Soundtrack to My Heart
In the wake of this most recent romantic fender bender, I turned to an old friend - music.
My history of using music as a balm is long. In high school, I was known for my mixes (CDs, not mix tapes. I’m not that old!). I had one for days of the week (“Manic Monday”, “Friday I’m in Love”, “Easy Like Sunday Morning”). I made a 5 volume set for my counselors-in-training summer. And of course, I had a “Crush Mix” with all the butterflies-and-daydreams crush songs on it. If I ever unearth that CD in my parent’s basement, I’ll happily share the playlist.
In my early days of Spotify, I made a playlist called “Catharsis Induction”, that was designed to make me cry whenever I needed to lubricate the ol’ tear ducts. Though ‘inducing catharsis’ at the drop of a hat has been useful, I think it’s time to make a new playlist. I want to tailor the listening experience to the particulars of the moment, instead of having a general crying playlist. Specifically in moments like these, I need a soft voice to tell me that this road of heartache has been well trod before.
So please enjoy this playlist, made entirely of Willie Nelson’s heartbreak songs. I especially recommend “Hello Walls”, “Mr. Record Man”, and “To Make A Long Story Short (She’s Gone)” if you aren’t familiar with his delicate touch, cute conceits, and plain spoken songwriting style.
Shotgun Willie is the one man I know I can safely leave my heart with.