Songs of Parenting Part 2: A CONTEST

January 28, 2007 – 10:28 pm |

I’d like to say that I’m not a Type A personality.  I’d like to tell you that I put my Virgo sun sign to shame with my easygoing, even-tempered attitude.  I’d like to describe myself as carefree and laid back.  But, eventually, my actions would defy my denial and you’d discover the truth. 

I like order.  I like organization.  I like category.   

After several days of listening to the more than 70 songs we came up with last week, I have concluded that accomplishing our task properly requires them to be split into two lists: 

List one is a place for the children.  It’s a resource for the video montage, the wedding dance, the lullaby mix.  List Two is all about the parent: addressing the anxiety, the guilt, the dream of momentary escape, the longing to recapture those pre-child good old days.   I have added from last week’s comments, stuck to last week’s rules, divided them accordingly and republished the available tracks to iTunes as two lists.  Now I NEED YOUR HELP. 

Playlists need names.  I could stick with: For Them and For Us, but I think you can do better … Post your suggestions in the comments, or, if you’re shy and lurking but have a great idea, drop me an e-mail: mommytracks@gmail.com.  Is there a prize?  C’mon …. Isn’t the glory of winning enough?

In related news, Bill at ‘So Quoted’ gave an interesting overview of the parenting songs of Loudon Wainwright III - an artist whose songs I’d not heard and had a hard time placing on this list, but who has provided extensive musical commentary on parenting.   

Finally, having listened to these songs now for a week, I have been pleasantly reminded of a few songs I’d forgotten … The Dixie Chicks’ Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Live’s Heaven and Paul Simon’s St. Judy’s Comet have been the stand outs.