When I was in elementary school, my mom and I would drive 25 minutes every day to school. Some days would be spent talking, others reading but we never just sat in silence. Looking back, the music in the background of those small-talk conversations sends a wave of nostalgia my way. However, as the Billboard Top 100 fluctuates and old artists fade, so do my memories. When thinking of my childhood, I vividly remember listening to Shania Twain with my mom in the car on the way to Rosa Parks Elementary or learning about forgetting about what the “haters say” when listening to “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. Although last week’s story was about the life lessons made through three Disney sitcoms, music has also played a huge part in who I am today. Here are three throwback songs (which I still listen to frequently) that have changed the way I perceive myself without even realizing it.

“Man, I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain:

Although many may not be familiar with Shania Twain, she played a crucial role in my childhood. My mom always told me how it was; through life, she taught me to never let anyone (especially the boys who would pull my hair) walk all over me. In this song, Twain talks all about embracing every part of being a strong woman. Because of this song, I learned the importance of learning to love myself independently from a young age. Growing up on a message like that has taught me how to continue to live that way every day of my life. This song is still especially important to me because it was one that my mom and I loved to listen to going to school every morning. We had every lyric memorized and we even saw it live when Twain came to Sioux Falls. Even though it was released in 1997, the catchy, upbeat tune is a constant reminder of my childhood and how Twain shaped me to be the woman I am today. 

“Last Kiss” by Taylor Swift:

As many may know, I have always been a Taylor Swift fan but not until recently did I realize how relatable this song was. I was adopted at nine months old alongside 15 other girls  and once back in the United States, we all dispersed and went our own ways with our new families. Although we keep in touch over Snapchat and the occasional Facetime call, I spend the majority of my time watching them choose their paths in life through Instagram posts and TikToks. The bridge of Swift’s song captures just that as it states, “So I’ll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep, and I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe.” At times I am not able to always check in on my sisters but seeing their occasional appearance on my feed gives me a sensation of calmness in the midst of all of our crazy lives. This song, in particular, will forever hold one of the spots for my all-time favorite songs. 

“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson:

Lastly, you may know this song as one that is repeatedly played on the radio but for me, this song holds a lot more meaning. Not only was Kelly Clarkson my first ever concert, but she has also been a huge role model for me growing up. Her song “Stronger” in particular has taught me that the battles you go through in life do not always have to be perceived as negative. Over the past several years, I have lost several friends and family members in different scenarios and obviously, death has always had a negative connotation. However, even in the depths of my grief journey, this song has reminded me to always keep going. I remember when I was in third grade, my mom was in the hospital because her lung had gotten water in it. Although a tragic event, I knew my mom was stronger than her medical setbacks, and sure enough she was. Every time I think of my mom, I associate this song with her. She was and still is the strongest woman I know, and the fact that she shared this song with me at such a young age is something I will cherish forever.