Funny how a melody sounds like a memory.
I remember the first time I heard that line in the song “Springsteen” by Eric Church. I thought it was a genius lyric. I still do.
Music is a time marker in my life. For instance, I was around seven years old when I listened to my first rock song: “Our House” by Madness. I can remember where I was standing when I heard it, and fearing my parents might find out my sisters and I were listening to rock music. I also remember my sisters telling me that it wasn’t really a rock song, but country. I guess they feared their little sister might tattle, and listening to country music wouldn’t have gotten us in the same amount of trouble as rock music. Go figure…
When I was ten, my favorite song was “The Greatest Love Of All,” sung by Whitney Houston. {By that point, we were allowed to listen to some rock music.} That song brings back memories of being at a friend’s house for a sleepover, watching the video on MTV {which I wasn’t allowed to watch}, standing in a chair, and singing along at the top of my lungs. My friend threatened to turn off the song if I didn’t move from the chair.
Another song that brings back memories from that same sleepover is Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” That song scared me…because Michael Jackson was too far down on the list of evil rock music. I remember being glad when the song was over. I think of that every time I hear “P.Y.T.” {And for the record, I love Michael Jackson’s music…even if my kids think I’m weird for listening to it.}
Recently, I was in a restaurant with my husband and friends when I heard Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” I recounted the story from when I was twelve: my best friend and I sat atop the propane tank in my family’s backyard, and made up our own lyrics to the song. I still remember the words. But I won’t embarrass either one of us by sharing them here.
Hair-band music takes me back to my high school years. Anything by Guns N Roses, Def Leppard, Poison, Motley Crue or Van Halen takes me right back to long days at school, after-school milkshakes at the local hangout, and cruising town on the weekends with friends.
I could go on and on: a song that instantly brings reminders of my wedding day; one that reminds me of anticipating my first child; another that takes me back to the first time I truly experienced worship; yet another that floods my mind with memories of driving a road that metaphorically led to nowhere.
If you live and breathe music like I do, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You have your own memories that certain melodies trigger. That’s what is so magical about music: how it transports us back in time…to places we want to remember, as well as forget.
When I write lyrics {and melodies…which are coming more frequently so I depend less on my co-writer for that skill}, I write from my own experiences and emotions, but with the listener in mind. You see, there’s nothing more humbling and thrilling for me than when someone connects with one of our songs.
Next week, I’ll be attending a three-day conference for songwriters. Up until now, my co-writer/mentor has taught {and continues to teach} me everything I know about songwriting. I’m eternally grateful. This conference is my first real solo effort at putting the bigger picture of my dream into motion. I’ll be soaking up information from long-time industry professionals. I’ll also have the opportunity to have our songs evaluated, as well as pitch them for film/TV. I have no expectations, but to say I’m nervous is an understatement!
Over the next week, I’ll be posting about preparing for the conference. And, of course, will share my experience here when it’s over. In the meantime, I’ll travel down memory lane with Eric Church, and count my blessings for the past that has led me to my present.
