Every weekend seems to fly by at the speed of light – I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” comes into play.  Monday’s can be fun too, though – with a little help from friends with great tunes.  Trust me.

This week’s theme for Monday’s Music Moves me was chosen by our Spotlight Dancer Kayla from The Eclectic Element – she suggested songs that bring back a good memory whether it be songs, commercial jingles, etc.  Let’s start off with a favorite from the 80’s – I had moved out of my parents’ house and had my own apartment with no roommate, so the main phrase in this song definitely spoke volumes.  I’m betting lots of you can relate, too.

This song was released in late 1986, was well received at both rock and pop radio and its music video was given heavy rotation at MTV, giving the band their first #1 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.  The single also became the band’s signature song, topping fan-voted lists and re-charting around the world decades after its release.

BonJovi

Here’s Bon Jovi with “Livin’ On A Prayer”:

This next song evokes great memories of my friends and I whenever we got together for either Girls Night Out or on our infamous road trips to Vancouver, Canada, Portland, Oregon or California.  It never failed that we would belt out the verses to this song as we traveled to our fun destination.

The song is actually from 1979 – originally written and recorded by Robert Hazard, who wrote it from a male point of view. For this artist’s version, she changed the lyrics slightly to allow it to be performed by a female and Hazard approved the minor changes.  Her version made it famous when it appeared on her 1983 debut solo record, and it ended up being her breakthrough hit. 

It was the first major single released by her as a solo artist and the lead-off single from her debut album.  Her version gained recognition as a feminist anthem and promoted by an award-winning video.  It has been covered on either an album or in live concert by over 30 other artists.

CyndiLauper

Here’s Cyndi Lauper with “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”:

Next up is one of my favorite artists who always came out with songs that had perfect timing for where my life was at the time.  For some reason, cranking them up and belting out the lyrics always made me feel better.

This song happened to be the first song chosen to be released as the lead single from her third studio album, and showed her change from ‘bubblegum pop’ to the alternative rock sound she was later known for.

Speculation ran rampant about who the song was about, since this artist wrote songs based on personal experience.  ABC News wrote an article claiming she admitted this particular song being about her former relationship with Full House’s Dave Coulier, but she has denied those claims with this statement:

“Well, I’ve never talked about who my songs were about and I won’t, because when I write them they’re written for the sake of personal expression. So with all due respect to whoever may see themselves in my songs, and it happens all the time, I never really comment on it because I write these songs for myself, not other people.”

If you’re a How I Met Your Mother fan like I am, you will have seen the recent episode where fictional 1990s Canadian pop star “Robin Sparkles” sang a song parodying this song in musical style.  Dave Coulier even made a cameo, commenting on the subject of the song, saying “It wasn’t me. Why does everyone always think it’s me?”

Alanis Morissette, singer

This particular song matched my mindset when my ex-husband left me for another woman.  Totally his loss.  Here’s Alanis Morissette with “You Oughta Know” (caution:  lyrics definitely not meant for little ears):

Of course I have to follow that debbie downer moment with a happier one – I discovered I was much better off and this Alanis Morissette song was the perfect reflection of that.  Here she is with “Hand In My Pocket”:

Last but not certainly not least, I stumbled across this video while searching for memory evoking tunes – this definitely fit the bill, along with totally cracking me up.  Bet you’ll have some memories evoked with this one.  Here’s inspirational comedian Judson Laipply with “Evolution of Dance”:

Bet you’ve done any or all of of those dance moves at some point, haven’t you?  Have a great Monday.

 

Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:

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I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and her cohorts in crime, Lorie of The Shewbridges of Celebration, Florida, Callie from JAmericanSpice, Cathy from Cathy Kennedy’s Blog., and for the month of February, our Honorary Co-Conductor, Becca from Everyday Life.

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!

Spotlight Dancers
INTRODUCING OUR “SPOTLIGHT DANCER”:

 

Amethyst Moon of Life, Music & Laughter

 

APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!

 



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The awesome Run DMT also hosts Music Monday (who graciously helps out with our hostessing every time we need it, and who I had the privilege of meeting in person at BlogHer – she’s even more adorable than I imagined):

 

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More Monday Hops – hop along, won’t you?

 

The Things We Find InsideSuper Sunday Sync

50 Comments

  2. I Met Alanis about two weeks after Jagged Little Pill was released. Seriously laid back chick with a mean giggle and short…wasn’t expecting that. LOL
    Kristine would like you to read ..SwampedMy Profile

  6. Bon Jovi has always been one of my favorites.
    I had a friends who was going through a bad breakup and she had never heard Alanis Morrisette before. You Oughta Know became her anthem.
    I will claim some of those dance moves, but I’m not saying which ones. He compilation is awesome though!
    VandyJ would like you to read ..Monday, Already?My Profile

    1. Mine too, Vandy – always at the top of my list. 😉 Isn’t it funny how the You Oughta Know song becomes a good anthem? 😉 I was giggling watching the dance moves video – and remembering when and where I was doing some of those dance moves. 😉

  7. Who doesn’t love “Livin On A Prayer”? Its like an anthem to anyone first starting out. I love that song. Hey I am following from the GFC hop. I don’t see your GFC widget anywhere, so I chose to follow on Linky.

    I’d love for you to check my blog out when you get a chance. Have a great monday!

    Heather from Mommy Only Has 2 Hands
    Heather would like you to read ..Easy Ways To Keep Kids HealthyMy Profile

    1. I do think Livin’ On A Prayer is loved by all! 🙂 GFC was taken away from those of us who aren’t on Blogger any more… 🙁 Thanks for following on Linky – that’s what replaced GFC for us non-Blogger blogs. I’ll be by your blog later today to return the favor! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

  11. I have to share this: When I was a kid, Cyndi Lauper filmed her video for Time After Time at my neighbor’s house! It was a HUGE affair for Wharton. My parents were members of the First Aid Squad. When Cyndi and company came to town, they set up camp at the first aid building because it was big. I got to meet her and Nina Blackwood. It was the highlight of my entire childhood. 🙂

  15. Asking you to tag along on our train was the best thing I ever did in a long time! You go girl, and you got that right HIS LOSS! HAHAHAHA Great one cuz Girl’s just wanna have fun! All your choices just brought back wonderful memories for me too. Guess we travelled down a similar road. Love Change in my Pocket ahhhh such wonderful memories! Great Post girlfriend! Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories!
    Xmasdolly would like you to read ..Monday’s Music Moves MeMy Profile

    1. That comedian also came out with a second dance evolution video, but I didn’t think it was as good as the first (I didn’t watch the whole thing because it didn’t grab my attention like this one did). 🙂 He’s working on a third – I’m curious to see if he outdoes himself! 🙂 Have a great week, Naila! 🙂
      Stacy (the Random Cool Chick) would like you to read ..Art Show Yawn-Fest, Funny Princess Nagger, Baby Bear Rescue and Michele Obama Dancing – Random Tuesday Thoughts RebelMy Profile

    1. Thanks Denise! It is funny how songs can bring back memories – and in some cases give you the warm fuzzies. 😉 You made me giggle with the vision of you and the girls in your PE class acting out the head bop move in the Cindy Lauper video – that would have been hilarious to see! 🙂
      Stacy (the Random Cool Chick) would like you to read ..Art Show Yawn-Fest, Funny Princess Nagger, Baby Bear Rescue and Michele Obama Dancing – Random Tuesday Thoughts RebelMy Profile

  21. I was wondering who was going to throw down Girls Just Wanna Have Fun today. It’s such an upbeat and get-up-and-dance kinda song! 🙂

    Oh and I TOTALLY love the evolution of dance video! I’ve seen that a few times and it’s such a great video ^.^

    Thanks for sharing your memories (it WAS your ex’s loss!) and have a musical week!
    Kayla would like you to read ..Things to Know: Filing for Social SecurityMy Profile

  24. Fun times with girl friends! Cyndi Lauper songs remind me a lot of high school although Girls… came out when I was in 6th grade, we listened to it until junior high. Bon Jovi and Alanis – great singers and performers!
    Hazel would like you to read ..God made a farmerMy Profile

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