I’ve just finished putting together the Soundtrack of My Life. Not a survey of music that was popular during various eras I have lived through. Not simply songs I’ve loved. This is a list of songs that at different times resonated deeply with me, that persisted, or were important or symbolic in some way. So maybe not a Soundtrack so much as an Opera of My Life. No—a compilation of Themes and Variations of My Life is more like it.
I began because I was simply curious. I was surprised at how quickly the list came together, how the songs tumbled out, and how many there are. And how most of those songs are still dear to me, still express who I am or what I value or desire.
And it turned out to be a fun way to review my life story.
Beginning with preschool memories of twirling with abandon to the strings of Mantovani’s orchestra, convinced I was a dancer, and my childhood joy of singing with my family along with Sing Along With Mitch (Miller) records. Certain songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals seemed to speak directly to me. The origins of my youthful desire to be a singer and a dancer when I grew up (I did do a lot of both over the years) are clear.
Beyond songs of my childhood, to the dreams and sentiments in songs from my teens, my college years—they took a definite romantic turn at this point—to songs that Tom and I shared, and sang together, like Connie Kaldor’s Wood River and Bill Staines’ The Roseville Fair. Later, as a mother, songs that I loved along with my kids, like Rainbow Connection.
Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods deeply resonated, especially when we saw the touring Broadway show the evening of the day I had a miscarriage.
In midlife songs appeared that reflected my expanding interests in spiritual ritual, chant, and ancient feminine knowledge, like the music of Libana and Jennifer Berezan’s Returning. And Gabriel Roth’s trance dance music. I see emerging in my 60’s a greater emphasis—though it was always present—on contemplative songs, songs of quiet power by musicians such as Sara Thomsen and Melanie DeMore.
Whatever the era, the music reflected themes of wonder and grounding in nature, of connection and love, of humor and playfulness, of strength and resilience.
Do I plan to create a playlist of recordings so I can listen? No. Now, in my 70’s, the music I crave the most is silence (ie, the sounds of wind in the trees, bird calls, waves lapping the shore, twinkling stars). Or the tones that arise from within me when I close my eyes and sing what surfaces to be sung.
And besides, those Themes and Variations continue to play inside me, accessible to my mind’s ear at any time.
What musical touchstones have you had over your lifetime? Do they still resonate within you, or did their importance fade over time?
FYI:
Mantovani Rainbow Connection
Sing Along With Mitch Into the Woods
Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals Libana
Wood River Returning
The Roseville Fair Gabriel Roth
Sara Thomsen Melanie DeMore
