Melodies and Memories
Ain’t if funny how an old song can take you back in time
Bring back the memories you thought you’d left behind
The melodies, they never change they just get better with time
Old melodies and memories keep runnin’ through my mind
-Chris LeDoux
Everyone who spends any time with me knows my brain is about 75% song lyrics and movie quotes which I rapidly fire at you whenever I get a chance. I’m not alone, you all have one (or one hundred) stored away yourself. We know songs aren’t the only time machine, voice can trigger memories too.
I recently retired from a long-term career and lost some of my music. There are voices surrounding us that are distinctive and add layers to our personal soundtrack. Maybe it’s the person answering the phone with a smile so big you can hear it down the line. The one with the southern drawl taking your coffee order every morning, or the voices of co-workers becoming such a part of your day you can’t image it without the background sound. But life happens. People get new jobs, promote, retire, and it goes quiet. So silent, you almost forget the way it sounded.
Then, one day you get a call from someone and it’s like crossing the mountains and getting back into broadcast range of your favorite radio station (bear with me all you Sirius XM users, the out-of-range struggle was real) and your music is back! The good times, the remember when’s, those feelings of kinship created by the shared experiences all rush in and you are transported back in time. All of a sudden, you remember the words you had almost forgotten, the melody takes you back.
My career was a road trip, to say the least. Various locations, lots of travel, and many coworkers over the years. Every one added some memories and music to my playlist. Some songs are silent now, some still grate on my nerves, but most of them I still love to hear! Their voices remind me I was not alone; they were right there on the trip with me always ready to join in the harmony. I love the classics of my past but am also looking forward to making new music with Wild Rowz!
If you are starting a career, your young life on your own, or starting over, I want to remind you to take time to listen to the voices of the people around you. Some are offering solid advice based on their own experiences. Some are a little more than static, but overall, it’s your chance to listen and make a choice to dial in and really get the best reception you can. Your coworkers, family, and friends are the pieces of the music that might make you smile down the road when you hear it play again. Take the time to look, listen, and live life! Be a top of the chart hit for someone else, reach out and remember with someone! As the good doctor (Seuss) tells us, you may never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung.
-Bob Dylan