Doctor’s offices don’t play music – there’s so many different people coming and going it’s hard to keep everyone happy between the song selections, style, volume, etc. Listening to music definitely helps us get through life’s low moments; but what we each listen to differs for everyone. Cancer support counselors usually recommend listening to calm soothing music especially during chemotherapy. This seems right since oncology offices aren’t exactly comedy clubs. I appreciate their music guidance, but for me the songs I’ve listened to during treatment for the past four decades reflect where I’ve come from and where I’m going. Trust me, I don’t listen to elevator music given the stink eye I’ve received from other patients. Luckily my music choice matches my survival attitude. If I need my spirits lifted, then I’m going to listen to Jimmy Buffett hands down any day over Adele.
When I spent a month at Moffitt Cancer Center in the Bone Marrow Unit I had a lot of idle time for life reflection. “Will this treatment work? Is God a Woman? How many green M&Ms are in a 2 ounce bag?” Important questions for the Universe. I also wondered if my future grandchildren would ever ask “what kind of music did he listen to?” If they were too little to remember me, then I figured they may relate better through a music playlist. In between chemo rounds I created a playlist on Spotify called “Pistol Pete’s Favs.” So I just started randomly adding songs I liked over the years that came to mind without any real pattern. As I listened to the playlist during treatment the songs reflected my changing attitudes towards life and beating cancer: 1980’s Protest (AC/DC, The Cars, Bruce Springsteen), 1990’s Coping ( U2, Collective Soul, Don Henley) and +2000’s Acceptance (The Goo Goo Dolls, Life House, and Country music). My playlist got me through tough times by reminding me of the past and giving me hope for the future.
My younger self would be appalled that I now listen to country music. What would you expect from a teenager who liked Ozzie Osborne in the 70’s? Most of the songs on the playlist I enjoy because of the sound and not the lyrics. That’s largely because I can’t hear well in my left ear. Not all country music fits my tastes, but most of it does – especially songs celebrating good times. Without a doubt my attitude likes country music, but clearly my liver does not. The country music that I like is a little bit of history, a little bit of America, and little bit of Faith. Chris Stapleton’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl without a doubt hit all those high notes. He also sums up the changes in our lives with “Where Rainbows Never Die,” but to be sure I’m not ready to wade through muddy waters one more time. Put together your own playlist not just for yourself, but for the people who love you. Life comes and goes fast, but your music plays forever. Slainte.
I find myself listening to more than the 70s and ’80s I like Soundgarden Metallica smashing pumpkins kind of the new rock but no Mosh pit stuff
Tupac Shakur?
Lovely, Pistol Pete. Went to Universal Studios park last week. On the Rip Ride Rockit (one of the best rides in the park), you pick your song to listen to during the ride. I picked Motley Crue’s “Kickstart My Heart.” What a rush listening to that guitar intro as you are climbing a sheer 90 degrees straight up into the sky! Rock on my friend! PS, I love country too
Didn’t mean to fly under the radar. It’s Clifton
Pete: What a great picture. That’s what it’s all about…..
Mark, thanks for reading and commenting. Sometimes matching a photo to the story is the hardest thing to do. This one seems to fit. Pete
Such a great idea country music, POLKAS, pit bull eagles etc will see you soon ANGELS WATCHING OVER YOU AND FAMILY
My music gets me through the tough days.. I think back to high school and Notre Dame and find I’m pretty close to the same Playlists.
As I get older there are some musicians that connect better as we age. Warren Zevon !!
Lawyers Guns and Money
Luv Chris Stapleton 🎼, and you’re not old (yet) 🍀🥃
I felt old the day after St. Patrick’s Day
Mr. Pete…life changes and you know that. So it only makes sense that your musical taste should change as well. Tell your younger self that it’s ok. 😊 I have never heard “Where rainbows never die” and I’m obsessive about music. So I listened to it because I had my planning time in the morning and the good cry snuck up on me. 💕 I have exposed Cash to all kinds of music…from Louis Armstrong to Eminem. But I’ve gotta say that I smile either way… whether he sings “Baby it’s Cold Outside” or “Crack a Bottle.” Music soothes the soul. 🎶💕🎶
You are a great Mom!
Mr. Pete…I always hope I’m a good Mom. Bread sleeves don’t seem to be the norm these days…but they are in our house. 😂 We sing Eminem songs on the way home from school and I always do the parts with foul language. Cash says…is this our life? I say yes! Then I ask him if he wants me to try to be normal…and he says no. Thank God (who probably is a woman)…because it’s really a fake question. ❤️🪳🍀
Absolutely love this blog entry, I think music can transport us to moments and memories in our lives, good ones, and not so good ones. I’m sure most of us can relate, even if our playlist only lives in our hearts. ❤️
Love Mr Stapleton, music for and from the heart! Stay well Mr Lawson and rock on!!!🎶🎵