Music & Memory

 Music is intertwined within our memories. Whether it be using music to help us remember an event, or visa versa, memories extract a song deep inside our minds. I wonder how many songs the average person actually knows? We can't actually imagine. Sometimes we hear the first note and a lightbulb clicks, sometimes it takes us verses to recall how the words and melody commence. I have a couple of songs that draw out core memories from my childhood that I'd like to share, and maybe they remind you of certain times in your life too: 

Growing up, I lived in the little military town of Sumter, South Carolina. When I was itty bitty, like 2-4, my family was really close to my mom's side of the family since my father passed around that time. My mom, she was just 23, had two kids, and was already widowed. She needed all the support she could get. The three of us would go to my grandparents house all the time to have a place to stay, receive financial help, and just stay around for the holidays. Often traveling to my grandparents house, we knew we were close because they lived by train-track. Every time we saw those train tracks we knew we were close. I remember my mom playing The Goo Goo Dolls very often during this time. One song specifically stays in my mind, reminding me of comfort. Name by The Goo Goo Dolls. A story of longing for a loved one, but knowing distance is the best action. Give it a listen:

Another song that comes to mind when I think of memories is Barefoot Blue Jean Night by Jake Owen. Okay, I know its country, and I am well aware this genre is not for everyone. I don't listen to much country music now, however it is one the main genres I was raised on. When I was younger, my mom, sister, and I would travel to Myrtle Beach every summer. Most of the time we would stay on the North end at the Barefoot Resort. Anytime we'd be 10-5 minutes from arriving at the resort, my mom would play this song. I have not been to Myrtle in a long time, but if I did, I sure would play this song. It reminds me of happy, care-free times off in the summer. Though, I will admit most summers I had a broken arm so I couldn't get in the pool! 

For my final memory that I will share with you, we’ll be talking about the dreaded Freshman year of highschool. So for some background, I was living in Clover for all 3 years of middle school, then the summer before the ninth grade, my family moved back to Sumer (where I was originally raised). So, I started my freshman year in a completely different environment. I didn't know anyone, I didn't know how to get around. I was a completely different person than I am today. Speaking to people was hard for me and I didn't know who I really was then. This was also during COVID, so everyone was still wearing masks. The idea of wearing masks around everyone kind of helps develop insecurities and makes it so easy to hide in a little shell. As soon as the bell would ring between each block, I would pop in my airpods. I didn't want to get approached, nor did I want to approach anyone. I hid in my music. I would listen to really busy music to help distract myself, so loud that it would keep me from thinking too much. Therefore, I turned to genres like alternative, rock, metal. This is one of my favorite songs, and I would listen to it all the time, and I still do! It is called Wizard by Lucas Lex.