# Songs that have impacted Your Life **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 11, 2010, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784 "2010-10-11T13:35:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dero\_von\_Hesse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@Dero\_von\_Hesse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dero_von_Hesse)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/1 "2010-10-11T13:35:50Z")
“Late for the Sky” -Jackson Browne What can i even say about this Song? In my humble Opinion, this may be one of the greatest Songs ever written. > [@](#): > > You never knew what i loved in You > I don’t know what You loved in me. > Maybe the Picture of somebody You were hoping i might be. Truly a Song i can relate to; beautiful despite the bittersweet Memories it brings. “Illusion” -VNV Nation Brilliant Song, i highly recommend a listen for anyone that hasn’t heard it. > [@](#): > > Please don’t go, i want You to stay. > I’m begging You please, please don’t leave here. > I don’t want You to hate for all the Hurt that You feel. > The World is just Illusion trying to change You “A Talk with George” -Jonathon Coulton If ever there was a lyrical Instruction for living Life to the fullest, it was this. > [@](#): > > Don’t live another Day unless You make it count > There’s someone else that You’re supposed to be > Something deep inside of You that still wants out > And shame on You if You don’t set it free. “Die durch die Hölle gehen” -Eisbrecher This has always been one of my favorite Songs. Dark, determined, and brutally honest. The Lyrics really ‘struck a chord’ with me. > [@](#): > > Wir sind die durch die Hölle gehen. > Es gibt kein Morgen mehr danach. > Wir sind die durch die Hölle gehen. > Gott weint uns keine Träne nach > (We are the ones going through Hell. > There is no Morning after. > We are the ones going through Hell. > God cries no Tears for us.) Please, feel free to reply with some of Your own Music. Even if i am not familiar with them, i’ll most likely give a listen as i really enjoy Music and hearing new Artists. ---
**Author:** ![footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9f8e36/32.png) [@footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/footballisplayedwithyourfeet)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/2 "2010-10-11T14:53:54Z")
I really hope there are some Ozzies here that have a soft spot for The Hoff 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/3 "2010-10-11T16:50:34Z")
Three songs have profoundly influenced my relationship with the guitar, which in turned profoundly influenced my life. When I first heard I Want To Hold Your Hand in December 1963, it created a longing in me to play the guitar and sing. I received a cheap guitar for my 10th birthday in January 1964. By 1967 I was performing and making money in my first band. During the summer of 1968, I bought Wheels of Fire by Cream and heard Crossroads for the first time. Something about the guitar solos in that song inspired me to seriously attempt to expand beyond rhythm guitar into playing some lead. I certainly could have chosen something easier to start with, but by the time I started high school that September I could play the first solo and my LP was ruined from me repeatedly raising and dropping the needle on that track (playing it on 16 RPM so I could work out the fast parts). I abandoned the song for a few years after that, moving on to LPs I hadn’t ruined yet, but that song got me started. By 1978, changes in the music scene had long since caused me to switch my focus to solo performing with acoustic guitar. At that point, I had no functional electric guitar or amp. Then I heard Sultans of Swing for the first time, and simply had to buy a Stratocaster. My reawakened interest in electric guitar resulted in fairly lucrative cover-band gigs that lasted until I retired from paid performing a few years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/4 "2010-10-11T17:29:16Z")
Only one I can think of off the top of my head isn’t a song, per se, because I don’t remember which specific one it was–but it was by Cruciform Injection. We’d gone to a post-Gen Con show with some friends/fellow freelancers, and the band’s frontman was a friend of theirs. I’d never heard industrial music before, and had no idea what to expect. I loved it from the first song, and spent the rest of the evening in a thumpy, loud, synthesizer-fueled bubble of happy. The growly vocals, driving beat, and mechanical-sounding instruments just did something for me. I immediately bought all of CI’s CDs (they were selling them at the show) and when I got home, I branched out into other bands, discovering Assemblage 23 (which grew to be my favorite), Beborn Beton (second favorite), VNV Nation, Icon of Coil, Funker Vogt, Covenant, And One, and several more. If I hadn’t attended that show, I probably would never have discovered industrial/EBM/synthpop. So yeah, it impacted my life. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/5 "2010-10-11T17:41:10Z")
Ray Davies wrote a theme song for me when I was in high school…it made it okay to be different: _“I’m Not Like Everybody Else”_. ---
**Author:** ![Dero\_von\_Hesse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@Dero\_von\_Hesse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dero_von_Hesse)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/6 "2010-10-11T21:37:31Z")
> [@Infovore](#): > > …when I got home, I branched out into other bands, discovering Assemblage 23 (which grew to be my favorite), Beborn Beton (second favorite), VNV Nation, Icon of Coil, Funker Vogt, Covenant, And One, and several more. If I hadn’t attended that show, I probably would never have discovered industrial/EBM/synthpop. So yeah, it impacted my life. Disappoint -Assemblage 23 (Funker Vogt mix) almost made my List. The Song has great personal Meaning to me. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2010, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/7 "2010-10-11T23:45:49Z")
The sentiments expressed in Paul Simon’s “Tenderness” have come into play in just about all of the relationships I’ve been in since the song came out in 1972 (and there have been a few…). At some point I wind up quoting it to just about every guy I’ve known… > [@](#): > > What can I do > What can I do > Much of what you say is true > I know you see through me > But there’s no tenderness > Beneath your honesty > > Oh, right and wrong > Right and wrong > Ooh, never helped us get along > You say you care for me > But there’s no tenderness > Beneath your honesty > > You and me were such good friends > What’s your hurry? > You and me could make amends > I’m not worried > I’m not worried > Oh, honesty, > oh, honesty > Ooh, it’s such a waste of energy > No you don’t have to lie to me > Just give me some tenderness > Beneath your honesty > You don’t have to lie to me > Just give me some tenderness ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/8 "2010-10-12T14:00:27Z")
The Eagles Deperado, especially the reprise: The queen of dimonds let you down She was just an empty fable The queen of hearts you say you never met Your twisted fate has found you out and it’ finally turned the tables Stole your dreams and paid you with regret Desperado (it there gonna be anything left, is there gonna be anything?) You sealed your fate up a long time ago (Ain’t it hard when you’re all alone in the center ring?) Now there’s no time left to borrow (Is there gonna be anything left?) Only stardust (maybe tomorrow) Maybe tomorrow Maybe tomorrow ---
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/9 "2010-10-12T14:05:25Z")
Most definitely Trent Reznor’s “Hurt” (though, of course, the best version was recorded by the late, great Johnny Cash), specifically this: > [@](#): > > If I could start again / A million miles away / I would keep myself / I would find a way ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/10 "2010-10-12T19:58:01Z")
> [@MTCicero](#): > > Most definitely Trent Reznor’s “Hurt” (though, of course, the best version was recorded by the late, great Johnny Cash), specifically this: > > > [@](#): > > > > If I could start again / A million miles away / I would keep myself / I would find a way Does that mean you’ll be on the Giraffe boards from now on? ---
**Author:** ![Lakai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de0a6/32.png) [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/11 "2010-10-13T01:43:49Z")
**Thunder Road** speaks to me. I think it’s about someone fighting all his vulnerabilities to make an invitation. It’s someone who’s far from perfect, throwing his soul into asking this girl to leave town with him. The key to the song is that it’s very quiet when he’s describing himself, but then it sets off when he starts singing about what they can do together. _Well now I’m no hero, that’s understood All the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hood With a chance to make it good somehow Hey what else can we do now Except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair Well the night’s bustin’ open, these two lanes will take us anywhere_ ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/12 "2010-10-13T02:34:41Z")
**American Tune** by Paul Simon always settled in on me nicely. Samples of the lyrics: > [@](#): > > I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered > I don’t have a friend who feels at ease > I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered > or driven to its knees > but it’s all right, it’s all right > for we lived so well so long > Still, when I think of the > road we’re traveling on > I wonder what’s gone wrong > I can’t help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong > > We come on the ship they call the Mayflower > We come on the ship that sailed the moon > We come in the age’s most uncertain hour > and sing an American tune > Oh, and it’s alright, it’s all right, it’s all right > You can’t be forever blessed > Still, tomorrow’s going to be another working day > And I’m trying to get some rest > That’s all I’m trying to get some rest mmm ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/13 "2010-10-13T04:24:41Z")
> [@Dero\_von\_Hesse](#): > > “Late for the Sky” -Jackson Browne > What can i even say about this Song? In my humble opinion, this may be one of the greatest Songs ever written… I’d agree. I can play that album by heart on guitar and piano. And whine along, just like ol’ JB. That LP turned me into the overly-sensitive Merlot-swilling new-age dude I am today. His first couple albums have a lot of insights. In my first job out of college I did a lot of counseling students. And I was playing Jackson Browne songs (and reading his liner notes) in my off hours. So it was inevitable that lines like _“I’m just one or two years, and a couple of changes behind you”_ would come up in conversation… to the extent that one student asked me “So, is there any problem that can’t be patched up with Jackson Browne lyrics?” And of course, the answer was “Nope-- unless you get suicidal. for extreme cases, I have to resort to Dead lyrics.” ---
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/14 "2010-10-13T10:47:09Z")
Reading some of the replies, I guess it’s weird that I love music but have never been influenced by it in any way. Leaving aside Puff the Magic Dragon, which I played until they had my mom in a straight jacket, the only other songs I have listened to as much (probably more) are by Sisters of Mercy. Lucretia, My Reflection is still very nearly a religious experience for me. Same for Temple of Love and a few others. Oh, and I can’t overlook the Moog synth performances by Walter/Wendy Carlos of some Baroque classics. But in true SDMB style I’m loathe to call those “songs.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/15 "2010-10-13T15:18:05Z")
Freewill by Rush. It could have been I was just at the right stage in my life to appreciate it, but it was a bit of a catalyst. ---
**Author:** ![clnilsen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecccb3/32.png) [@clnilsen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clnilsen)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/16 "2010-10-13T15:39:30Z")
> [@Rushgeekgirl](#): > > Freewill by Rush. It could have been I was just at the right stage in my life to appreciate it, but it was a bit of a catalyst. I came in here to say this exactly. To say this song was a game changer for me would be an understatement… It almost literally flipped a switch on me changing my life direction. ---
**Author:** ![BobArrgh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobarrgh/32/2881_2.png) [@BobArrgh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobArrgh)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/17 "2010-10-13T17:12:32Z")
The entire album of “Beethoven’s Last Night” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra completely changed my life. In particular, the song “This Is Who You Are” really spoke to me. We are the sum total of everything that has happened in our lives … the good, the bad, and the fugly. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/18 "2010-10-13T17:43:01Z")
> [@BobArrgh](#): > > The entire album of “Beethoven’s Last Night” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra completely changed my life. In particular, the song “This Is Who You Are” really spoke to me. We are the sum total of everything that has happened in our lives … the good, the bad, and the fugly. I love that album. I wouldn’t say it changed my life, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. Beautiful, underrated stuff. I was so bummed that when they took it on tour, they didn’t come anywhere near where I live. ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2010, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/19 "2010-10-13T22:52:29Z")
> [@Dero\_von\_Hesse](#): > > “Illusion” -VNV Nation > Brilliant Song, i highly recommend a listen for anyone that hasn’t heard it. You may know it already, but if you don’t, I recommend a newer VNV track in that vein called [From My Hands](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSyXSeAHL_k). It coincidentally came out at a time when I was feeling the exact emotions that the song describes and is one of those rare times when a song has no errant lines that don’t apply. It’s a pretty universal theme. ---
**Author:** ![fjs1fs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9e8a1a/32.png) [@fjs1fs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fjs1fs)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2010, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784/20 "2010-10-14T17:36:31Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > The Eagles Deperado, especially the reprise: > > The queen of dimonds let you down > She was just an empty fable > The queen of hearts you say you never met > Your twisted fate has found you out and it’ finally turned the tables > Stole your dreams and paid you with regret > Desperado (it there gonna be anything left, is there gonna be anything?) > You sealed your fate up a long time ago > (Ain’t it hard when you’re all alone in the center ring?) > Now there’s no time left to borrow > (Is there gonna be anything left?) > Only stardust (maybe tomorrow) > Maybe tomorrow > Maybe tomorrow Great song! But I never heard these lyrics that you’ve written here. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-have-impacted-your-life/556784.md?page=2)