By Jenny Holmes
“Public transport is always so awkward” was the complaint my friend made when on our way to visit our friend.
We were on a busy train, crowded and squished against the doors. My friend shared how she always felt awkward talking on a quiet train, but felt even more awkward standing amongst the silence of other commuters and said that trains should play elevator music. I had no idea what she was talking about. Turns out I’ve never been in a hotel posh enough to experience that, however I did think she was on to something. Imagine a place where music could not only be played to fill awkward situations on public transport but in life in general.
Wouldn’t it be great if life came with background music to fill those awkward day to day moments: like a song for every situation? Turning reality into a film-like experience where music plays over the scenes. What music would you choose to play over your own life experiences?
Another question is how we would determine the songs, should it be dependent on mood or unique to each person to identify their own playlist of life?
Oops I Did It Again
There’s always a time where you have let your mouth run away with itself and you wish the ground would just swallow you up. Think of that situation and then think of the situation again but aided by a tune to lighten the mood and lift the awkward atmosphere.
Sad Sad Sad
We’ve all been in a car and a sad song comes on the radio and we pretend that we’re at a sad part in movie where we stare out the window looking all down and upset, we are all guilty of this at least once. But what song is it that makes us pretend that we are in a sad scene in the Notebook on our way to Tesco? Maybe Billie Eilish or Lewis Capaldi, I mean his whole album could be the soundtrack to any sad film.
Don’t Look Back In Anger
During an argument would be a great time for music to be played. Something instrumental with a strong guitar solo from Bryan May to fit the situation perfectly and really enhance the angry atmosphere. Screaming the words to ‘I want to break free’ shows a clear definition of anger.
Get Happy
Hopefully this would be the most played song, so it would have to be a good one. I think there are only a few that would be able to keep the happy mood. For me and I think many would agree on the legendary song that is Mr Brightside by the Killers. It would be good enough to put anyone into a good mood and keep you there. Not only is it the title and the song itself that puts you in a happy mood but that we all have great memories of our friends singing it at parties.
The Fear
When you find yourself in a scary situation like hearing a noise in the house when you’re home alone. The best thing to hear would be some good cartoon music making you think you are in an episode of Scooby-doo. Or a good alternative would have to be the Jaws theme tune, most likely making the fearful experience worse but I feel that it is essential for any scary situation.
I Hate Everything About You
You know when the feeling of irritation takes over from missing your bus or when the toilet seat is left up. I’ve always imagined that if annoyance had a sound it would be like TV static. So maybe less of the idea of music but I think it gets the point across and people are going to know to avoid you.
An awkward situation such as the train journey should be filled with a song that is going to be enjoyable for everyone so no one notices the awkwardness of the silence without it, for me it needs to be a favourite as I always seem to find myself in these awkward experiences.
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