30 Songs That Mean The Most To Me - And Why...
Thought this'd be a nice thing to do. :) I'm pretty sure I've done something similar before, but this changes with time so! (This isn't to do with favourites... They all mean something, whether because they're tied to a memory of have sparked emotion.)
Oh, and I decided to group some together since some songs are from the same album, mean pretty much the same, yet are equally important/worth personal mention. Hope that makes sense!! ;)
And it'd be nice to read about your 30 songs. :)
Far Away - Nickelback
I have often mused over whether this is my favourite song of all time. The answer to that is debateable, but I suppose that's what you get with gradeable answers.
It has remained a favourite since the first time I heard it; just spoke to me. The fact is that when you meet the right person, and fall truly, deeply in love - when you're with them and the rest of the world disappears - I imagine you feel as though you've always known them. They're all you could ask for; you love everything they are. And, had you met them earlier, you would hav eloved them then. Sort of like...No matter when you met, you would have loved them... So, in a way, you could say that you always have. You just didn't know they existed... Bleh. =P
I love you; I have loved you all along; And I miss you; Been far away for far too long; I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go; Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore...
Best Days; Paradise - Matt White
These songs are so damn upbeat. They make me want to dance every time I listen to them. Paradise makes me think of introducing a loved one to something new and exciting; of experiencing a feeling of paradise together. Best Days gives off a similar vibe; makes me imagine enjoying summer with said loved one, alone, in the middle of nowhere, outside. Smiling and laughing! Just being together. :)
Can't take away those times we stayed up and we talked all night; Chain smokin' cigarettes and three bottles of red wine; Falling asleep together; Holding your body close to mine
Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader
I remember first hearing this song - I think - when I watched A Walk To Remember. I enjoyed it even then. But it was not until Christoff linked me to it on youtube several months later that I fell in love with it. It's one of the songs I have to dance to one day; one I have always wanted to dance to. It just means a lot to me because, every time I listen to it, I can see myself being the person I want to be. The complete me, who's not afraid of how others will view her if she does something a little extroverted and crazy.
Dancing in the moonlight; Everybodys feeling warm and bright; It's such a fine and natural sight; Everybody's dancing in the moonlight.
Syndicate; Absolute - The Fray
When I first heard The Fray - Fall Away - I thought their music decent, worth looking into, but didn't expect them to have produced anything like this; anything that touched me in the same way as these two tracks. It's hard to explain why they mean a lot to me... It's in their tone, and some of the lyrics. It's in the voice.
(Syndicate) Baby close your eyes, don't open 'til the morning light; Baby don't forget, we haven't lost it all yet
(Absolute) Is this all we get to be Absolute? Quiet but I’m sure there is something here; Tell me everything cause I want to hear
Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations
This song became meaningful to me when a friend of mine told me about how he used to sing it down the phone to his ex; how he used to sing it out of the window in the car, embarrass her, but how she'd eventually join in. It just sounds so fun! Being a bit silly together, and not caring what anyone else thinks. The song itself is as upbeat as the idea makes me feel. I just have to do that someday. :)
Try to find a little time; And I'll make you happy; I'll be home; I'll be waiting beside the phone; Waiting for you.
I Can't Hate You Anymore - Nick Lachey
For its first few months in my life, this song meant little to me. It was nice to listen to, but that was the extent of it. But then I started to miss Christoff. I began to listen to it more and more. Gradually I realised that the lyrics related a lot to how I felt. Except I'd never "hated" him. I just couldn't not miss him anymore. I couldn't keep him at the back of my mind. "The Christoff Saga" (as Eoin calls it) has been long since over. But this song will always remind me of him. Not in a bad way. It'll remind me of how strongly I once felt.
We built it up, to watch it fall; Like we meant nothing at all; I gave and gave the best of me; But couldn't give you what you need; You walked away; You stole my life; Just to find what you're looking for; But no matter how I try; I can't hate you anymore.
Shining in the Sky; Roaring Tides; To The Same Heights - Clannad OST
These instrumental tracks from Clannad are part of the reason it's managed to touch me in a way nothing before or since has. These are one of the reasons I felt so connected; music is important to me and without it I can't engage in a fantasy world, with fictional characters. These were more than a cherry on top. They were a main ingredient.
You're The Light - Ben Cantelon
Imagine a tent, large enough to hold thousands, reaching to the sky, and full of people. Some of them watch the front stage, some listen with their eyes closed; most are smiling; several stand with their hands reaching to the sky. Okay, I can't describe Soul Survivor. I can't describe that feeling of safety, or the sense that everyone feels complete. But whether or not you believe, when you're there, you feel uplifted by the emotions surrounding you. They're written in faces, and in the music. This is one of the tracks played the first year I went; a favourite.
You're the light that shines in darkness; Shining bright for all the world to see; Yes the world will see; You're radiant in all your glory; Nothing is impossible for you; Impossible for you
Mr Mistoffelees - Cats
This is far from my favourite 30, but it's the one song that reminds me of Theo. Why? Well, I called him Mistoffelees for a time. It just seemed fitting. But then we kinda decided Theo was better. And believe me, it was. Nevertheless, the connection still remains. :) PLUS he WAS a clever cat.
Oh! Well I never! Was there ever; A cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees!
Motherland - Crystal Kay
This came in the first e-card Eoin sent me, so it's naturally linked to him. That's the extent of its meaning really, since I don't know the meaning of the lyrics...
Your Song; Come What May - Ewan McGreagor and Nikole Kidman
Two passionate songs, the first a well-known Elton John track. They're meaningful in themselves, yes. But the main reason they're meaningful to me is because Lucy and I used to listen and sing to them all the time! I remember sitting in her granny's house, playing Catz/Dogz 4 or 5, singing along. We loved that game!
You're My Star - Stereophonics
This just speaks volumes about what two people in love should be to one another; how they should make one another feel complete and alive; happy.
You’re my Sunday; Make my Monday come alive; Just like Tuesday; you’re a new day, wakes me up; Wednesday’s raining, Thursday’s yearning, Friday nights; Then it all ends; at the weekend, you’re my star
Electricity - Billy Elliot Musical
This is a reminder of how art - how working on your passion - should make you feel. A mix of feelings, unexplainable. The lyrics speak for themselves.
I can't really explain it, I haven't got the words; It's a feeling that you can't control; I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are; And at the same time something makes you whole
Suteki Da Ne - Rikki (From Final Fantasy X)
The lyrics are a bit basic in meaning, but the instrumental side, and the voice... They're just passionate.
Hakuna Matata - Lion King
The message here is meaningful to me. Look on the best side of life, it tell me. Be positive. Don't let things get you down. Live with a smile on your face; a glimmer in your eyes; warmth in your heart.
If Today Was Your Last Day - Nickelback
Another important message: Live each day like it's your last; grab those chances, and don't wait. Don't assume you have forever to reach your dreams. Tell everyone you love how you feel. Live the life you want. Be happy. Have no regrets.
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try; So live it like you'll never live it twice.
Only Hope - Switchfoot
The Mandy Moore version is nice, but this one is more full of soul! (Haha, so many songs full of soul!) The voice, and gentle backing track just makes it wonderful to listen to. And I guess it sorta reminds me of times when I've felt there is only one person who can pick me up when I fall, upset. One person who'll stop me from being upset. (Though I know that one person is myself, I think of it more romantically when I listen to it. :P)
Trasnsformation - Phil Collins (From Brother Bear)
A song which reminds me that people see things differently... I'll just post the main lyrics for this. They speak for themselves.
Everything will become clear to you; When you see things through; Another's eyes
True Colours - Cyndi Lauper
When my mum wanted to send this song to her sister and asked me for this version instead of a softer one, I wasn't sure why she preferred it. But now I agree. This is the best version. It's just full of passion. It has soul. The voice gives it meaning; it's not just pleasant to listen to. You truly believe in Cyndi; believe that she is singing to someone, whether it be someone she knows or the general public. And the message is meaningful too. Always be yourself. That is something I have always believed in.
I see your true colours shining through; I see your true colours. That's why I love you; So don't be afraid to let them shine; Your true colours; True colours; Are beautiful; Like a rainbow.
When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating
To me, this song speaks of a great truth. Love isn't always about the words. It's about little things like a smile; telling someone exactly how you feel with one kiss; sitting in silence, and feeling philosophy. It's about a connection. Magic.
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me; There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me; The touch of your hand says you'll catch me whenever I fall; You say it best; When you say
Nothing at all.
Wonder Wall - Oasis
I was first introduced to this song by my friend Stephan; back then things were very different! This song reminds me of that time, and of the friendship we shared then - I doubt he'd ever like to admit we were close; it's possible that we weren't. But I stoll considered him one of my best friends!
Backbeat, the word was on the street; That the fire in your heart is out; I'm sure you've heard it all before; But you never really had a doubt.
1000 Words - Sweetbox (From Final Fantasy X-2)
This song held meaning for me from the first time I heard it. About loss; regret; loving someone who's left you behind.
'Save your tears 'Cause I'll come back'; I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door; but still I swore; to hide that pain; when I turn back the pages; Shouting might've been the answer; what if I cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart; but now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart....
Okay, that was harder than I thought, since I felt my definition of "meaning" wasn't met on EVERY track. But those are the closest to. :)
Ooh, btw, I had a really nice thought - making a CD of these 30 favourite songs and sharing them with friends! It's like sharing part of yourself, and also introduces people top new music; they'll have something personal to remember you by. And with any luck they'll send one back so you'll have something from them that can never be replaced. =)
Edit (11th October 2009)
Taken some songs out, 'cause now there are a few which hold more meaning! :)
Say - John Mayer
This song takes me back to those days spent lying beside Will in the gardens. They were simply wonderful! We had the odd random moment, but overall we did very little, and being able to do that was great! I remember looking at Will and seeing the song take him away; he was completely lost in it! I loved that. :) I also recall thinking about how I actually had something to say to him. ;P
Feet In The Sky - Duke Special
Another introduced to me by Will. :) It reminds me of how I can be myself around him 'cause, well, we literally put our head to the ground and feet in the sky at one point. Also reminds me of how I put my head in a pile of leaves... And how we pretended passers by were after us and hid behind our bags, watching them suspiciously. :P
That's 29... I'll add another later...
Oh, and I decided to group some together since some songs are from the same album, mean pretty much the same, yet are equally important/worth personal mention. Hope that makes sense!! ;)
And it'd be nice to read about your 30 songs. :)
Far Away - Nickelback
I have often mused over whether this is my favourite song of all time. The answer to that is debateable, but I suppose that's what you get with gradeable answers.
It has remained a favourite since the first time I heard it; just spoke to me. The fact is that when you meet the right person, and fall truly, deeply in love - when you're with them and the rest of the world disappears - I imagine you feel as though you've always known them. They're all you could ask for; you love everything they are. And, had you met them earlier, you would hav eloved them then. Sort of like...No matter when you met, you would have loved them... So, in a way, you could say that you always have. You just didn't know they existed... Bleh. =P
I love you; I have loved you all along; And I miss you; Been far away for far too long; I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go; Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore...
Best Days; Paradise - Matt White
These songs are so damn upbeat. They make me want to dance every time I listen to them. Paradise makes me think of introducing a loved one to something new and exciting; of experiencing a feeling of paradise together. Best Days gives off a similar vibe; makes me imagine enjoying summer with said loved one, alone, in the middle of nowhere, outside. Smiling and laughing! Just being together. :)
Can't take away those times we stayed up and we talked all night; Chain smokin' cigarettes and three bottles of red wine; Falling asleep together; Holding your body close to mine
Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader
I remember first hearing this song - I think - when I watched A Walk To Remember. I enjoyed it even then. But it was not until Christoff linked me to it on youtube several months later that I fell in love with it. It's one of the songs I have to dance to one day; one I have always wanted to dance to. It just means a lot to me because, every time I listen to it, I can see myself being the person I want to be. The complete me, who's not afraid of how others will view her if she does something a little extroverted and crazy.
Dancing in the moonlight; Everybodys feeling warm and bright; It's such a fine and natural sight; Everybody's dancing in the moonlight.
Syndicate; Absolute - The Fray
When I first heard The Fray - Fall Away - I thought their music decent, worth looking into, but didn't expect them to have produced anything like this; anything that touched me in the same way as these two tracks. It's hard to explain why they mean a lot to me... It's in their tone, and some of the lyrics. It's in the voice.
(Syndicate) Baby close your eyes, don't open 'til the morning light; Baby don't forget, we haven't lost it all yet
(Absolute) Is this all we get to be Absolute? Quiet but I’m sure there is something here; Tell me everything cause I want to hear
Build Me Up Buttercup - The Foundations
This song became meaningful to me when a friend of mine told me about how he used to sing it down the phone to his ex; how he used to sing it out of the window in the car, embarrass her, but how she'd eventually join in. It just sounds so fun! Being a bit silly together, and not caring what anyone else thinks. The song itself is as upbeat as the idea makes me feel. I just have to do that someday. :)
Try to find a little time; And I'll make you happy; I'll be home; I'll be waiting beside the phone; Waiting for you.
I Can't Hate You Anymore - Nick Lachey
For its first few months in my life, this song meant little to me. It was nice to listen to, but that was the extent of it. But then I started to miss Christoff. I began to listen to it more and more. Gradually I realised that the lyrics related a lot to how I felt. Except I'd never "hated" him. I just couldn't not miss him anymore. I couldn't keep him at the back of my mind. "The Christoff Saga" (as Eoin calls it) has been long since over. But this song will always remind me of him. Not in a bad way. It'll remind me of how strongly I once felt.
We built it up, to watch it fall; Like we meant nothing at all; I gave and gave the best of me; But couldn't give you what you need; You walked away; You stole my life; Just to find what you're looking for; But no matter how I try; I can't hate you anymore.
Shining in the Sky; Roaring Tides; To The Same Heights - Clannad OST
These instrumental tracks from Clannad are part of the reason it's managed to touch me in a way nothing before or since has. These are one of the reasons I felt so connected; music is important to me and without it I can't engage in a fantasy world, with fictional characters. These were more than a cherry on top. They were a main ingredient.
You're The Light - Ben Cantelon
Imagine a tent, large enough to hold thousands, reaching to the sky, and full of people. Some of them watch the front stage, some listen with their eyes closed; most are smiling; several stand with their hands reaching to the sky. Okay, I can't describe Soul Survivor. I can't describe that feeling of safety, or the sense that everyone feels complete. But whether or not you believe, when you're there, you feel uplifted by the emotions surrounding you. They're written in faces, and in the music. This is one of the tracks played the first year I went; a favourite.
You're the light that shines in darkness; Shining bright for all the world to see; Yes the world will see; You're radiant in all your glory; Nothing is impossible for you; Impossible for you
Mr Mistoffelees - Cats
This is far from my favourite 30, but it's the one song that reminds me of Theo. Why? Well, I called him Mistoffelees for a time. It just seemed fitting. But then we kinda decided Theo was better. And believe me, it was. Nevertheless, the connection still remains. :) PLUS he WAS a clever cat.
Oh! Well I never! Was there ever; A cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees!
Motherland - Crystal Kay
This came in the first e-card Eoin sent me, so it's naturally linked to him. That's the extent of its meaning really, since I don't know the meaning of the lyrics...
Your Song; Come What May - Ewan McGreagor and Nikole Kidman
Two passionate songs, the first a well-known Elton John track. They're meaningful in themselves, yes. But the main reason they're meaningful to me is because Lucy and I used to listen and sing to them all the time! I remember sitting in her granny's house, playing Catz/Dogz 4 or 5, singing along. We loved that game!
You're My Star - Stereophonics
This just speaks volumes about what two people in love should be to one another; how they should make one another feel complete and alive; happy.
You’re my Sunday; Make my Monday come alive; Just like Tuesday; you’re a new day, wakes me up; Wednesday’s raining, Thursday’s yearning, Friday nights; Then it all ends; at the weekend, you’re my star
Electricity - Billy Elliot Musical
This is a reminder of how art - how working on your passion - should make you feel. A mix of feelings, unexplainable. The lyrics speak for themselves.
I can't really explain it, I haven't got the words; It's a feeling that you can't control; I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are; And at the same time something makes you whole
Suteki Da Ne - Rikki (From Final Fantasy X)
The lyrics are a bit basic in meaning, but the instrumental side, and the voice... They're just passionate.
Hakuna Matata - Lion King
The message here is meaningful to me. Look on the best side of life, it tell me. Be positive. Don't let things get you down. Live with a smile on your face; a glimmer in your eyes; warmth in your heart.
If Today Was Your Last Day - Nickelback
Another important message: Live each day like it's your last; grab those chances, and don't wait. Don't assume you have forever to reach your dreams. Tell everyone you love how you feel. Live the life you want. Be happy. Have no regrets.
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try; So live it like you'll never live it twice.
Only Hope - Switchfoot
The Mandy Moore version is nice, but this one is more full of soul! (Haha, so many songs full of soul!) The voice, and gentle backing track just makes it wonderful to listen to. And I guess it sorta reminds me of times when I've felt there is only one person who can pick me up when I fall, upset. One person who'll stop me from being upset. (Though I know that one person is myself, I think of it more romantically when I listen to it. :P)
Trasnsformation - Phil Collins (From Brother Bear)
A song which reminds me that people see things differently... I'll just post the main lyrics for this. They speak for themselves.
Everything will become clear to you; When you see things through; Another's eyes
True Colours - Cyndi Lauper
When my mum wanted to send this song to her sister and asked me for this version instead of a softer one, I wasn't sure why she preferred it. But now I agree. This is the best version. It's just full of passion. It has soul. The voice gives it meaning; it's not just pleasant to listen to. You truly believe in Cyndi; believe that she is singing to someone, whether it be someone she knows or the general public. And the message is meaningful too. Always be yourself. That is something I have always believed in.
I see your true colours shining through; I see your true colours. That's why I love you; So don't be afraid to let them shine; Your true colours; True colours; Are beautiful; Like a rainbow.
When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating
To me, this song speaks of a great truth. Love isn't always about the words. It's about little things like a smile; telling someone exactly how you feel with one kiss; sitting in silence, and feeling philosophy. It's about a connection. Magic.
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me; There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me; The touch of your hand says you'll catch me whenever I fall; You say it best; When you say
Nothing at all.
Wonder Wall - Oasis
I was first introduced to this song by my friend Stephan; back then things were very different! This song reminds me of that time, and of the friendship we shared then - I doubt he'd ever like to admit we were close; it's possible that we weren't. But I stoll considered him one of my best friends!
Backbeat, the word was on the street; That the fire in your heart is out; I'm sure you've heard it all before; But you never really had a doubt.
1000 Words - Sweetbox (From Final Fantasy X-2)
This song held meaning for me from the first time I heard it. About loss; regret; loving someone who's left you behind.
'Save your tears 'Cause I'll come back'; I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door; but still I swore; to hide that pain; when I turn back the pages; Shouting might've been the answer; what if I cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart; but now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart....
Okay, that was harder than I thought, since I felt my definition of "meaning" wasn't met on EVERY track. But those are the closest to. :)
Ooh, btw, I had a really nice thought - making a CD of these 30 favourite songs and sharing them with friends! It's like sharing part of yourself, and also introduces people top new music; they'll have something personal to remember you by. And with any luck they'll send one back so you'll have something from them that can never be replaced. =)
Edit (11th October 2009)
Taken some songs out, 'cause now there are a few which hold more meaning! :)
Say - John Mayer
This song takes me back to those days spent lying beside Will in the gardens. They were simply wonderful! We had the odd random moment, but overall we did very little, and being able to do that was great! I remember looking at Will and seeing the song take him away; he was completely lost in it! I loved that. :) I also recall thinking about how I actually had something to say to him. ;P
Feet In The Sky - Duke Special
Another introduced to me by Will. :) It reminds me of how I can be myself around him 'cause, well, we literally put our head to the ground and feet in the sky at one point. Also reminds me of how I put my head in a pile of leaves... And how we pretended passers by were after us and hid behind our bags, watching them suspiciously. :P
That's 29... I'll add another later...