I recently rediscovered Desert Island Discs episodes as podcasts on Spotify, and have been binging hard. In case you're not aware of the Radio 4 series, each episode involves a celebrity being interviewed and discussing the eight tracks they would take with them if they were cast away on a desert island.
The thing I enjoy most about this show is hearing the reasons behind why they'd choose these tracks. Some evoke particular emotions, some serve as reminders for childhood memories or loved ones, and some are just because they're great and demand to be included.
I started thinking about which eight tracks I'd take with me; which would make me feel happiest, all alone on an island, and which would mean the most to me.
Here's what I came up with...
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
First up is a song that my mother played a lot when I was little. It's our mother/daughter song and whenever I hear it I think of her and the wonderful relationship we've always had. It's also the theme song from Beaches, which is my go to film whenever I need a good cry!Killing Me Softly With His Song - The Fugees
One of my favourite songs, this one also has a lot of meaning for me. It's my parents song together, and it was played at the funeral for a close friend who died when we were 17. Hearing it reminds me of him and reminds me to make the most of what I have.Words - Bee Gees
This was one of my grandad's favourite songs, he loved to perform it at karaoke - though he'd actually perform the Boyzone version, complete with a Ronan twang. I lost my grandad a little over a year ago, very suddenly and far too early. I'm still trying to navigate the grief, but listening to this takes me right back to my childhood when I'd have weekends away with him - I can still hear him singing it so clearly.Wannabe - Spice Girls
A 90s child, The Spice Girls were the ultimate girl power band. I had the albums, the movie, and the branded outfit to boot. I would spend hours in my bedroom, singing into the mirror and daydreaming of being on tour. My inner teenager is ridiculously excited to be seeing the girls perform live in a few months!Africa - Toto
I have to include this one on the list of songs that have shaped my life because this is the one that's stayed with me throughout. It's the one that's always in my head, is on all my party playlists and can always make me feel instantly happier. If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life it would be this, it never gets old.Gettin' Jiggy With It - Will Smith
I couldn't not include a Will Smith song. I have always had the biggest love for Will - and so has Matt! It's our shared love for him that bonded us almost eight years ago. In fact, this particular track is our song. Not exactly a romantic song, but one that is just so us; one we always have fun dancing to.Hold On - Wilson Phillips
I have to confess that I'm not an original fan - I only became aware of this song , this band, after that scene in the Bridesmaids movie. But it quickly became mine and my close girl friends' friendship song. We're known for huddling together on the dance floor at any party and belting it out like it was made for us.Shoop - Salt-N-Pepa
If these songs make up the soundtrack to my life, then Shoop is my theme song. If this song ever comes on, you'd better believe the conversation is on pause while I rap every. Single. Lyric.I'd love to know which songs would feature on the soundtrack of your life.
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