Songs of My Soul

Picking one type of music for me would be impossible. I definitely have my favorites and things that I would rather pass on but so many different genres speak to me.

As I write this, I’m sitting in a tee from Rent which I have mentioned so many times in varying posts. I love the show, all of the different styles and personalities who mesh because of love. And I totally own my diva persona.

That said….as much as I love Broadway shows, I am a rock and roll girl at heart. I think it is genetic. My grandmother was a member of the Elvis Presley fan club because she thought he was sexy. My parents got up on the dance floor every time Proud Mary was played. In fact, we had to make sure the band played it at our wedding reception just for them.

There are so many rock bands that are great that I could write a book on my relationship with most of their music. But, the first band that I really connected with was Styx. No, no, no, not the weird Kilroy Was Here time. We all try to forget that sad chapter.

If Snake had to pick a Styx song that described me, it would be Renegade, hands down. And, yes, I know that seems like a really odd choice but I love the song. The quiet beginning and then the yell which leads into some amazing riffs and rhythms. I would love to sound very knowledgeable and technical, but really, I am a renegade.

I am a rebellious person at heart. You tell me that I have to do something and I will find every possible way to avoid it or do it my own way. I get very twitchy when I have to conform to social mores where I can’t be myself. So, it is my song. And it always makes me feel sexy and happy to put it on, dance and belt out at the top of my lungs.

And the Supernatural episode when they played it at the end….OMG. Jensen, Jared and Styx is a winning combination.

They have been together in various formations since the early 1970s and are still putting out new music. Trying to pick out just a few examples was a challenge but here are a few that I feel are so universal.

The best of times are when I’m alone with you
Some rain some shine, we’ll make this a world for two
Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime
We’ll take the best, forget the rest
And someday we’ll find these are the best of times
These are the best of times

The Best of Times–Styx

There’s that feeling. A world apart that protects from the world at large.

Take me tonight to the river
And wash my illusions away
Please, show me the way

Show Me The Way–Styx

Asking for help… sharing that vulnerability. So hard.

So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because your neighbors got it made
Just remember that it’s a Grand illusion
And deep inside we’re all the same.

The Grand Illusion–Styx

This was released in 1977–still so relevant.

Another year has passed me by
Still I look at myself and cry
What kind of man have I become?
All of the years I’ve spent in search of myself
And I’m still in the dark
‘Cause I can’t seem to find the light alone

Man in the Wilderness–Styx

We all need someone to be that light for us sometimes. And, if we are lucky, we can be that light for someone else.

Radio silence (it’s all on me)
No communication
Radio silence
Anybody, can you hear me?

Radio Silence–Styx

The feeling of not being heard, being invisible. Screaming into the void and hearing just an echo.

Music is such a powerful communication tool. Lyrics, notes and feelings that can transcend a generation and still have meaning. They are still packing houses with kids and grandkids of their original fans and that’s pretty exciting. And, dammit, Tommy Shaw still looks hot doing it.

[Snake: And we won’t even get into what Cherry Pie causes to happen around here. ]

***However, now another piece of me is screaming that I just left Pink out in the cold and I play her stuff constantly. So expect another post about how her music makes me feel…***