I’m always curious to hear the answer to this — the first time I was asked this question, it took me a minute, but…
…I’d say, without a doubt, it’s Estranged by Guns N Roses (found on the Use Your Illusion – Volume II CD).
So, what makes this song such a long term favorite?
First: It stands the test of time, and it gives me chills every time I hear it.
The first time I heard it in 1991, it was a stand-out track, to me, on the Use Your Illusion CDs. Not necessarily because it was better than the rest — but, because it spoke directly to me (what a killer opener!) I’ve lived a pretty interesting life, and lived many times way out of my comfort zone (especially when I went out on own by starting my own business in 1994!) — these lyrics, and their delivery, have always meant something to me:
“No one ever told us how it was going to be — what’ll happen to us — guess we’ll have to wait and see…”
Believe it or not, in 2005, those lyrics really helped me cope with the reality of my feelings before, during and after my divorce. And these, really kicked it up a notch for me as well:
“With all of the changing seasons in my life, maybe I’ll get it right next time.”
Since it seems I’m always on a ‘quest to do my best’, it rings true almost all of the time.
Second: It’s moody.
From beginning to end (9 minutes and 24 seconds!), it really explores the ups and downs of my consciousness.
Finally: It’s Guns N Roses, musical tastes aside, their passion was unparalleled. The intense passion the original line-up had through their early career (be sure to read about it) carried straight through to their music. They didn’t let producers & executives alter their message — and put everything on the table when pushed.
So, what’s your ‘go to’ song — that stands the test of time, helping you cope with things in your life?
October 26th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
[...] my favorite song of all time, Estranged — I can really relate to [...]
October 27th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I don’t know about all time, because I have so many songs that I love that totally rock. Once song that has really been with me for the past year has been Capital G by Nine Inch Nails. I find it especially powerful as we near the time to vote next week…
October 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Deify by Disturbed, Ecstasy by ATB, and Paralyzer by Finger Eleven would be a few that I can listen to a over and over and not get sick of. These, of course, are only a few of the probably hundreds of songs that I couldn’t live without.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
If Only by Hanson is probably my favorite song ever. But this is a really difficult question because I have so many favorites!
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
okay i finally figured out what my favorite song of all time is and i would definitely have to say Slide by Goo Goo Dolls and the song that takes me away…. in the way that it helps me calm down or feel better is Winding Road by Bonnie Somerville.
November 11th, 2008 at 8:16 am
After much deliberation-I have come to the conclusion that my “all time favorite” is actually a “new” song! I just know that Kid Rock’s All Summer Long will stand the test of time for me. 1989? Northern Michigan? I mean, c’mon! Takes me back to the days of carefree livin’ and just plain fun. Also makes me want to throw on a bikini, crack open a whatever-kind-of-beer-is-cheapest (or at least any kind that I could get someone to buy for me!) and chill.
Thanks for the thought-provoking memory inducer, Charly!