Ah, the 90's . . what a wonderful phrase. A time where denim on denim was chic and platform shoes weren't part of a Halloween costume. A time where cell phones and computers were just an up and coming craze. The most memorable thing to come out of the 90's though? MUSIC. There is nothing that puts me in a better mood than listening to some major throwbacks. Yet, as I get older, I realize these songs I listened to as a child actually relate to my life now.
For example:
1. Tubthumping by Chumbawamba (1997)
Important lyrics: "I get knocked down, but I get up again
you are never gonna keep me down"
This song was written as a political message, and as a child I often questioned the title of this song. For years I couldn't find it, but I never forgot the catchy chorus. That being said, every time I get a test grade back, this chorus seems to pop into my head. It could honestly relate to any life situation though where you feel like you're being treated poorly by someone.
2. All Star by Smash Mouth (1999)
Important lyrics: "Didn't make sense not to live for fun, your brain
gets smart, but your head gets dumb"
It was really hard to find just ONE lyric in this song since I feel the whole thing is pretty relatable. We are still so young, and at such a young age, the world puts so much pressure on us to grow up. Sometimes, all you need to is just cut lose and live a little - have some fun!
3. Don't Speak by No Doubt (1995)
Important lyrics: "I really feel I'm losing my best friend, I can't believe this could be the end. . ."
I had to slow it down for a second because to this day, I feel Don't Speak is such a powerful break-up anthem. As a child, I just thought Gwen Stefani was a pretty girl with a unique voice. I didn't realize until I was older the message of this song. It really showcases the emotions of losing a lover and a best friend all at the same time and not wanting to hear them say they don't want you anymore. I'm pretty sure you've been in a relationship that you knew was coming to an end, but you didn't want to accept it.
4. Wonderwall by Oasis (1995)
Important lyrics: "By now you should have somehow realized what you gotta do, I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now"
I'm going to be honest and say that as a child, I didn't think this song was anything to other than a catchy tune. The band has stated that it was written about an imaginary friend that is going to come and save you from yourself or a big problem you're facing in your life. However, I view the song as someone being afraid to tell another person how they feel because they're too shy or insecure. In a way, they need the person they're interested in to save them. Either way, I feel like the song can relate to me now as an adult because we all sometimes feel like we need saving.
5. I Want It That Way by The Backstreet Boys (1999)
Important lyrics: "But we, are two worlds apart, can't reach to your heart when you say, that I want it that way"
There was no way The Backstreet Boys weren't going to make this list (sorry *nsync fans!). As a little girl, I remember my friend's older sister listening to this song and like most of the songs on this list, I thought it had a great beat but nothing more. When I got a little older, I realized that it focuses on couple in a strained relationship. I am sure at some point in your life you've been in a relationship where things got a little rocky. But who always had your back? The Backstreet Boys, of course (even with their frosted tipped hair).
All of these songs are such classics because even 20+ years later, they can STILL relate to our emotions. At 8 years old I never thought the music I was listening to would be the music I turned to years later to get over a breakup, dance around to with my friends, or to just simply put me in a good mood. Yet, here I am finally understanding what these bands have been singing about all these years.
