The Soundtrack of My Life

A few days back I fielded a challenge from a friend that went like this: “If you were a star and your life a motion picture, what music would be playing?” I must admit I had not thought of that one. I have created dozens of playlists for CDs and my iPod, but this was a subject I had yet to consider. After two days spent combing through my iTunes folder (while Sam probably wondered if I was going to do anything else—fortunately, he understands what it’s like when the writing fit is on), I was able to come up with “my” soundtrack (though it’s still under review)—and I was humbled by how difficult the project was.

On some subjects, such as “car driving scene,” there were oodles of selections to choose from, but with others, such as “happy friend scene,” I had to rack my brain for titles. I had plenty of party music—loads of it, but most of it was not quite right, so I had to buy more. Even then, I was not completely satisfied with some of my choices, but these will have to do for now. Why not give it a try yourself? Go ahead! Have fun!


Opening Credits: Ride the Wind by Poison

Waking Up Scene: Local Hero/Wild Theme by Dire Straits

Car Driving Scene: Road Runner by Aerosmith

High School Flashback Scene: Leader of the Pack by The Shangri-Las

High School Love/Crush Scene: It Hurts to Be in Love by Gene Pitney

Nostalgic Scene: All Good Things (Come to an End) by Nelly Furtado

Bitter, Angry Scene: Call Me When You’re Sober by Evanescence

Break-Up Scene: Already Gone by The Eagles

Regret Scene: Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson

Nightclub/Bar Scene: Hideaway by The Blues Breakers (with Eric Clapton and John Mayall)

Fight/Action Scene: The Rumble/West Side Story Movie Soundtrack

Lawn Mowing Scene: Working for the Man by Roy Orbison

Sad, Breakdown Scene: In My Secret Life by Leonard Cohen

Death Scene: Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring XIV/Sacrificial Dance (various artists)

Funeral Scene: Amazing Grace by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Mellow/Pot-Smoking/Drunk Scene: More than a Feeling by Boston

Dreaming About Someone Scene: Enchanted by The Platters

Seeing Your Significant Other Scene: If Not For You by George Harrison

Sex Scene: Loco por Ti by Oscar Lopez

Contemplation Scene: Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune (various artists)

Chase Scene: Wipe Out by The Ventures

Happy Love Scene: Bailemos by Enrique Iglesias

Happy Friend Scene: Lots of Drops of Brandy by The Chieftains

Closing Credits: Paint the Sky with Stars by Enya