The idea for this post came to me shortly after LB and I went to see Donnie and Marie Osmond in concert.  I LOVED that concert and wrote about the experience which you can read here.

At the close of the concert LB bought one of Donnie’s CDs which was titled

The Soundtrack of My Life.  Donnie chose songs that gave him happy memories of different times in his life.  Inside the jacket was a little snippet about each song included in the CD.

Music has always been a big part of my life and there are many songs that take me back and bring a smile.

This is the soundtrack of MY life:

1. Downtown

Donnie’s first song was “My Cherie Amour” [by Stevie Wonder] because it was the first album he ever purchased as an 11 year old.  My first song came out of the 60’s and was sung by Petula Clark.  Apparently this was the first song I learned and I would sing it aloud.  As a little girl I remember the album that Daddy would play and hearing this song many times.

I still like to sing along.

2. The Bare Necessities

I have ALWAYS been a fan of Disney movies.  As a little girl one of my favorites was The Jungle Book.  It was one of the many that I saw in the movie theater…probably the Edgewood Theater.  I had this vinyl record that included songs and dialogue from the movie and a bonus read along book.

I LOVED it!

3. Girl

It happened in 1971.  The Brady Bunch episode was called “Getting Davy Jones”.  I wouldn’t know it until reruns became a thing, but I wanted to be Marcia Brady and I had a crush on Davy Jones just like Marcia.

Marcia Marcia Marcia.

This performance is Davy Jones’ at his cutest!

4. I Write the Songs

I was in love with Barry Manilow… as much as a nine year old can be.  It was 1975 when I heard Barry Manilow sing this on television while I was at Mema and Papa Duck’s house.  It was probably my Aunt Debbie’s influence, she was the aunt closest to my age and I always liked what she liked.  I remember listening to her Barry Manilow album.  I Write the Songs was written by Beach Boys member Bruce Johnston. and has been rumored to be about Brian Wilson, but Johnson explained that he actually wrote it about ‘where music comes from’.  God is the “I” in I Write the Songs (source).

Why was I in love with Barry Manilow?  Lord have mercy.

My Mama always said he looks like a lizard.

5. Sixteen Candles

Sweet Sixteen in 1982.  That morning of my 16th birthday, I walked into the kitchen/family room to the sounds of this song.  My daddy thought it would be a nice way to start my day.  He was right, and I’ve never forgotten.

Later in 1984 Sixteen Candles starring Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall would become one of my favorites movies.

6. Happy Happy Birthday Baby

The birthday morning tradition would continue when I decided that every birthday should include a serenade.  I began playing “Happy Happy Birthday Baby” by the Tune Weavers for my kids on the morning of their birthday.  When LB introduced me to Ronnie Milsap’s version of the song, I was hooked.

7. Maneater

Don’t jump to conclusions.  I’m not claiming to be a Maneater.

My taste improved.  Bye Bye Barry.  Tall, slim, blonde, and handsome Daryl Hall sings the lead in this song that was released in 1982.  I love to listen to Hall & Oates’ music and could’ve included any of their songs in my list.  But I included this one because I remember my sister singing it when we were on the bus while on choir tour.  I recall that she was scolded for vocalizing such a worldly tune.  Its true that it isn’t the kind of song to be singing while touring with a church youth choir, but its still a catchy tune.

8. The Doxology

Changing course… Hard RIGHT turn… Every Sunday morning following the offertory special (the music played during the collection of the church’s tithes and offerings), the congregation would stand together and sing “The Doxology”.  There were times that I was irritated with this tradition.  Today I can say with all honesty that I would LOVE to be a part of that church again.

9. Footloose

The year was 1984 and Kevin Bacon was a rising star.  I loved him in my favorite soap opera The Guiding Light and in the movie Footloose.  The movie and song were both popular in 1984, the year I graduated from high school.

10. Something To Talk About

At various times in my life, I’ve made one mess or another and given people something to talk about.  Fortunately God’s grace and mercy are greater than any of my messes.

11. Saved

A special hymn that can be heard at any traditional Baptist church service, a favorite of my Daddy’s, also sung at his funeral.  

This song was written in 1911 by J.P. (Jack) Scholfield after attending a revival meeting in Gonzales, Texas. Mordecai Ham was preaching on the subject, “Christ our Refuge.” In the congregation was a man that had killed 4 men.  The man listened to Ham explain that the Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament are a type of Christ, who is a refuge for sinners and offers eternal forgiveness for all who will flee to Him.  Sitting there in his seat, the sinner found Christ as his refuge.  He jumped up from his seat and shouted, “Saved! Saved! Saved!”

J.P. (“Jack”) was so inspired that he composed both the lyrics and music for this song (source).

I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me, His love is ever true;
I love to tell how He lifted me and what His grace can do for you.

Refrain

Saved by His power divine, saved to new life sublime!
Life now is sweet and my joy is complete, for I’m saved, saved, saved!

He saves me from every sin and harm, secures my soul each day;
I’m leaning strong on His mighty arm; I know He’ll guide me all the way. (Refrain)

When poor and needy and all alone, in love He said to me,
“Come unto Me and I’ll lead you home, to live with Me eternally.” (Refrain)

12. Thanks

My most recent addition, this is the song I like to hear before I go to bed on Sunday night.  It reminds me that I have every reason to be thankful.

What is the soundtrack of YOUR life?

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.