Most people have at least one song that means something, right? That on hearing will transport them back in time, to a moment in their memory that’s so clear and sharp you may as well be back there for real.
One of my such songs is Mr Brightside.
A classic, iconic, feel good song. One that can’t help but get people up dancing, singing and shouting.
I absolutely adore it, but it will always remind me of the man who broke my heart (a little bit).
We were in his car driving up to Scotland, heading off to climb some mountains. It was a weekend away and I was excited beyond belief. I had my feet up on the dashboard (I’d never been allowed to do that in my husband’s car) the sun was shining and we were singing along to that song at the top of our voices.
I felt so carefree and happy. Oh so happy.
After that moment I’d hear Mr Brightside and be taken back to that feeling.
A few months later though, and the lyrics took on an all-too-real meaning:
“Now they’re going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it’s all in my head
But she’s touching his chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go
And I just can’t look, it’s killing me”
Every time from then on, and I mean every time, that’s the first thing I remember. Not that carefree feeling on the car journey, but that gut-wrenching feeling of knowing someone you like is with someone else.
The feeling has dulled somewhat now, all these years later, but the memory still remains and is triggered like a pavlovian response as soon as those opening notes are heard.
The Paps Life 