What is the soundtrack of your life? In moments of self-reflection or melancholic exercise, I remember those songs at certain milestones in my life. If my life is a movie, this playlist reflects the ups and downs of a life marked by challenges and disappointments and triumphs and resilience. Songs like "You Are" by Lionel Richie and "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart are musical counterpoints in my life.
As Carole King wrote: "My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue. An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view". Perhaps one day, I will elaborate more on my life's playlist; not as colorful as a celebrity's, indeed not as scandalous.
Favorite musical soundtrack from non-musicals
Over the years, some movie and tv theme songs have captured my attention, sometimes mutating (no pun intended with the current Omicron problem) from their original issue. The songs below achieved their fame or notoriety. They have become my personal playlist of soundtracks from non-musical films.
THE ENTIRE "SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE" SOUND TRACK
I enjoy movie musicals, but I also love when great songs emerge from non-musical films. Sometimes, the musical soundtrack defines the movie or tv show. The story becomes richer and more powerful because the music provides the backdrop to one or more scenes in the show. The cinematic experience is enlivened by melodies that speak to the soul.
About ten years ago, I found my old VHS tape of the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan romantic comedy "Sleepless in Seattle" that I bought in 1993. I rediscovered Louie Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, and the rest of the gang. I plopped myself on my most comfortable chair and sang along with the music, even chuckling at the song, "Making Whoopee." Twenty-eight years since the movie about Sam, Annie, Jonah, Dr. Marsha, and the Empire Street Building, I am still watching. This has been an annual tradition for me during the holidays.
Some critics may dismiss this rom-com as cheesy and simplistic. Honestly, I don't know what I love more, this story or the music. Still, I love it for its quirkiness, its whimsy and magic, its unrelenting message of romance, and love the second time around with the melodies perfect for every scene. This is an anomaly in itself because I love every single song in this movie. Most of the time, only one song in a film would appeal to me.
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“YOU DON'T OWN ME” from the movie First Wives Club
This was a triumphant declaration of Women Power; a female anthem, if you will, of overcoming rejection and betrayal and of living life to the fullest.
“OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL” from the movie Risky Business
Tom Cruise in his boxers. Enough said.
“I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER” from My Best Friend's Wedding
Just a giddy sing-along in a restaurant. Karaoke heaven. I can easily envision myself joining in. Can somebody start this in my key, please?
“TWIST AND SHOUT” from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Imagine taking over a parade float and having everybody bopping along to a beautifully lip-synced version of the Beatles hit. Sway your hips, flail your arms with wide abandon, just twist and shout.
Sounds good to have the whole crowd just enjoying the music. Way before Covid-19 pushed for physical distancing and masks.
“UNCHAINED MELODY” from Ghost
“HOW DID YOU KNOW?” from the movie All My Life
“IKAW AT AKO” (You and I) from the movie Hello, Love, Goodbye
A promise for a forever love between two overseas foreign workers (OFWs) in Hongkong. I am impatiently waiting for a sequel.
My favorite quotes from the movie:
Ethan: Kung mahal mo ako, bakit hindi ako ang piliin mo, Joy? (If you love me, why don't you choose me, Joy?)
Joy: Kung mahal mo ako, bakit pinapapili mo ako? (If you love me, why do you ask me to choose?)
Cue in the music, and the tears (mine) fall.
“YOURS” from the Korean TV series Jirisan
Fangirling aside, Jin infuses his songs with emotions; his voice telling a story. I am mesmerized.
