Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer the song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.        -Stevie Wonder

Songs bind and separate us.  We all grew up singing our national anthems (creates us and them), and a repertoire of kid songs, that we then teach our kids. Many of these songs are shared across cultures and languages such as happy birthday and twinkle, twinkle little star, and become part of the human collective memory. Every religion also has its song repertoire, shared by similar congregations worldwide, even if the tunes diversify.

Although music has a huge socializing impact, it remains deeply personal to each and everyone of us.  Most of us have a personal playlist that forms a timeline to our lives. When the music plays, the memories flow.

Here’s what mine looks like:

Disney’s It’s a Small World, which evokes joyful memories of vacations with my family

Knock on Wood by Amii Stewart , reminds me of when I lost my virginity, and always brings a smile to my face when I hear it.

Time For Me to Fly by  REO  SpeedWagon, got me through my first heart break, and a burst of strength flows through me every time I hear or sing those words.

I danced my way through Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Richie, during graduate school, a tough time in my life, and hearing the song remains bittersweet, even if my feet still move to the tune.

Even Angels Fall by Jessica Riddle in the Ten Things I Hate About You Sound Track, which got me through a later heartbreak leading to some tough decisions in my life. I listen to it when I need to cry, because this songs brings those times back to me.

My current happy song (what I listen to evoke happy  times) is Pink’s Raise Your Glass, because its a song my daughter and I have used to dance around the house.

What song or songs have been important in your life and why?

Oh, if you are feeling blue, I recommend heading over to YouTube and making your song timeline–I had a great time making this post.

Visit all the wonderful bloggers participating in the A to Z challenge.

And Just Get Dancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1