Music does things to people. There’s a reason we all wish our lives had a soundtrack. (No? Just me? I feel mine should have a mostly piano backing.)

It can take you back to places from the past. The peppy up-tempo numbers can enhance a good mood or calm you down when you need to relax. Some songs make me think of certain people or situations.

I’m not entirely unconvinced my This is Prematurity piece got recognized simply because it’s got a song to illustrate the story. “Little Talks” reminds me of my grandmother. Barenaked Ladies make me happy (because who doesn’t love barenaked ladies). Don McLean’s American Pie brings me back to high school and Shania Twain’s That Don’t Impress Me Much reminds me of a few people I’ve known (and made me fall in love with country music).

Different moods call for different music.

Two weeks after the muppets were born The Band Perry released their now hit, If I Die Young.

The opening notes felt like a punch to the gut. If I die young. I couldn’t hit the radio stations fast enough. “The sharp knife a short life” stabbing me on a repetitive count of eight. My overly hormonal state had me convinced the universe was trying to prepare me – warning me that “Life ain’t always what you think it ought to be, no/Ain’t even grey, but she buries her baby.”

I’m not a fan of that song. I can tolerate it now. But it’s not really a time I want to journey back to.

One day, I left the afternoon visit. I revved up the MomMobile. A low beat rumbled through the bass speakers that now worked since I had a new car that actually had speakers.

Turn the quiet up, turn the noise down

The muppets were a month old. It was a Saturday. Jon was at work. I put my head down on the steering wheel, tears still in my eyes.

Drink a little drink, smoke a little smoke
Kick back, gives the blues a spin
Break out the wine, forget again

It was catchy.

And suddenly I felt ok. Like things would be ok. It was the first time I can remember really smiling in about two months for no good reason. So. I like Eric Church.

These days me and the little men are rocking out to Carrie Underwood, Mumford and Sons, The Black Keys and Joe Bonamassa.

Because sometimes where words fail, the music speaks.

Where has music taken you? Help me out here – let’s make a playlist of life. We’ll grab a bottle of red – lie around and listen. Back to the future.