The story of a relationship: a silly playlist
All the stories pop songs tell, in sequence
(1) The longing for love:
Joan Armatrading – Love And Affection
(2) They meet.
Through luck …
The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping (lyrics starts 0:40)
… or or the girl goes for it …
… or the guy:
Rod Stewart – Da Ya Think I’m Sexy – Remixed by Halou
or the modern, modern world:
Chainsmokers – Selfie [Random fact. The voice in the song is the voice of the woman wearing the cheetah dress. VERY random fact. ]
(3) Things are great!!!
That glorious, wonderful, amazing, lifechanging morning when you wake up and realise you’ve fallen in love. (The money riff starts around 3:15)
Lazy Sunday mornings just enjoying each other, nothing to do, no problems, life is just good:
Gretchen Peters – Sunday Morning (Up And Down My Street)
(4) They marry. The inlaws are pretty crazy:
(5) They honeymoon, exploring life together, exploring the world together, going to amazing places TOGETHER, having amazing experiences for the first time, TOGETHER!! Life is ecstasy, breathtaking.
Sarah Brightman – You Take My Breath Away
Sex is great:
Touch & Go – Straight To…Number One
Patti Smith Group – Because the Night
(6) Oh dear. Trouble in paradise.
Deception:
Yes, there’s another woman, and she’s real pushy:
(7) You-and-me talks that end with that tense silence:
Worse and worse:
Oysterband – Love will tear us apart
(8) They separate. Vengeful horror.
Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know
(9) But you know what? The flame still lives. Maybe unbelievable but it does.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Hate Myself For Loving You
Olivia Rodrigo – Bad idea. right?
(10) They give therapy a try:
Melanie – Psychotherapy – Live
and they learn that love is a process, not a possession:
Sarah Anderson – For All We Know (Spotify)
(11) And counselling works! Which happily can indeed happen. So, happy ending. Call me wise, call me intuitive, call me far-seeing, but somehow I just knew all along.
“This human being is a guest house: every morning, a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness; some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, Still, treat each guest honourably. He may be clearing your out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. Jelaluddin Rumi ”
– Jelaluddin Rumi