Remember the mix tape? That little musical gift you’d give to someone special to tell them how you felt? I can’t say I ever got one. But I heard about them a lot from other people. I see the appeal of the mix tape. Sometimes music better expresses our feelings than we can. It can contain memories of your firsts together as a couple. It can speak to that special someone, telling them how you feel about them and your relationship.
In a time of digital downloads and iPods, I wonder if people still make mix tapes (or CDs). Do we still take the time to compile music to tell that special person how we feel? Music has always been an important part of my life and I like to use it to express myself. So, if I were to make a mix tape for a “hypothetical” special girl, these are the songs I’d include. Of course, I’d also include an explanation of why I’m including the song because I can be a bit…verbose.
I’ve included links to videos where they were available instead of embedding them on the page. Why cause the page to load even slower than it usually does, right?
Whatever You Want – Tina Turner
We’ve both been through a lot and have a lot of insecurities and fears as a result. But we can get through them better together. I’m not one to walk away just because things get tough. You know this about me. You also know that I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to be ready. You just have to trust me and turn to me when you need help or are scared. I’ll always be there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPuMvDMGiKY
Hard to Say I’m Sorry – Chicago
No relationship is free of hurt, stupidity, or careless words. Ours will be no exception. It won’t be hard for either of us to say “sorry”…the problem will be forgiving ourselves when we hurt each other. If we sit around kicking ourselves for past hurts or are always worried we might hurt each other, we’ll just go crazy. It will happen. And as long as we talk about, say we’re sorry, and move on, we’ll be fine. The love we share is more important and will help us through any hurdles we encounter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEwNcnklcsk
An Uncommon Love – k.d. lang and Carole King
When you’ve been hurt or lost someone, finding the strength to love again can be really hard. But if you do find someone to love and who loves you, you have to take the chance. It won’t be easy and there will be times you’ll want to run away in an attempt to protect yourself and perhaps the other person. Don’t run. Reach over that wall you’ve put up and grab my hand. We’ll get through it together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7YHR6j2lwI
Wonderful You – Audra McDonald
You came into my life when I least expected it, proving that the best things in life are those we aren’t looking for. You are wonderful and amazing and so many other things. The problem is you don’t always believe it. Take my word for it. You’ve made me happy and brought joy and hope back into my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc7SclKjqHg
I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
This is one of those songs that says it all better than I ever could. Just know that you can count on me for anything. I won’t abandon you. I’ll love you, be faithful and loyal, and protect you. Now that I think about it, I think I just described myself as a dog. I do enjoy belly rubs…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0GC2yPBvlI
Vivo Per Lei – Andrea Bocelli
My Italian is really rusty, so I won’t try to translate. But I don’t think you need it with this song. You know what it means and that it describes how I feel about you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK9OVIF0m6Q
I could go on and on with this. There’s too much music that speaks to me about you. All I know is having you in my life makes it better. No matter what difficulties we might be going through now and in the future, I know that we can get through them TOGETHER. There will be times when you have to lean on me. There will be times when I have to lean on you. Other times, we’ll lean on each other. But isn’t life better when there is someone special in it you can lean on?