Whenever I go out with my similarly aged friends, it is painfully obvious that I am not able to jam to the new songs on the radio. To say it kindly, I am a little pop-culturally challenged or an "oldie" at heart. This dilemma can possibly be attributed to being so focused on schoolwork or hobbies. I never made the time to educate myself in pop culture. Alas, my musical tastes tend to halt in the early 2000's and I am not really aware of anything else past that. Do not get me wrong, I know beats/jingles and can tap my foot to a groove, but there is no way I could play any of the "Just Dance" or "Name that tune" games in this newfangled generation. I am a little embarrassed to say that I may know every word to a song, but I do not know artists or titles. Also, I currently do not keep up with an iTunes account. Gasp. Suppose someone out there is saying "Hey there. That's me." Well wayward son, this article is for you.
What is normal anyway? Who says I have to listen to Selena Gomez, Kayne West or Demi Lavato's new music? Give me Backstreet Boys, Raven Symone, Avril Lavigne or Vanessa Carlton anyday and l will be happy as a clam. I like Taylor Swift's old albums the best, and for pete's sake the Beatles will always hold a special place in my heart. I can still hear the opening lines of "Here Comes the Sun" from my first grade music warmup (kudos to Mr. Stein).
I also like to sing. Even when I do not want to, sometimes it just comes out. It is a knee jerk reaction, an itch that can only be scratched in a certain spot. Sometimes, people kind of look at me like "Do you know every word to this song?" Why, yes, yes I do. I still take pride in memorizing "Teardrops on my Guitar" by Taylor Swift as I fell asleep every night in middle school. I jam in the car, in the shower, wherever. The heart wants what the heart wants. In this case, it is older pop songs that appear on Pandora when you least expect it.
When it comes to this particular subject, dear oldies, you just have to live your life. You should have the confidence to be yourself and that radiance should be shared with others. You are special in all your non-current musical tastes as well as your surviving ones. Surely, some kind-loving soul is out there to share your unspoken love of the Spice Girls. You, my friend, have the power to make a difference. You have the power to bring these wonderful pieces of artistry back. Hilary Duff may not performing to a large crowd of teeny-boppers anymore, but you can keep it alive and well in your heart.
Let it be. Let it be. There will be an answer. Let it be.
