I find a very unique type of solace in music. For two to ten minutes I can expel all problems in my life and escape into a world of synchronized noise. And then, almost immediately after taking off my headphones, I can dive back into any type of shit-storm I may be up against and face it with a clear mind and a smile on my face. For me, music is the only type of escape that truly empowers me and doesn’t just distract me from my life. That is why I have chosen to create a playlist that “represents me”. I put that in quotes because it isn’t necessarily the full message of the songs in the playlist that represent me but rather, there is a piece of each of these songs that I can relate to.
I chose to start off the playlist with the song ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones. One of the first lines howled by Mic Jagger speaks of a man on the radio feeding him some useless information and I identify with that line very strongly. I tend to get very frustrated while listening or reading any type of mainstream news media today because of their obvious lack of intelligence. There are far too many stupid people with microphones in this nation and it frustrates me beyond belief.
The next song on the playlist, ‘Travelin’ Band’ by CCR, is another upbeat song and although the lyrics really have no relation to me, the tone and atmosphere of the song always get me out of whatever funk I may be in. The same goes for the next two songs, ‘Goldie’ by A$AP Rocky and ‘Trouble on My Mind’ by Pusha T and Tyler, the Creator. Those last two songs also help me invasion my self as a ruthless thug that has a lot of money. And really, who doesn’t want to imagine themselves as such a being?
‘I am the Walrus’ by the Beatles is next on the playlist. This song by John Lennon was written as a joke to confuse all people trying to find genuine meaning in Beatles songs. I think its funny and I think I can be funny at times too, just like the Beatles.
Walrus is followed by ‘Bad Moon Rising’ by CCR. I chose this song to follow ‘Walrus’ because it hints that every good thing is followed by something dark. I feel that that is an idea that everyone can relate to.
‘The Instrumental’ by Lupe Fiasco is about a kid trapped inside a metaphorical box and he can’t find his way out because the “man” in charge won’t allow him to think outside of it. This song is similar to ‘Trapped In My Mind’ by Kid Cudi but in the latter, Cudi seems to enjoy it. I am a fairly introverted person and I too enjoy being alone sometimes. ‘Efflictem’ by Kid Cudi is another dark song but this one speaks of what legacy one leaves behind once they have passed away. I chose this song because I hope to one day do something great and be remembered not for who I was but what I was able to accomplish for others.
Finally, I chose the song ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ by the honorable Bob Dylan simply because it is the greatest song ever recorded.
I apologize for going over 500 hundred words. I deleted half this post to get it down to 590 words and still feel there is so much more to say. Oh well, enjoy.
