Nerd in Another City

Today’s 5 Fandom Friday topic is 5 Songs That Have Changed Your Life. This is a hard one, only because 5 seems like such a small number. I’m a singer/ songwriter and music is such an integral part of my life. It’s difficult to narrow all the music I love and listen to down to 5 important songs. But The Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick get what they want. So here goes…

#1 – American Honey by Lady Antebellum

Country music is my one true love! And this song holds a very special place in my heart. I went through a very rough time a couple years back. I sort of lost myself and was doing things that weren’t representative of me. People tried to talk to me and tell me, but I couldn’t hear them. Until my friend Jared sat down and told me that I was like American Honey. And that I needed to get back to the person he knew me to be.

He really saw me in a moment when I couldn’t see myself. And this song really anchored me back to the person I truly am. Someone who isn’t jaded or influenced by the world. It’s not a song that is particularly inspirational or life changing by any means, but it has become a favorite and will always hold a very special place in my heart!!

#2 – Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United

Country music may be my one true love, but Christian music is the cry of my heart. Christ is at the center of everything I do. And I don’t take a lot of time on my blog to express that. But it is so true. Some music expresses that longing for a Savior so beautifully and this is one of those songs. It’s a relatively new song, but it is one that makes me lift my hands and brings me to my knees. “Where feet may fail and fear surround me. Your sovereign hand will be my guide.” That’s such a powerful statement that I try to remind myself of each and everyday.

#3 – Sunday, Bloody Sunday by U2

U2 has long been one of my favorite bands. The Edge is my imaginary boyfriend!! Music is a powerful medium to tell stories and elicit emotions at the same time. It has the power to challenge and convict and still be really, really catchy. This song was written about the “Bloody Sunday” conflict that happened in Northern Ireland on Jan. 30 1972. What a powerful use of music. U2 is a very political music group and they take the opportunity to be involved with projects and topics that they feel passionately about. I imagine this conflict was keenly felt as they are a group of talented Irishmen. I love when a song is about more than just music.

#4 – Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty

People always fight me on this one. Look, I love me some Tom Petty. But it’s the John Mayer cover of Free Fallin’ that really gets me. It’s my go-to karaoke song these days. And it’s a song that just feels like home to me. It’s perfect for road trips. It’s perfect for weddings. It’s perfect to listen to on a crowded subway. It’s basically the perfect song! And I stand behind my love of the John Mayer version. It’s a little more soulful, a little more hipster. If I was stranded on a desert island, it’s one of the songs I’d have on my playlist because I can listen to it on repeat and never get bored!!

#5 – Secret Garden by Bruce Springsteen

I’m not one to cry very much. But when I need to let the tears go, I put this song on.The lyrics of this song feel like they were written about me. And I love when a song hits you between the eyes like that. I first heard it years ago around the time when Jerry McGuire came out (makes sense since it’s the theme song to that movie!) And I think I bawled for a good 2 hours. I can’t really listen to it on repeat because it does have such gravity in it’s lyrics, but it’s gorgeous. And Bruce is The Boss of course. So you really can’t go wrong with one of his songs on your list!!

What songs have hit you between the eyes? Lately or in the past. Let me know!!