Reflections

Yesterday, I spent an inordinate time on the telephone and answering emails. It was the anniversary of the day of my birth.

This is a day that I usually spend reflecting on my past year. Some people do this on New Years Day; I do it on my birthday. That is my New Year. On this day I make my resolutions for the next year.

About three or four years ago I made a compilation CD on my computer (I’ve titled it the Eclectic Collection.) These were all songs that once had a special meaning for me. At some point in my life these were relevant songs that pertained to that particular segment of my life. I’m a very nostalgic person, therefore I enjoy reminiscing. I associate popular music with the events in my life. Each song will bring back a vivid memory of a person, place or thing.

I spent the entire day in “my cave” suffering from a stomach hangover, drinking Bloody Mary’s and Lite Beer while listening to some of my favorite music.

The first cut on the CD is Annie Lennox’s version of “The Whiter Shade of Pale”, I also have the same song by Procol Harem, but I like her version better. It was featured on the sound track of the Movie "The Net". This song reminds of a High School friend who died serving our country in Viet Nam; it was his favorite song.

The next cut is “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum; it reminds me of my best friend in Maryland, who passed away at 54 years old in 1998. He loved that song!

Other songs on the CD include “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (not by the original group, but by Sixpence, None the Richer), “You Sang to Me” by Marc Anthony, “I am Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado, “Drops of Jupiter” by Train, “I Try” by Macy Gray, Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” and “Long Tall Glasses” by Leo Sayer.

All of this music holds special meanings and remembrances. As I have said before, I prefer to live in the past rather than in the future.

But the two songs that touch me the most are the last two on the CD. “With Arms Wide Open” by Creed and a golden oldie by Marmalade, “Reflections of my Life”.

From Creed –
“Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I closed my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face.”

From Marmalade -
“The changing of sunlight to moonlight
Reflections of my life, oh, how they fill my eyes.
The greetings of people in trouble
Reflections of my life, oh, how they fill my eyes.”


The Beach Bum