Straykat's Feast for The Ears Playlist!

Are you readyyyy?! 🎵

Perhaps I am called again to participate for this week's ASEAN Hive Challenge, "Soundtrack of My Life". Music has always been there like a friend who understand whatever you feel. Sometimes, it also lets me experience some feelings that are foreign to me.

For me, music is a poem with melody. Or even like a spell affecting our emotions. It knows the words you could hardly express. And as a quiet person, music has been my voice.

After so much deliberation, I've come down to 10 songs that sparks a strong emotion everytime I hear it.

● Wasted Nights - ONE OK ROCK

Don't be afraid to dive
Be afraid that you didn't try

These lines have a powerful effect on me every time I hear it. It encourages me to just go and do it because regretting it is more scary. There are things that I wanted to do in the future and every time I imagine doing it, this song plays in my head.

'Cause by this time tomorrow
We'll be talking 'bout tonight
Keep doing what we want, we want
No more wasted nights

You can't turn back time and you can't repeat moments exactly the same. This tells me not to take things for granted. If you're spending time with someone then make the most of your time together. Make good memories so you'll have something good to look back on someday and say that you're glad you did that. It's something some people don't understand. I remember being told a few times that what I want to do was too much. They don't know I just wanted to try things and create good memories with them. So if you want to do something, just go for it and do it without hesitation because it might never happen again.

● Before I Go - coldrain

This song really hypes me up whenever I feel like I'm failing. It tells me to never give up and push through despite the odds. And whatever the result may be, there will be no regrets because you've given your hundred percent effort.

The music video also had real fireworks while the band was being filmed. It perfectly fit the lines "But you'll see my burning flames before I go", because fireworks burst into colorful flames before it disappears. This teaches me that if you knew you're going to fail then might as well give your all. Give them a good show.

● No Escape - coldrain

I still remember how they've say
My dreams are steps from suicidal
But what's the point of aiming low
When in the end I know, I'll still want more

This is my go to song when my goals get belittled. If you're going to dream then do it big! I'm pretty sure all of us got an advise to go for something that's more practical and we did, but you know in your heart that it's not something you really wanted. This song reminds me to not let others dictate my life and settle for something less. Liberate yourself and do not conform to their opinions. Follow that dream no matter how difficult the path is!

● Have It All - Jason Mraz

And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows

Jason Mraz, the advocate of positivity, cats, and avocados! Have It All is a song of wishing good things for someone. Hearing this song sets me in a good mood. It also seems like Jason is wishing the good vibes on you, the listener. I really like the line which says, "And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows". I think it's the best thing you could wish for someone.

I also sent this song to my sister during her birthday few years ago because if you love someone, you want them to have all the good things in the world.

● Save You - Simple Plan

This song makes me cry every time I hear it because it reminds me of my mama's pain when she was sick.

And no matter what I do, I can't make you feel better

Tell me you won't give up 'cause I'll be waiting if you fall
You know, I'll be there for you

😥

I often see this music video on MTV when I was little and can't relate to it, but now I do.

● January 1st - coldrain

Said I try, but had to lie
Goodbye is not alright
So I'll cry from time to time
'Cause goodbye will never be alright

Another song for my mama. This song somehow validates my feelings whenever I'm told to move on. Moving on is probably the most impossible thing I could do, because how can you move on from the death of your mother?

Grief is not something you can just turn off. It's already in you forever and it gets worst when you remember the person.

● Mad Hatter - Melanie Martinez

All the best people are crazy

As the weird and crazy one in my friend group, this song is like an anthem for me. Remember that it takes a crazy mind to invent and do impossible things. To be the best, you have to stand out and be different from the rest. Those who don't get you will label you crazy. Well, as long as what you're into isn't something illegal, then be as weird and crazy as you want.

● Ignorance - Paramore

The same tricks that, that once fooled me
They won't get you anywhere
I'm not the same kid from your memory
Well, now I can fend for myself

This is my song when someone thinks they can still manipulate me for the second time. I remember back in the day a friend told me I wouldn't survive without them. They've always thought I'm weak. Well, yes. I believed it at some point that I'm weak and an underdog but some circumstances have shook me and woke me up from this trance and taught me to toughen up.

● Numb - Linkin Park

This is one of the songs I hold unto back when I feel like I have no control over my life. You know, parents want the best for you but sometimes the best they knew turns out to be the worst for you.

Can't you see that you're smothering me?
Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control
'Cause everything that you thought I would be
Has fallen apart right in front of you

Is be more like me and be less like you

You are not your parents and so you are not meant to walk the same road as them. You are here on earth to find and create your own path.

● Rise - Katy Perry

Last on the list is Katy Perry's song, Rise. I've only heard of it during the pandemic days.

And the vultures all start circling
They're whispering, you're out of time
But still, I rise
This is no mistake, no accident
When you think the final nail is in, think again
Don't be surprised, I will still rise

People like to judge and underestimate especially those who don't believe in you. In short, they are the haters and naysayers. They think that the unfortunate circumstances you are at today will be your fate forever. Listening to Rise ignites the fire in me to keep proving these kinds of people wrong. I was told many times that I was bound for a dead end and whenever I prove that statement wrong, I hear nothing from them. I find it entertaining and so I kept surprising them since then.

Writing this post gave me a heavy feeling and shed tears at some parts. Music really holds a strong power to affect our minds and emotions. I hope the songs on my list had also inspired you in some way.