While looking through music files, I came across the Petula Clark song "Don't Sleep on the Subway" (her more popular hit was "Downtown"), and I suddenly realized that that song has become emotionally radioactive to me. I had that song in heavy rotation in my MD jukebox around the time that the Italian Girl started losing the feeling. I'd drive over to her house, would have a strange evening wherein there was sometimes discussion and sometimes strained silence with the understanding that the relationship was falling apart, and then I'd drive home and hear "don't sleep on the subway, darlin'/don't stand in the pouring rain." Somehow what I felt at the time became linked with the song, so that as I was listening to it tonight I felt sad and listless.
It's not the first time I've closely associated a song with a time period in my life ("How's It Gonna Be" takes me back to highschool and coffee bars, for example), but it's the first time I've noticed such a strong emotional connection. Perhaps it's because it's still recent; whatever wounds were opened remain somewhat tender. Or it might be that the Italian Girl and I have rekindled something and this merely reminds me how easy it is for her to change her mind.
Regardless, I've chosen not to put "Don't Sleep on the Subway" on the next MD. Perhaps a selection from Distant Plastic Trees instead.
It's not the first time I've closely associated a song with a time period in my life ("How's It Gonna Be" takes me back to highschool and coffee bars, for example), but it's the first time I've noticed such a strong emotional connection. Perhaps it's because it's still recent; whatever wounds were opened remain somewhat tender. Or it might be that the Italian Girl and I have rekindled something and this merely reminds me how easy it is for her to change her mind.
Regardless, I've chosen not to put "Don't Sleep on the Subway" on the next MD. Perhaps a selection from Distant Plastic Trees instead.
VIEW 7 of 7 COMMENTS
Yes.
He's written some great songs. You should check out Lovesick Broke & Driftin'. "5 Shots of Whiskey" is an amazing song. I listen to that CD whenever I feel like moping and crying. Or when my heart's been broken.
Though, since my ex dumped me, I've had reason to listen to certain Hank Williams songs more. I stopped thinking of "I Don't Care If Tomorrow Never Comes" as my anthem. It's more like "My Love for You." And, if you're unfamiliar with that song, the lyrics include, "My love for you has turned to hate."