Some of the most popular movies in the world may attribute their success to their soundtrack. Music has the inexplicable power to make us feel something. We wept when Celine Dion’s, “My Heart Will Go On” played through the speakers as we watched Jack and Rose stand on the bow of the ship in Titanic. We rejoiced when “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds blared as John Bender threw his fist in the air marching out of Saturday detention in The Breakfast Club. Music connects us to these movies in remarkable ways. So, what is the soundtrack to our own lives? I’ve compiled a list of all the songs that I have played at these times in my life, or plan to play. Here it is:

1. Song my parents always sang to me: “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Countless home videos show me singing this song as little as age four. How could I possibly know all the words? Simply because my parents engraved the lyrics into me at such a young age. This classic Sinatra song was a substantial part of my childhood.

2. First song I played when I got my license “You Are Not A Robot” by Hoodie Allen

This Hoodie Allen song was one of my favorites at age 17. The pressure fell upon me as I buckled my seatbelt in the driver’s side solo for the first time. What would be the perfect song for my first drive alone? I scanned my playlists and chose “You Are Not A Robot” confidently.

3.) Song I danced to at prom: “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes

My senior prom was something I looked forward to since middle school. Through finding a dress, getting my hair and makeup done, and taking unspeakable amounts of pictures, everything came together when “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes sounded through the hall of our Gatsby themed prom.

4. Song I played after graduation: “The Spins” by Mac Miller

As me and my best friend Annie wiped our eyes and rejoiced at the fact that we had graduated high school, we hopped in my car and knew exactly what song we had to listen to. Windows down, sun beaming, we listened to “The Spins” by Mac Miller, a song that precisely expressed the bliss we felt at that very moment.

5. Song I listened to when I left my friends for college: “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart

As August rolled around and we knew our time was running out, my friends and I gathered for a usual hangout. The energy was different though, our days together were numbered. “Rivers and Roads” began playing over the speakers and we spoke of our amazing experiences we’ve shared. High school was over and we were being separated for the first time in our lives, and this song by The Head and the Heart exercised our bittersweet outlooks on this new endeavor.

6. First Heartbreak: “Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers

Everyone has their heart broken every once and awhile, and the words of this Lumineers track leave me thinking. “It’s better to feel pain, than nothing at all…” Feeling something is better than feeling nothing. Our lives are shaped by these experiences and we grow from this hurt.

7. Future Wedding Song: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

I’ve always admired the romantic feel this Eric Clapton song offers. It’s hard for a girl not to envision her wedding day, possibly one of the most special days in her life, and the song she will dance to with her husband. I can only hope that one day I will surrounded by my family and friends, swaying to this song with my soulmate.

8. Song to listen to when I'm sad: “Beach Baby” by Bon Iver

This song is without a doubt one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. The combination of vocal harmonies and the soft instrumentals in this track has made it the perfect song to listen to when I’m looking for a peaceful aura.

9. Song to make me feel alive: “Sweet Disposition” by Temper Trap

“Sweet Disposition” is the song that makes you roll down your windows, let your hair flow freely, and soak in what you’re experiencing in that very moment. You can’t help but feel your heart pulsing in your chest and the energy radiating around you. This is the song that makes you appreciate your existence.

10. Song to listen to when I’m happy: “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Riders

If you ever need a song to get everyone up dancing, “Come on Eileen” is absolutely an admirable option. The minute my college friends and I hear this song, we are all belting our hearts like we’re on American Idol, and bouncing around the room, disregarding the fact that we all look like idiots.

11. Song to listen to while reminiscing: “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” by Coldplay

I am a huge Coldplay fan and admire all their fantastic music, but one song sticks out to me. “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” leaves me nostalgic about all the wonderful things I’ve experienced in my life, and all the opportunities I’ve been blessed with. Getting sentimental is easy as long as this song is playing.

12. Song that will be played religiously at my future house: “Mr. Jones” by the Counting Crows

One of my all-time favorite songs, “Mr. Jones” by the Counting Crows, was played in my house for as long as I can remember. As I got older I began to appreciate this song, analyzing the lyrics and becoming familiar with other Counting Crows music. My favorite line, “I want to be a lion, everyone wants to pass as cats…” I want my children to live with this mentality. Aim high and dream big.