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Memories & Music

A few weeks ago, I talked about how easily music transported me from one location/time to another. A few notes, and I'd have a full-fledged flashback.

In attempt to prove I wasn't the only one who could tell you where I was the first time I heard a particular song, I asked people to share songs which bring forth a specific memory every single time. Here are a bunch of kind individuals who did.

If you wanna share, it's never too late. Simply mail me, and I'll add it on.


Ray says: I was stuck in a snow storm in Toronto a couple of winters ago. I was supposed to return home on Friday. I had flown in Thursday very early in the morning. Little did I know that the meeting had been called off due to the weather. They couldn't reach me. Blissfully unaware I got on the plane. I was stranded.

My father was home dying. He was in the last stages of cancer. He was only 65.

The weather broke and Pearson International was able to get some flights routed. I called Air Canada and hit the road.

I got home on Saturday. It was around 4 PM. I drove straight to Dad's. I spent two hours at his side. They were pretty dark moments. I jumped in the car at around six and drove the short distance home to grab a change of clothing and meet my wife. On the way there I flipped on the radio.

The Verve came on, the song was Lucky Man. I've always liked that song. I sang the words. Tears ran down my face. I sang the words. I'm a lucky man....

I spent the evening surrounded by family. Dad passed away just before midnight.

I made it home just in time.


Paul says: The heart is quite an amazing thing. Listening to all those old 80's songs and bringing back all those memories fills the heart with a flood of emotions. I love every one of them - the pangs of being in love and the heartbreaks of seeing your girlfriend kissing another guy. I still remember the song that was in the tape player when I saw her walk up to her porch and make out with this strange guy - Bang Bang by Danger Danger.

I remember making out in my old girlfriends bedroom while listening to the song Valerie by Steve Winwood. Those memories are so burned into my heart - soul - and brain - and every time I hear those songs they come back as if they just happened. The mind is truly an amazing thing.


Cheryl says: Ricky Benyak, his restored green DeSoto, his love letters and his studying in Toronto. He would put on my make-up better than I could. Maybe he even taught me some tricks. The year? Summer of 1966. The song? All I can remember was that it was by Roy Orbison, but not that year. Crying. I still cry when I hear that song and I still think of Ricky and sock hops and I need tissues.


John says: Remember Total Eclipse of the Heart? That one reminds me of playing Lode Runner on the Apple II, because it was all over the radio during a period when I happened to be playing the game a lot.


June 17, 2001
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