I’ve grown up in a very musically inclined family.
Everybody plays an instrument. They all play guitar, Ben, my second oldest
brother, also plays the drums, my dad also plays bass, and my mom plays the
flute. I was once a skilled violinist before suddenly deciding to quit and
selling my violin for a quick $350. I still think it was worth more but that’s
neither here nor there. Basically, unlike them, I was never attached to making
my own music.
But listening to music- now that’s where I fit in. I’ve
always found my emotions to be immediately tied to whatever song is playing. My
confidence goes through the roof when Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet plays,
seventh grade Jess really tried to model herself after that girl with “big
black boots” and “long brown hair” (I’ve since moved past that phase). I’m
filled with a longing ambition every time I hear Fast Car by Tracy Chapman,
completely ready to hit the open road for a new life. I’m hit with nostalgia
and youthful rebellion as soon as Keeping the Faith by Billy Joel kicks it
through the radio- I mean who doesn’t relate to those timeless lyrics of “I heard about sex/ But not enough/ I found you could dance/ And still look tough”?
My brother recently asked a room full of
family and friends what our favorite songs were. The room was immediately
filled with responses. From Europa to Into the Mystic to Last Stand, every
single person had an answer except me. “How do you not have a favorite song?”
they asked me, “you never stop listening to music.” This should have been a
perfect topic for me! I’ve spent the following months trying to figure out what
my favorite song is, what is the perfect fit for me? Angel of Sweet Death and
the Codeine Scene? Cecelia and the Satellite? Levon? I seem to change my mind
every time a different song I like plays. So, I’ve come to the conclusion that
I don’t have one.
I’ve never been the favorite type
anyway. I always said rainbow when asked about my favorite color or “all of
them!” when questioned about animals, why would I be any different with music?
There are too many amazing songs, each completely unique with its own vibe, its
own message, its own emotion. How could I choose? I may have a favorite sad
song or pump-up song or love song (and the infinite categories within) but
there isn’t one song that reins above all the rest. I think it’s silly to
assume people have a favorite and if they say they do I’m not sure I believe
that it’s truly their favorite. I think they may have arbitrarily picked a song
that they liked at some point and stuck with it, saying that it’s their
favorite. Or it's just a song they want to listen to in that moment. There are
too many amazing, relatable songs to choose just one!
Although, I’m not them so maybe they
really do?
