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Variations on your theme (song)At the beginning of a work week, I usually need more than coffee to get me moving. In fact, any time I’m required to do something constructive before 10 a.m., caffeine alone doesn’t suffice. But I have a secret weapon and her name is Aretha. Ms. Aretha Franklin, to be exact.
I got to have a little “Respect.” (Just a little bit.) And all I have to do is hear the first few bars to remember I have it, at least from myself. I consider “Respect” my theme song. Silly? Maybe. But it works. The idea of a personal theme song certainly isn’t new, but I hadn’t thought of it until the Ally McBeal episode in which Ally’s therapist, Dr. Tracy Clark (played by Tracey Ullman), advises her to get her own theme song. That piece of advice actually worked for me — it’s one of my favorite memories of Ally. Besides this, of course:
If you watched the show, you may recall that Ally's theme song was “Tell Him” by The Exciters. (Does anyone know the story behind this music video? It's weird.) That song pretty much summed up what Ally wanted out of life: a man to love. A personal theme song catches your ear every time you hear it. It’s probably the most played song on your iPod. It may give a little lift to your walk — or make you stop and think. And no matter who else claims it, you know the tune is uniquely yours. Some people choose theme songs that feature their names. My friend Jude claims “Hey Jude”; my former coworker Barbara (whose middle name you can probably guess) chose “Barbara Ann”; and Lisa told me her theme song was “Lisa,” which she then proceeded to sing as she danced away. I have no idea if she was singing the N-Toon song or the Prince tune, or perhaps another “Lisa” that I don’t know, but obviously it makes her happy. Another friend, Chris, chose her theme song nine years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She says “I Will Survive” works whether she’s surviving a new school year, a breakup or a week with her family. You go, Chris. Kathy, who has a beautiful new baby with partner Dawn, quite aptly cites “What a Wonderful World” as her theme. (I bet the line about hearing babies cry has a whole new meaning at 3 a.m.) AfterEllen.com blogger StuntDouble has a personal theme song I’d never heard: “Simple Life” by The Weepies. What an awesome song! If I were in love, I might have to consider rotating ring tones.
AfterEllen.com blogger carolinagrrrl has several, but claims Alica Keys’ “Superwoman” as her current personal song — unless she’s ticked off, in which case it’s Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch.” Let’s keep carolinagrrrl happy, mmkay? Take it, Ms. Keys. How about you? What tune do you never tire of, and always relate to? What melody makes you feel better about the world and yourself? What’s your personal theme song? Submitted by on July 14, 2008 - 9:00am. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media
Breakaway
Here here!
That song is awesome!! Of course the singer is incredible so it may have a little to do with it....
Song
"Be the Girl" by Aslyn
Heaven Is A Place On Earth
changing themesongs
I have to say that mine changes sometimes, right now it's "Fever" performed by sara ramirez because that's what she gives me when I look at her. then there is melissa etheridge's "The different" and "Refugee", which I love. Maroon5's "She will be loved" is one of those too because I just get what the song is about and I love the video and it reminds me of my first real crush who was too old for me but I just wanted to love her. Madonna's "what it feels like for a girl". I should really decide on one, but I love them all, so *shrugs*
http://babydyke.blogspot.com/ - my take on all things lesbian
Ooh, great topci!
Hit Me With Your Best Shot was always mine growing up. I loved listening to it, especially before sports games and stuff.
Mine is definitely...
Defying Gravity from Wicked... "I'm through accepting limits, cause someone says they're so, some things I cannot change, but til I try I'll never know".
I won't rest til I've persuaded my singing teacher to teach me it.
All about the Ting Tings
personal theme song
Also, it reminds me that the world isn't such a bad place after all, if you look at it in another angle...
Good song!
Weepies
New Fan
The Beatles
Patti Smith Sings the Theme Song of my Life
In my younger days when I am more angsty and thought I was a rebel, I thought "Gloria" was it - especially the way it opened with, "Jesus died for somebody's sin/But not mine"
Later in life I found myself adopting "dancing barefoot" - its spirit of exultation and joy in life. I decided that this is the way I want to live my life.
Gloria
God save the QueenSpice Girls
Ok...I can't believe I'm admitting this for all to see. But the song that gets me through the day is "Who Do You Think You Are" by the Spice Girls. I like the retro feel of the song, and I think Mel C is very good singer.
Deborah Cox
Absolutely Not-
I first heard this in the fall of 2003, which was the year I came out to myself. I had two lesbian roommates, and spent a lot of time and money at drag shows. This was probably the most popular anthem at the time, and I heard it over and over and over again, but it never failed to put a spring in my step and a lump in my throat. I loved the level of bravery it took to get up on stage and say "Take me or leave me- if you don't like it, don't look!" And in Spokane, no less, not a city well-known for its liberal views, overall.
I still really relate to the lyrics with regards to my family and all of the other ignorant people I've met over the years. The kind who call me Sir just because I have short hair and shun dresses.
Frou Frou!
Frou Frou - Must Be Dreaming
It never failes to invoke instant happiness in me.
for me it´s "searching my
Clarity
My theme is definitely Clarity by John Mayer. The song has everything: inspiring and thought-provoking lyrics, a catchy melody and it's the kind of song that sounds great both acousticly and with a full band. I never tire of hearing it :D
~*~ Michelle ~*~
In college, me and my
In college, me and my roommate came up with a song that would make us happy no matter how pissed off, depressed or tired we were. That song is 'Emotions' by Mariah Carey. It still works.
smithsayswhat.blogspot.com"Dress" by PJ Harvey
The acoustic recording of "dress" by PJ Harvey.
Whether I've got some really bad or some really good news, I listen to it and it feels so good. It feels like home, which I guess is how a theme song should feel.
I also like the album version of it but the acoustic version is the one that really goes that extra mile for me.
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Taking off - the novel, coming soon. Starring Katie, a lesbian in London...
In the meanwhile, you can read reviews of films and books with lesbian/bi characters and/or taking place in London at www.takingoff.org
PJ Harvey
For me it'd be "Electric Light."
The beauty of her
Under electric light
The beauty of her
Under electric light
Tears my heart out
Every time
Beautiful things, especially girls, are always tearing my heart out.
But really, almost any PJ song would do.
32 Flavors by Ani DiFranco
Pony by Erin McCarley
Pony by Erin McCarley
That song never fails to cheer me up and make me feel better for the days to come.
Piece of my Heart as sung
Piece of my Heart as sung by Melissa Etheridge. God, if you all haven't watched her performance at the Grammys in 2005 while she was still bald from chemo, go find it on youtube. It's chilling. When she says "I'm gonna show you baby, a woman can be tough" it's just adorable and poignant and awesome all at the same time.
-Ang
Grammy performance
Control.
In college, it was the first time I found myself with a theme song and it was Janet Jackson's "Control."
Now, it changes a lot...like Nelfy mentioned...and for me, it depends upon my mood. And lately here...I have been putting the lyrics to my theme song as my bio! lol :P
Lyrics.
I do that with my Myspace. I hate filling in bios or 'about me' sections for profiles so, I just put whatever song lyrics suit me at the time.
And if I hadn't just recently lost all my library stats for my iTunes, I could share my most played song(s). But, oh well.
Currently, I'm find myself relating to "Train" by 3 Doors Down:
Put me on a train mama
This place just aint the same no more
Put me on a train mama
I'm leavin' today
I don't wanna watch the world spinnin'
I wanna be spinnin' with it
Put me on a train mama
I'm leavin today
Cause I got the fever that's for sure
And to know that I can get it makes me want it more
Mama I just want you to know that I'm gonna be fine
Lord I know it's the chance that I take
But I know you've forgiven the mistakes that I made
There's a life out there and it's gonna be mine
-------------------
~It means pride.~
My theme song (at the moment)
The Real Thing by Jill Scott
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAAV8EWrLXw
Lyrics:
You gotta do right by me,its mandatory baby
Sweeter than your favorite ice cream be,
bask in my glory baby
Don't play no games,that'll ruin thangs
And make me leave ya,or mistreat ya and you
don't want that
Don't hesitate,I could make you great
Like Cleopatra Jones I could set you straight
[Chorus:]
I'm the real thing,in stereo
I got a little highs,I got a little lows
Follow this,melodic flow
I could make it shine,I could make it glow
[Repeat x2]
I'm more than a toy for your satisfaction
I'm a pay-per-view for the TV screen,
your main attraction
Your phosphorus,I'm your energy
When your lost,and you need some focus
come see me
I'll entice ya man,I do it all the time
In the mornin',in the evenin',
when the doves cry
I can feed you gut,put you in a tub
When I turn it up,yeah brotha you know
what's up
A little bubbles and a body rub,
turn off the water (drip drip)
Don't think about dessert,I got enough
And a whole lot more to ggiivveee!
Falling is like this
God save the QueenJohn Legend's
Refuge (When it's cold outside)
Gets me in all the right places....
hmmm
I change theme songs like my underwear ...
I have a few, depending on my mood (slightly pissed off or happy or a bit defiant or just trying to get going). okay, I have playlists for these occasions.
lately: "The Underdog" by Spoon, "Always Right Behind You" by The Zutons, "A Heady Tale" by The Fratellis, "Merrymaking at my place" by Calvin Harris ... I really spend way too much time with my itunes library, sometimes I think it is the only thing organized in my life.
and my no 1 song in the last couple of weeks is "No longer" by The Kooks (followed by "That's not my name" by the Ting Tings - just awesome record btw).
it's all about
the who's Baba O' Riley (sometimes known as teenage wasteland for reasons that still are unknown).
Man, that song just gives me goosebumps evertime i hear it. It is probably one of the simplest yet most musically genius songs ever and it builds up anticipation for the song's climax in just the right way!
~~~~
"laugh, laugh on at all the dreams that i the dreamer dare to weave,
laugh on, that i still belive in the people, for I still belive in life"
Teenage Wasteland
I know someone who always sings Teenage Waistband when this comes on. Cracks me up every time, though I do love the song. Because the words "Teenage Wasteland" are repeated so many times, I have a hard time remembering it's called Baba O'Riley. Similar to a lot of Led Zeppelin songs, where the title doesn't always have to do with the chorus.
Showing my age again...
...oh well...
A Piece of Sky from the movie Yentl sung by Barbra Streisand.
another ally song
being a baby dyke then, my theme song was searchin' my soul! hahaha! yes,memories of ally mcbeal. thanks to ling woo, i'm a dyke. hahaha!
-MJ
Spread the RAINBOW!
http://mgayness.livejournal.com
http://myspace.com/mgayness
http://gaydiatrix.multiply.com
Oldie but a goodie
THEME SONGS CHANGE
Right now I'm feeling "Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)" by Jay-Z, "Violet Hill" by Coldplay & "Wonderwall" by Oasis.
Journey
Mine tend to change from time to time but that one song that just does it for me no matter what is:
Don't Stop Believing by Journey
It never fails to make me smile. My dad died when I was 16 and I stayed holed up in my room for 3 days crying. My friends decided they were not going to let that continue so they busted in my room, pulled me out of bed, turned on my stereo at full blast and the first song we heard was "Don't Stop Believing" My friends went full force into air guitar, keyboard and drums. At that moment, there was nothing I could do but laugh. All I have to do is think of that song and I know that everything will be ok.
I knew
the first time I heard it (the first line alone), that "Degausser" by Brand New is and will always be my theme song.
"Goodbye to sleep,I think this staying up is exactly what I need
Well take apart your head
Take apart the counting, and the flock it has bred"
moods
Erasure, Sarah McLachlan, & Liz Phair
Erasure's "A Little respect" is always guaranteed to make me happy, smile, and sing at the top of my lungs. Plus the best use of it has to be the montage in D.E.B.S. another movie I absolutely love and meant so much to me when I was coming out. The song is just so positive and hopeful!
But when i'm feeling introspective it's Sarah McLachlan's "Do what you have to do". that song has totally helped me through every hard time in life so far.
When i'm feeling rebellious, Liz Phair's "6'1" is the way I go. LOVE that song--makes me just want to stand tall.
Soundtracks and theme songs
We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister is my song when I am mad and frustrated at any type of discrimnation.
Stupid Little Love Song - Fefe Dobson is my song for all of my inadequate feelings, and the knowledge that I will give my all to someone who is DEFINITELY out of my league.
With You - Chris Brown is a current favorite and brightens my day because I know someday I will get to sing it to a very special girl.
And finally, Swing - Savage because well, honestly, it makes all the pretty girls get up and shake it with each other and has the most incredible dance beat ever. (And is easy to remember.)
Are you feelin' what I'm flingin'?
Three songs I connect to
Three songs I connect to the most are
Imagine by John Lennon
Sunrise, Sunset by Bright Eyes
and
Waste of Paint (also) by Bright Eyes
I find bright eyes incredibly relateable.
Waste Of Paint
Waste of Paint really is a wonderful song. Good call.
my theme song
CATHY DEBOUNO'S NUMBER 1 FAN
my theme songs corealate with my moods. but i dohave some that have nothing to do with mood such as BREAKAWAY,BITCH, I BREAK THINGS, RESPECT. WHEN IM PISSED I LISTEN TO MARILYN MSNDON:WHEN IM CALM I LISTEN TO SARAH MCLACHLEN.
Ani, Melissa, Terri, and David... oh my!
I wholeheartedly agree with all the previous posters who said their theme songs change based on mood or need... I definitely have a few, and they've changed over the years. They usually come back a few times, though. My favourite theme song will always be Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman." It makes me want to stand tall (and march) every time I hear it.
A few:
Ani diFranco: Talk to Me Now
What If No One's Watching
Not a Pretty Girl (obvious choice, but one of the first Ani
songs I heard)
Melissa Etheridge: Pretty much all songs (prior to Lucky) at one time or another, but
particularly Dance without Sleeping, and No Souvenirs (which was my
mother's favourite Melissa song).
Terri Clark: No Fear
I Wanna Do It All (my ultimate theme song, story of my life, lol).
David Wilcox: Bad Apple (for when I need that swagger in my step, and a jolt of
confidence)
There are definitely more, but I don't want to fill up the board. Great Big Sea, BNL, and the Tea Party have all been major soundtracks in my head at times, too.
"There's nothing like looking at your own history in the faces of your friends." -Ani d.
Good call on the Terri
Good call on the Terri Clark songs. I especially like I'm Alright by her, especially after a break-up. It really helps to keep things in perspective and makes me feel strong. :)
Are you feelin' what I'm flingin'?