Joel
Ave Maria - Schubert
Fuggi, Fuggi, Fuggi - New World Renaissance
Higher Ground, as performed by the Blind Boys of Alabama
Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
Khe Sanh - Cold Chisel
I Wish You Were There - REO Speedwagon
Let the River Run - Carly Simon
Every Morning - Sugar Ray

It was fun (mostly) to think about where and what I was doing when these songs permeated my movements and being. Some, not so fun: Every Morning by Sugar Ray was the last song I heard on the radio before Bruce told me my dad was dead. Every time I hear it, I'm right back there in my red VW, singing along, looking forward to a trip back to the hospital to see him again, hold his hand, read him the paper. He was gone, suddenly, too soon. And lucky me, Sugar Ray marks the sad, sacred moment. Isn't it ironic?

I will add eventually to this anemic, incomplete list. Comment or mail me and tell me about your soundtrack: karisue@gmail.com