This afternoon while I was mowing, a song kept running through my mind. Well, not really a song, just one stanza from a song. Over and over and over!
The stanza was from Bye Bye Miss America Pie. The phrase was the refrain of taking the Chevy to the levy, but the levy was dry…this’ll be the day that I die.
As I thought more about it, I realized this is the song that goes through my mind each and every time I mow the grass. There isn’t any rhyme or reason to it other than thinking about the horror stories I heard growing up about the lawn mower blade coming off and killing or maiming someone. The fear of God was put into us about the mower blade. I understand the need to fear that rotating monster, but do I need to hear that particular song every mowing day?
It got me to wondering if there are other songs that are on play for other chores I do, such as vacuuming, baking, or cooking. Yes, there are certain songs for each of those chores, or pleasures. The names of the songs aren’t readily available in my memory right now—I didn’t feel like doing any of those things today, or have the time—but there was a familiar feeling there is a playlist stored in my mind.
It is interesting there is a set playlist for stuff. I wonder if the songs have changed over time. Are they directly related to things I was told growing up? Stories I’ve read? Songs that have other related memories?
I don’t know, but you know it will be on my mind now. I’ll have to try and be mindful of the songs so I can write them down to see if there is a theme.
What playlist is in your mind for certain activities? Surely I’m not the only one with this affliction!
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 