What is Your Theme Song?

float on.Do you have a theme song? You know the one; that song where every time it comes on the radio you feel energized, a little more balanced, you smile, you know it’s all going to be ok. The song doesn’t change with the Top 40. It becomes random and obscure, in fact, so that when you DO hear it, it makes it that much more special.

Music, sound and lyrics, has always meant a lot to me. So, not surprising, I actually have two of these “theme” songs.

My dad was sick with cancer, I had a new job, and other life stresses that tend to sprout up when you least need them. As I drove home one day in the midst of this, I heard the song, “Float On” by Modest Mouse. The song’s premise is that bad news may come, bad things may happen, but we’ll all be ok. It repeats “and we’ll all float on ok” as a catchy mantra that struck a chord with me. Ever since, this has been my go-to, everything-is-going-to-be-alright song. On the hardest of days, this song reassures me that I can make it through.

My other song turns the blah, mundane days into magic. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves (I told you, obscure) is more often heard mid-morning in the aisles of a grocery store or maybe on a “one hit wonder” segment on the radio. But anytime that I hear this song I get a bit of a pep in my step, hold my head a little higher, and my confidence soars. It induces more of a, “life is awesome and so am I!” kind of feeling. Call me crazy, I love it.

I first thought of writing about these theme songs a few months ago when I actually heard both songs in the same 15 minute car ride. I probably should have played the lottery because really, what were the chances of that? Whether the stars were aligned, my guardian angel was doing her thing, or it was just plain luck, I cannot explain the mood enhancing boost I got to last me through a shopping trip at Wal-Mart (my life is not sexy, sorry). But it also made me pause to consider what was going on in my life at the time. Just taking that minute to pause, breath, think, and then smile, made my day.

But what really made me write about it was this week. Holy life decisions, changes, for the better but still….all happening NOW. And I heard my beloved “Float On” twice on the radio on back-to-back days. The song is 10 years old and the band hasn’t produced new music in five years. So unless they are planning some big surprise come back (which would be awesome) I found it miraculous that when I needed it most, it was there. I love the power of music.

If you don’t think you have a song like this, give it a little more thought. You might not even realize that every time you hear Guns and Roses “Paradise City” or the Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” that it causes an endorphin rush. If you already know what your song is, grab your iPod or Youtube it and press play. Sing loud (in the car, not your cubicle please!). Bob your head. That’s right, you kick ass. You got this.

You feel better, right?

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