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What’s Your Theme Song?

By May 27, 2009How To

microphone

Yes, I realize that they talked about this on Ally McBeal – but I don’t care. Music really does have magical powers.

How to pick the right song:

  1. You have to love it – instruments, melody, beat.
  2. Actually listen to all of the words and make sure they’re working for ya.
  3. Do you have a memory associated with the song? or the singer? Make sure it’s a good one.
  4. When you hear it, the smile and heart-uplift must be undeniable.

My song

I was invited to pick my song during grad school – and I had the answer in an instant. Believe it or not, once upon a time, I suffered from a horrid bout of anxiety. Couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t function. It sucked. My medicine was happy, safe, mindless, uplifting TV that didn’t disturb my freakish psyche in any way, shape or form.

Of course, I’m talking about Nick at Nite, that luscious retro gift from Nickelodeon. Today, if you watch Nick at Nite, you get old sitcoms from the 90’s which really disturbs me because I don’t think I’m that old. But when the whole shebang began, you saw: Happy Days, Newhart, Taxi, Dick Van Dyke…and, my girl, Mary Tyler Moore.

Mary. I love Mary. Cool apartment, great clothes, terrific friends, all of that sexual tension with Lou. She struck out on her own, you know? And she made her own way – no matter what people told her. She was a really good person and people loved her. She was industrious, silly, happening…and happy.

I eventually kicked the anxiety with yoga, diet and a severe attitude and life change. But I never kicked the Mary habit. Her theme song reminds me of all that I’ve accomplished, who I am and the gloriousness I’m about to unleash upon the world.

So that’s mine, what’s yours?

Image courtesy of ganatronic

Join the discussion 11 Comments

  • Ron Miller says:

    Who can turn the world on with her smile
    Who can take a nothing day
    And suddenly make it all seem worthwhile
    It’s you girl and you should know it.
    With glance and every little movement you show it.
    Love is all around no need to waste it.
    You can have the world why don’t you take it.
    You’re gonna make it after all.

    [throws hat up in the air]

    My favorite Nick at Night stuff back in the day was the Donna Reed show. Tomma and I were Donna Read-aholics. :)

  • My song that gets me through the tough times and helps me celebrate the good ones? Gets me dancing no matter where I am? And the one that when I sing at the top of my lungs and feel unstoppable?

    “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall

    Because where I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m going is exactly as it should be (even if at the time, I have a hard time seeing it).

  • Julie Roads says:

    That is so the perfect song for you, Jessica! I love it too…

  • Ari Herzog says:

    I don’t have a favorite song, but it goes in spurts depending on where I am in my life.

    For instance, in college, I was addicted to Sarah McLachlan’s “Vox” — but more recently, I’ll have to say Alphaville’s “Forever Young.”

  • This is a great question! I have to really think about it though because there is so much music that I listen too. Hmmmm

    Elevation by U2 sounds good to me.

  • At most times I’d pick Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young.”

    For those times when I’m feeling particularly frustrated or angry – or when I just need a rush of extreme affirmation – Martina McBride’s “Independence Day.”

  • Julie Roads says:

    Oh, Ari – you have just proved beyond doubt that you are stuck in the 90’s. Also, doesn’t have to be a favorite song…but a theme song, one that buoys you up!

  • I loved Mary Tyler Moore…bring back all the old shows and I’d watch TV again.

    I made a life CD at one point–all songs that meant something to me at different points in my life.

    Two songs that I gravitate to –and I’m not sure if they have any meaning at all— The House At Pooh Corner by Kenny Loggins and Daybreak by…yes…omg…I’m saying it…Barry Mannilow. I know. Sad, isn’t it? However, for many years post divorce it got my ass in gear when I was in the car going to work after dropping my kids at daycare.

  • Julie Roads says:

    Cheryl – seriously, whatever floats your boat. Copa Cabana holds some fiercely powerful memories for me…

  • Meghan says:

    There are MANY songs that I would call my own but one jumped out at me right away after reading this. When I was a young smartass high school senior Alanis Morrisetee came out with her debut album. And on that album there was one song that rose above the rest. My song, Hand in Pocket. I was 17. I was in the middle of everything. I didn’t have anything figured out & felt pretty lost most of the time. But like the song said I knew everything would work out.
    Now, even though I’m in my 30s, married & a mom, the song still rings true. I still don’t have it all figured out. I still feel lost, but I still know everything is going to be fine.

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