Thursday, 21 April 2016 22:50
Life is Just a Party, and Parties Weren't Meant to Last
Written by Sylvia Anderson"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to get through this thing called life."
Music shapes our lives.
Almost everyone has a favorite song, or a song that brings you back to a memorable time in your life.
There might be a handful of songs you’ll never forget the lyrics to, no matter how long it’s been since you heard them.
You may have a favorite soundtrack (I have many) or immediately think of a movie when you hear a certain tune. For me, the movie Pretty Woman always comes to mind when I hear Prince’s song, Kiss… you know, that scene where Julia Roberts is in the big bathtub, headphones on, oblivious to Richard Gere watching her rock out in the bubbles.
There are also iconic artists.
We lost David Bowie earlier this year, Merle Haggard, Phife Dawg, Joey Feek, Maurice White, Glenn Frey, just to name a few.
Yesterday, we lost another.
2016 is not shaping up to be a kind year for musicians.
Being from MN, I have a special place in my heart for Prince. He’s one of the many celebrated individuals from my home state to rise to fame, alongside such greats as Judy Garland, Bob Dylan, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and arguably, the Cohen Brothers.
Perhaps my affinity to Prince was that he was such an influential musical force for my generation. How many times “back in the day” did I rock out to 1999, Little Red Corvette, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain?
Too many to count.
Too many plus one more, as I turned up Kiss and belted it out on my way to the gym, tears falling.
My generation takes a solid blow, but I do believe his music also crossed many generations and impacted people of all ages.
Hearing of his death created an instant void; a similar reaction when news of the untimely deaths of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston hit my ears.
Facebook and Twitter lit up with people sharing stories of the times they’d seen him perform or what his music meant to them. The essence was shock, disbelief, confusion… then acceptance; and then mourning.
Whether it’s Prince or some other artist who has been a musical light in your life, a ditty, melody, tune, number, track, anthem, hymn… whatever you choose to call it, can bring joy and beauty to an existence otherwise unsung.
But, alas… “Life is just a party, and parties weren't meant to last.”
Good night, sweet Prince.
Tagged under
Sylvia Anderson
Originally from Minnesota, Sylvia moved to California for the sun, sand and warm temperatures. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English and Communications, both of which she has put to good use in her work with RadioMD as Senior Editor.
Her past work, including articles, editorials and blogs, has been published nationwide - online and in various print publications.
Sylvia truly believes in taking health seriously! From nutrition and physical fitness to alternative therapies, Sylvia credits her incredible wellness to living a healthy lifestyle. And, as one of the editors of RadioMD, she feels lucky to be able to learn something new about health each and every day.