Classic Tunes and Romance Novels

by Stephanie Beck

Lately, I’ve had an oldies station playing in my head. When my mom used to drive me to school she’d always have the ‘classics’ radio station on and in high school I was in a choir that did a lot of doo-wop tunes, so I actually know a fair amount of lyrics. I’m not going to compare music from back in the day to today, it is what it is, but while there are tunes out now that can fire up my imagination—it’s the old school ones that can trigger a story line.

My Boyfriend’s Back by the Angels: The boyfriend went away? Where? How long? What was this other man doing to hurt the girl’s reputation? Just how bloody will this bad guy be once the boyfriend breaks out his ‘kinda big and awful strong-ness’?

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by The Platters: First off—gorgeous song. I love it. But, it gives a cast of characters with lots of blanks to be filled. Who is this mysterious woman who fired his flames? Who are ‘they’ who warn about love? Are they snarky, bitter, love scored people or well meaning friends? And how does the fire burn out? Very, very interesting possibilities.

The Twist by Chubby Checker: Okay, this one is just fun, but I do notice that he is encouraging his twist partner to dance with him while her daddy is sleeping and mama isn’t around—a little naughtiness there? Perhaps. If nothing else, it’s a good one when you’ve been writing or reading all day and need to wiggle!

These Boots are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra: So, this one is a little newer than the others, but it really trips my trigger. “Truthing”—love this! Just ask my editors how often I make up words—I can respect a woman who goes for it. And it’s just so darn sassy! I love how she found a ‘brand new box of matches’ and he’s super duper (my words there). This song brings to mind a sassy finding new love story…with a healthy dose of lighting a bag of dog poop on the ex’s front step.

Music is a beautiful thing and music, both good and, well, questionable, can tell a story or leave the listener with options to fill in the blanks. I could spend an afternoon jumping around youtube watching and listening and imagining what could happen with a little more filling.

All the Best,

Stephanie Beck

www.stephaniebeck.net

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