From: StringTheory27
To: DeadStrings
Date: May 3rd, 1997, 6:47 PM
Subject: A little lighter
Ever havea song that saves you at exactly the right moment?Try: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys.
I just played it on vinyl—twice—before heading to work.
This is loud enough to drown out the overthinking.Sweet enough to stop the unraveling.
Sometimes you just need harmonies that feel like the sun on your face and the innocence you can pretend still lives inside you, even if it’s buried under years of cynicism and bad choices.
Private Message| EchoZone Internal Chat
From: StringTheory27
To: DeadStrings
Date: May 3rd, 1997, 6:56 PM
Subject: Okay, I lied.Here’s a top five in case you need it
Top Five SongsThat Keep Me From Falling Apart (title might change).
“Walking on Broken Glass”—Annie Lennox
It sounds theatrical and glossy, but it’s heartbreak dressed in silk and satin.I put this on when I need to trick myself into feeling empowered, even when I’m lying on the floor eating crackers like a Victorian ghost in a robe.Annie reminds me that you can fall apart with elegance.You can cry on key.
“Dancing With Myself”—Billy Idol
This one doesn’t even ask questions; it just yells.And sometimes I need to move my body hard enough to silence my brain.This song is pure defiance with eyeliner and sweat.I play it when I feel too hollow and need to remember I still have a pulse.
“Man!I Feel Like a Woman!”—Shania Twain
This is pure dopamine.Heels off, hair down, scream-the-lyrics-into-a-broomstick (or brush) joy.If you can’t feel even a sliver of happiness during that “let’s go, girls”—I’m not sure your soul is still functioning.
“Don’t Dream It’s Over”—Crowded House
This one doesn’t cheer me up as much as it comforts me.It reminds me that endings aren’t always true endings, and that you can be completely undone and still believe something amazing is coming up next.It wraps itself around you and cradles you until you feel better.
“I’m Still Standing”—Elton John
Obviously.Sometimes, survival needs a soundtrack.I play it when I need to remember that I didn’t fold.That I won.Even if I’m still limping a little.
Let me guess—yours would have more guitars and a whole lot more fuck-you energy.
I’d loveto see your list.
Unless it includes “Kiss From a Rose,” in which case we’ll need to have a longer conversation.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Private Message | EchoZone Internal Chat
From: DeadStrings
