A Soundtrack From My Life

Summertime


Quick! Think of a movie soundtrack! Jaws was one of the first soundtracks that I thought of. Well, that one song that represents the shark when he makes an appearance. The movie probably wouldn't have been half as scary if it weren't for that music. Or think of The Wizard of Oz and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Probably most of us can sing a few lines to that song or at least hum along.

Music can change the mood of a situation so quickly. A few years ago, I was driving in the western part of the state enjoying some tunes. I was passing through a wooded area, sort of a little forest. The sun was streaming through the trees and it was beautiful. I didn't really notice until later, but the song had changed and it was kind of moody music. I had never thought of it as scary, but in that environment it was. I suddenly didn't feel so comfortable in the woods. I wondered why I was feeling differently, then realized it was the song. I switched to something more upbeat and felt fine.

That was when I started thinking about the soundtrack of my life. There are certain songs that can take me back to times in my life that are really good or really bad. As soon as I hear them, I can feel what I felt then. We all have these life soundtracks. What are yours?

A bad break-up has basically ruined all Luther Vandross for me. The songs Summertime and Parents Just Don't Understand by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, remind me of when my Boston cousins and I finally met our cousin from California. We had heard about him for years, so there was a lot of anticipation. He was really funny and obsessed with these songs. He played them over and over, but we all loved them too and would sing them together. It kind of bonded us. Nothing but love between the East Coast and the West Coast.

Summertime is such a classic summer song. I still feel instantly happy just hearing it. The weather has been getting colder again here in Massachusetts. It's been getting down to the 50's at night. Next Monday is Labor Day, so unofficially this is the last week of summer. I just want to soak up a little bit more. I don't eat beef myself, but grab a burger or hot dog from the grill, sit back and enjoy the video.


"Summer, summer, summertime
Time to sit back and unwind..."

Comments

wheresmymind said…
That song is all about good times and incredible memories...perfect song :)
Artfully Yours said…
Hello,
I followed your link from CisforCooking's blog. Anyway, I noticed you like to read and I just wanted to pass on a awesome, breathtakingly wonderful book I just finished called
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Absolutely exquisite. I loved it. I now pass it on to everyone I know who loves good books!
Enjoy!
Kim
Lisa Johnson said…
wheresymymind - Thanks!

artfully yours - Thanks for stopping by and for the book recommendation!
starry said…
thats true everyone have a sound track in their lives. for me it was leaving on A jet plane. dont know when I'llbe back again. it played over and over in my head when I was leaving India and J and coming to the U.S.we were not married and I was so much in love.
Dezel Quillen said…
Hello Anali,

Shame you can’t listen to Luth’a anymore; he does have some happy and gay songs.

I remember Summer time, nice, non gangster merry song. Summer Time turned out to be a rap and pop anthem for a few summers to follow.

As seen on my shirts, I really enjoy anything Thin Lizzy, and Arthur Lee’s Love band, ‘Forever Changes’; sadly enough most of the music I enjoy is before the pre-video boom !

But Summer Time is a nice little classic rap cut that doesn’t talk about gold chains and beating somebody up (lol).

Happy Sipping!

Dezel
Lisa Johnson said…
starry nights - I remember that song from when I was a kid! It did always bring to mind a very bitter sweet situation - happy to be going somewhere new, but sad to leave home at the same time. So romantic!!

dezel - LOL! I'm still a big fan of 80's rap and New Jack Swing. It's such happy music!! I'm not familiar with the groups you mentioned, but maybe would recognize some songs if I heard them.
Margie said…
Thanks for dropping my my blog!
Love this post... and the song!
Take care!

Love Boston too... miss it lots!
Margie said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Lisa Johnson said…
samuru999 - Thanks!
jac said…
anali, I just imagined that you were in that flowery dress. LOL

Remember that you are my long lost cousin.
:)
Perhaps you can sing 'somewhere over the rainbow', to make up for having lunch with Jeff. I am rather jealous, of course.

I am wondering what soundtrack I would put to my blog.

Not sure about Luther Vandross, I think he has always been ruined for me.
Lisa Johnson said…
jac - LOL!

something from me - You're back! I thought you had dropped out of the blogosphere. : )
jac said…
Have u an email ID, anali ?
Lisa Johnson said…
jac - Hello! Yes, you can email me by clicking on "Email Anali" under my profile information or just email to analisfirstamendment@hotmail.com.

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