Put together a a musical playlist of songs that describe your life, including what you hope your future entails.
*************************
Well now. Music is a huge thing in my life. Before I could put together such a play list, I’d have to decided what genre to use. Or maybe a mix? I’m pretty eclectic in my music tastes. I’m totally uninterested in rap, hip-hop, heavy metal–in other words, all the latest takes on rock. When I was a kid, rock n’ roll was pretty innocent and easy to sing. My life spans the years when everything changed in the ’60’s and ’70’s. The music kids listen to today seems angry to me, dark and often ugly in its lyrics, and nothing I identify with or understand. I’ve tried, because occassionally I get an older teen in my office who wants me to listen to this or that song that he loves. Usually, in order to understand the words, I have to pull up the lyrics online while I endure the unmusical music. It just doesn’t reach me. Even when the words are clear, they don’t mean much to me. I guess that’s the much-heralded generation gap. 
Anyway. I’d have to decide whether to use classical, pop, movie themes, oldies, or sacred, including gospel. Not contemporary. Like modern rock, there’s just not much there that appeals to me.
I love to play the piano. I couldn’t have lessons when I was a kid because there was just no money, so I taught myself. When I could get my hands on anything other than a hymn book, I would play it over and over until I could master it. I remember when my mom bought me a book of Strauss waltzes. Oh, how I loved that book! I still have it, yellowed pages and torn covers.
Mostly, I played out of the hymnal. I started playing for church when I was around 12. I wasn’t much good, but I was the only show in town sometimes. I used to spend hours playing through the hymnal until I was comfortable playing anything without having to practice ahead of time. Back then, it was common to have “favorites” in the evening service, when people would call out a number from the book and the pianists were expected to be able to play whatever was requested. Eventually, I was able to play lots of songs without having the music in front of me. I don’t really know if it was “playing by ear” or just having it memorized.
So maybe I’d have to stay in the realm of sacred music, but I have no idea how I’d pick songs, out of all the thousands available, that reflect my life in any unique way. I know there have been some songs that have meant more to me at various stages of my life than at others. Probably something I loved when I was ten wouldn’t have any application now that I’m nearly 68.
There is something, though, about the old hymns and gospel songs that still speaks to my heart in a way that nothing else does. The music is generally simple, singable; the words have timeless meaning, based on scriptural truth that never changes.
And that’s about all I have to say this morning.
Just Writing! 
I agree with you about the old hymns, also the old Rock ‘n Roll. Looking back at the (relatively mild) “impure” songs that were banned then—like Gail Garnett’s “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine”—I have to smile (or shake my head.) It’s like the old story of “How to boil a frog.”
I’d likely pick the old hymns, too, as a way of defining my life, going from an un-churched, thoroughly modern teen to being the member of a conservative evangelical church today. Quite a jump!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gospel songs are the first memories I have. The Blackwood Brothers specifically, with Rudy Atwood at the piano. Then the hymns we heard in church; and right along with those, my grandpa singing “Oh Susanna” and “I’ve BeenWorkin’ on the Railroad.” Quite a mix!
LikeLike
That would be! We never went to church, but my folks were avid fans of country singers Jim Reeves, Hank Snow, and later Johnny Cash. The first songs I remember (circa 1958-60) were LP records, sad ballads sung by these first two.
LikeLike
My Grandpa played old-time country western on his truck radio. I actually remember a very nasal rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” when I was probably about five.
LikeLike
Can’t remember all the names, but Kitty Wells was an old favorite of my folks, too, and later Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.
LikeLike
Well put.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: All My Music Posts – Just Writing!
I agree…music that the young listen to now does seem dark, and ugly. I often wonder if they will enjoy that kind of music when they reach our age! I find that hard to believe. I’m thankful that we have had the opportunity to listen to such a wonderful quality of music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve read that the music you loved when you were a preteen will stay with you for life.
LikeLike