A student named Julie Ouedraogo at UMBC read Pink's AWNM and wrote a song about it for a class assignment. Dan Pink enjoyed this tribute enough to post it to his blog at: http://www.danpink.com/archives/2008/05/guest-blogger-julie-ouedraogo
In the comments section, answer the following:
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
If you have theme music, answer the following:
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
Deadline to comment is Thursday, 09/24/2009, 11:59am
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
If you have theme music, answer the following:
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
Deadline to comment is Thursday, 09/24/2009, 11:59am
I unfortunately for the sake of this blog do not have theme music. I pride myself in being an all or nothin type of person and even though my taste in music is as eclectic as it is profound I haven't found a song that completely makes me feel like I could live by it.
ReplyDeleteCase in point, I just have not written it yet. Maybe if I didnt know so many songs or have had sessions where I repeatedly listen to and disect a song I would probably be more readily selective of what my theme might be.
for the purpose of the blog however I chose the Rolling stones "Satisfaction" since its been a consistent theme and it helps define the insatiable avarice I have and the drive it provides me to go through my college education.
If I did have theme music I don’t know if I think I would be the one to best chose it, I think the people who are around me most of the time could better answer the question… which is kind of sad. But if I were to have theme music and I selected it myself I would say that I would deem it situational because I like to think of my life as constantly moving and to have the same song all the time would not be a indication of such. To pick a specific song I might say something like Are You In by Incubus and I think this just because it is how I have begun to feel about the people I surround myself with and because of my recent like changes. I am sure that if I had to answer this question again not to long from now it would not be the same choice.
ReplyDelete1) Yes, I definitely have theme music playing in my head. The song is Bob Marley Everything is gonna be alright.
ReplyDelete2) My theme music is definitely on at specific times. Its a song I really sing to myself when I am stressed or at work angry. It first began when I played soccer in highschool I use to sing it to myself before games to relax.
3)My music has not changed over time.
4)My theme music definitely has an affect on my mood. like I said before its something I use to relieve stress as well as alleviate anger. It overall makes me happy.
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteFor the context suggested, I have theme music that I find some times playing in my mind, some times on the radio, and some times on audio CD's that I make. The genres would be hard rock and heavy metal such as the theme of the Galaxy Rangers from the 80's over to Flight of Icarus by Iron Maiden.
If you have theme music, answer the following:
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
My theme music is very situation specific, and varies in tempo greatly. The context is usually my motivation to accomplish whatever I may be involved in.
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
It has changed slightly over time, but is quite varied as moods and events flow like running water.
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
It is typically a magnifier for a better mood or enhanced determination like You've Got Another Thing Coming by Judas Priest or Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas.
1) I do have theme music, however it changes according to the context of events in my life or mood. Sometimes theme music can be synergistic with an exact moment or heighten it. Theme music for me is eclectic because I have played piano. Therefore if I play or listen to my theme music, I select a ‘theme song’ germane to the spirit of that moment (as warm-up)--but move on and play dozens of other songs maybe in the same musical vein/theme—or do a crescendo. I do not like to play the same theme song over and over (unless practicing). I’m not sure if this question on theme music is asking for a specific song or genre. I enjoy music internally and externally.
ReplyDeleteTheme music is a personal choice of music (maybe more than one genre, maybe not). Some purposes are to mesh or enhance a situation, feeling, meaning, and memory or legacy of a real life moment, or creative work. Sometimes theme music can serve as language and “speak for that moment”.
Some examples of my ‘theme music’ are albums from Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Sinatra, Annie Lennox, and always--Billie Holiday. These examples reflect my taste respecting lyrics (poetic and meaningful) with beautiful music.
2) Often my theme music is situation-specific (i.e. in a car, at a party, even ringtones, or an inspirational moment), not always. The context for my theme music is often inspired from inside out.
3) It’s not so much that my theme music has changed as it is that my theme music repertoire has expanded. I am still loyal and love my original musical roots and inspirations. Technology into the 21st Century has expanded musical sounds. For example today Technology has defined more musical genres and more techno-music. I have expanded my musical horizons, however, the core of my musical taste remains with ‘the standards’, rock ‘n roll + the Blues, ‘the recent classics’ [50’s thru 80’s], and classical. I still love music without lyrics as well as--music combined with lyrics (as long as lyrics can be heard and phrased nicely).
4) My theme music is, in a word--“soothing”. It appeals to my ears, heart, inner core, is relaxing, inspirational and even motivational. As another example--After my first child was born, I bought her a doll that played out “amniotic fluid” sounds [almost like a sea with waves of cells slushing…] to help her adapt to her new environment outside the womb and she recognized it where it was familiar and soothing.
My theme music is usually just the song stuck in my head. Sometimes that happens from someone saying a word or phrase I know from a song I like, or from the last song I heard in the car before getting out. I’m afraid I don’t have theme music for what’s going on during my day, although I wish I did.
ReplyDeleteMy theme music is usually one part of a song that I really like, and often sing to myself over and over again. This probably annoys most people around me, but I usually can’t stop. The only reason my theme music would change is if another song pops in my head, but it’s mostly unrelated to my surroundings.
I do have to say that in the mornings at my job, I need to have a lot of energy to set up the store and get ready for the day. I usually try and listen to something upbeat on the way to work, so that song is in my head and will pump me up for working hard and moving quickly. If I forget to take these measures, my day isn’t nearly as productive.
I do have theme music, and part of the theme music I have includes The Benny Hill Theme song so I can laugh at things that happen and stupid things that I do. I consider the music on my cell phone and on my ipod my theme music, and on both my phone and my ipod I have music from all genres, and my theme music changes from day to day, depending on my mood.
ReplyDeleteI do have situation specific theme music, and mostly I try to have my music either make fun of a situation or make me laugh.
Over time, my music has gone from classic rock to country to rap to hip hop to Christian, and now is more of an eclectic assortment of all, but mostly Christian. I also have some purpose specific throwback songs, like Baby Got Back and Jump Around.
When listening to my Christian music, my outlook on life in general is quite optimistic, and I have much hope that if I try to live more and love more like Jesus, that I’ll be exactly where God needs me to be. So, for the most part, Christian music is what I listen to because it is so uplifting.
For my mood, my music either improves or exacerbates my feelings. For example, if I am in a great mood, the portion of music I listen to improves those feelings, and if I am in a bad mood, I tend to listen to music that makes me feel worse so I can get it over with, because I loathe being in a bad mood. And it is a rarity for me to be in a bad mood, or at least one that others can perceive. And since perception is reality, my uplifting music allows me to perceive how great life is, and how great is my God.
I would say that yes I do have theme music however, I cant think of any one singular song that would perfectly describe me or my life. Its more of a soundtrack or catalog of songs that pop in and out at the right times.
ReplyDeleteThe theme music in my head is situational in that depending on where I am or how I feel the song that comes to mind will vary quite a bit. I would tend to feel more energetic music when I am excited and ready to go as opposed to when I am tired and want to relax.
My theme music deffinately changes over time as I hear new songs and add them to my catalog. There are some songs however that I will always continue to remember.
Music serves as a great influence on my mood, outlook, and perception of the world around me. When I am feeling down a good upbeat cheerful song can help to boost my mood. This increased happiness will then in turn alter my general outlook and perception at that particular moment.
After watching that video I really tried to think if I have some sort of a theme song to my everyday life. After racking my brain for a song, I finally came to the answer; no I don’t have theme music.
ReplyDeleteThe theme music that I would be looking for would be something that would keep me motivated and something I can relate to first hand. One of the reasons that I do not have theme music is because I can’t relate 100 % to a song. I can relate to an instance or two, but not the whole thing so it throws me off.
My perfect theme song would be a song telling me to get out of bed early and even if I don’t have anything to do, find something to do. It would be smooth jazz and would not have many words. It would be inspiring, motivating, and up beat.
1)
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't have a specific song in mind, I feel as though I have theme music, and to jump into question (2), it is definitely situation specific. There are so many possible moods that can be conveyed by music, so I play off of my emotions at the time.
3)
No, because I've never actively thought about having a "theme song". There are a few exceptionally emotional songs that I know by heart, which will crop up whenever a situation reminds me of a lyric or idea conveyed by a song.
4)
Music can either enhance my mood or change it, depending on what I decide to play. In terms of my outlook/perception, once again, it changes depending on what I decide to play. Obviously when I'm already feeling down and out, putting on down tempo music can add to this.
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteNo, not a specific song. There are certain songs that come on the radio that really resonate in me. I tend to favor them for weeks at a time. My life changes so quickly and so often, that one song doesn't usually fit for all time. There are certain songs that I hear that always put me in a good inspired mood like, You Gotta Be by Des'ree or Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw. But I can't summon up those feelings when I'm feeling uninspired. I usually find meaning in little signs I come across. A song at a particular moment, a call from a friend timed just right. I look for the little everyday themes to keep me going.
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteYes! I have tons of theme music, but choosing just one song at one time would be limiting ‘me’ far too much. However, if I had to choose a song for the purpose of this assignment, I would accept practically any song by the Beatles. I’ll get more specific in the next question…
If you have theme music, answer the following:
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
Yes, my theme music would be specific to mostly positive situations. Example: when I wake up on a Sunday morning after a ‘long’ night, the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” encompasses my mood (mood: groggy and glad to be alive).
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
As I have become more mature, my theme song matures a bit as well. Example: In middle school, my theme songs were from Sublime and Blink182 (Sublime’s “What I’ve Got” and Blink’s “Growing Up”). I think I have been bringing up the Beatles because they recently re-released ‘digitally re-mastered’ versions of all of their albums. -I know that because I’m a news intern…
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
One of my favorite songs these days is another from the Beatles: “A Little Help from My Friends”. That is what I would call: a song of life, thus we can call it one of my theme songs, too.
Whenever I hear the lyrics, I think about good times with friends and my mood, outlook, and perception can’t help but be good!
Just in case you’re not familiar, here is some of the chorus: “I get by with a little help from my friends, I get high with a little help from my friends, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends...”
Disclaimer: “high” is greater or equal to feeling ecstatically well; high on life.
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteYes, Whenever I am with my family celebrating birthdays or even holidays we usually sit around and play "We are family". The song just makes everybody happy when they hear it so stuck with it and play it all the time.
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
No, we have played the same song for many years and hopefully many more to come. Its a great song and makes us all happy.
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
Like I said before this song makes not only me but my whole family happy. It makes us smile and associate with others. Overall, I believe that having a themed song is something that everyone should have. Im glad that I got to share this .
1) I definitely have theme music. It’s hard to pick just one song because there can’t possibly be one song that completely sums up who I am and what I believe in.
ReplyDelete2) My theme music can be situation specific. For instance one of my favorite songs since I can remember was Bobby McFerrin "Don't Worry, Be Happy." It’s such a simple song but still has a great ability to cheer me up and realize things can always be worse.
3) I would say my theme music has somewhat changed over time just like I have. One song written by John Brown's Body called "Ghost Notes" is a great example of this. This song really helps to represent my outlook on life. The lyrics in it talk about appreciating every second we have because it could be gone. If I hadn’t had to face certain things in life that I have over time I'm not sure if I would value this song as much.
4) My theme music often helps me to relax, become contemplative or even amped up. One of my favorite bands from Australia called John Butler Trio has a song called "Earthbound Child." This song is very empowering song that really makes me feel alive and connected with nature whenever I hear it.
1)Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I always have music playing through my head. Not really one song so I wouldn’t call it my theme music. I was a synchronized swimmer for 10 years so I naturally want to count beats and move to a rhythm. I now am a lap swimmer so I constantly have my head under water and I’m humming or singing some song.
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
My music does change with the situation. If I am going surfing and I need to get pumped up I’ll turn on some ACDC or some reggae. If I am going hunting or to spend time in the woods I find myself listening to old country like Gary Stewart, Waylon or old Hank.
3)Has your theme music changed over time?
No, not too much. I still listen to the same genres of music that I always have.
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
I tend to fall into a mood that the music represents. So, I usually listen to upbeat songs together and slower songs together, depending on my mood. I will use music to cater to my mood and enhance it.
There are definitely songs out there that I would consider the theme music to my life. These songs are numerous and all depend on the situation or mood I find myself in. Usually these songs involve messages of social equality, individuality, freedom of expression and the value of friendship and can range from classical pieces to contemporary pop songs. Although the songs themselves have changed dramatically over time the general feel and message of the theme music to my life has endured. As far as musics affect on my mood, I have found I usually choose to listen to songs that reinforce whatever I am feeling at the time. It is difficult to say whether or not the music I listen to has shaped my perception of the world or if I choose to listen to music which falls in line with my perception.
ReplyDelete1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteMy theme song is by Katrina and The Waves "Walking on Sunshine"
If you have theme music, answer the following:
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
My theme music is very upbeat and positive and I try to make it the song as the backgroound of my life.
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
This will always be my song!! Attitude is everything!!
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
This song puts me in a great mood. This song puts everyone in a great mood :) which in turn makes life great!!
I have more of a movie soundtrack then theme music. Everyday is something new and with that something else because the music for the day. In the past it has been many different songs to describe the day and what I have been through. Also what I have to look forward to and things I have to do. My music for my theme changes from day to day, and if it didn't then I am not doing much in my day to make it fit the world changing around me and me around the world. The music always affects you even if you do not think so. If a song comes on that reminds of a happy time you are going to smile or think of a good memory and same way with a song reminds you of a bad time, you are going to think of that moment and depending on it either cry and go into that thought.
ReplyDeleteMusic has a hold on all of our daily life that when we stop to think everything around us revolves around music to help express how we feel.
I personally do not have theme music. The reason? I've never thought about it. I do have certain music however that makes me feel good and happy. The same music does not always make me feel good. It always depends on the mood I'm in at the time as to which song or songs or artists or genres are going to make me feel better about myself or my life. Sometimes even playing different songs myself on an instrument will make me feel better. After reading this blog I feel like I could use some theme music.
ReplyDeleteI know that music is a definite mood adjustment device. However I don’t think that I have identified any specific score as my personal theme music. Although, being married with 3 kids and a full time student and working full time, I would probably choose the” loony-toons” intro as the theme that most appropriately suits my life right now.
ReplyDeleteI would say that I have theme music. However, I guess that I just take other peoples theme music most of the time. Whenever I am not involved in a heavy situation I have music going through my head. It is my favorite songs that other people have made and I can relate to. It all depends on my mood, sometimes I have classical music, like Beethoven, and other times I have stuff from 2pac going through my head. If I am in a good mood I hear soft or uplifting music. When I am in a bad mood I will hear dark mean, music like Metalica. The only way that I would say that the music has changed over time is that I have added a new genres to my mental collection. I now hear country music, while 2 years ago I wouldnt even give country music a chance. For me it is not the music that affects my mood but the mood will affect the music. As I said earlier I always have a song playing in my head, it is then how I am doing at that time that will dictate what music will resound in my head.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if I really have theme music. I definitely have my own internal monologue and dialogue, maybe that's scary. When I was much younger and I loved writing I definitely narrated my life. I would walk down the street to meet a friend and I would say something like, "she anxiously walked down the street. Although she knew a friend was waiting for her, she still managed to be nervous."
ReplyDeleteSince I no longer am a writer and I really do not narrate my own life. I absolutely love music and do find myself listening to different songs internally depending on my mood.
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteHmm... I think if I had to pick one song that was my theme song, it would be "Kick Some Ass" by Stroke 9. Very, very close runners-up would be "Houses of the Holy" by Led Zeppelin, "Thick As A Brick" by Jethro Tull, and "Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles. (I notice I'm not the only one who picked that... Rich, I think we might be twins!)
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
Generally, no, there's not a specific context for my songs, otherwise they wouldn't be my general theme songs. I guess "Houses of the Holy" reminds me more of my spirituality, and "Thick As A Brick" and "Here Comes The Sun" are songs I listen to when I need consolation and it seems like the world is just wrong; they help me set myself right again. (I've been listening to the last one a lot lately.)
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
Definitely - - as my outlook changes, so does my music. For example, I've discovered over the last couple years just how strongly George Harrison's writing and singing resonate with me, and found a real spiritual connection to his music, hence "Here Comes The Sun".
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
Sometimes listening to it makes me feel empowered, sometimes it helps me get through really bad times. Sometimes really good music that touches me deeply is what reminds me that life is worth living.
I like this topic because I often do feel like I go through certain types of music that represent different periods in my life. For a while it was more introspective and quiet, but now I'm beginning to fall in love with big band jazz. I love getting up in the morning, switching on NPR, and getting ready for my day. It doesn't hurt to hear the occasional on-air article, as well!
ReplyDeleteSo yes, I view "theme music" as being situation specific, as it seems to reflect certain phases in my life. I've definitely been feeling somewhat more upbeat recently, and jazz is definitely fun. It's a good start for the day, but it's also relaxing for when I'm heading home later on. Not only does it reflect my mood, but it keeps my outlook where I want it to be, as I'm transition to a more professional and career-oriented part of my life.
1) Do you have theme music? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
ReplyDelete-Yes, I do… music is a very essential dependence in my life and I also feel that I have more than just “one” theme music. The main one would be the artists “Elliot Smith” and sometimes the band “Coldplay”. The song that sticks out the most from Elliot Smith is called, “Alameda” and for Coldplay, I have many theme songs by them.
2) Is your theme music situation specific? What is the context for your theme music?
-I believe for the most part the song, "Alameda” has a specific situation/meaning. To me, the song is about someone who never lets anyone get too close. A fear of rejection or perhaps a fear that someone might actually see him/her for who they really are. However, he blames the world rather than himself. Overall, the song is bittersweet like a lot of situations in my life are…
3) Has your theme music changed over time?
-I honestly don’t feel it has, and im not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing…
4) How does your theme music affect your mood, outlook, or perception?
-It’s a sad and brutally honest song, but it makes me feel good, cause I feel like im the person that is how Elliot Smith is in the song and that my life or “situation” is like his as in he sees people in the world to be so afraid to be who they really are. To me, it’s a bittersweet feeling…It reminded me of my heartbreak guy, who would shut down any emotions every-time he got close to someone. I think the song is definitely about someone who knows he breaks his own heart every time he pushes other people away, but lacks the courage to push through that and do something else.
1) I think I do have theme music, but I would have to say it changes from day to day. There is almost always a song playing in my head. I love song lyrics and there is always a song to relate to my certain situation or feeling.
ReplyDelete2) I would say it is situation specific. For the most part it is pretty upbeat.
3) I think my taste in music has expanded therefore there are more songs that I can relate to.
4) By theme music I mean a song or type of music that expresses my mood or feelings at a particular time. Music always makes me feel better. In that way it definitely affects my mood. Certain lyrics or the sound of a song can make you happier or if it's a sad song, give you something to relate to when you're having a bad day.
I don't think I have theme music per say. I think that I use music to express my mood, or the situations that I am in. I think that I listen to different types of music or even genres of music depending on how I am feeling that day. Or my music choice could even just be a whim. I have never related to a specific song, or genre.
ReplyDelete